More Battery Troubles for the 787

The federal government grounded Boeing’s newest and most technologically advanced jetliner Wednesday, declaring that U.S. airlines cannot fly the 787 again until the risk of battery fires is addressed.

CBS Chicago Article can be read here:  

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/01/16/faa-grounds-boeing-787-dreamliners-over-battery-fire-risk/

FAA Press Release:

http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=14233&omniRss=press_releasesAoc&cid=102_P_R

My Two Cents:

The 787 has two very large and powerful Lithium Ion Batteries.  Lithium Batteries are one of the most controversial commodities in the DG industry.  They can be quite dangerous, but they are everywhere and in almost everything.

The DOT and ICAO place limits on the size of the batteries which can be shipped as cargo, mailed or carried by a passenger.  This is the first time that a Lithium Ion Battery has been used in an aircraft design.  It raises a lot of concerns because according to the regulations prior to Jan 2013, carriers could not carry the batteries used in the 787 as company owned cargo due to its size.  Domestically, the DOT has made an exception to the rules for carriers to move the batteries as company materials.

Fictional Hazard Label - (c) 2012 Bill Wojtas

To give you a perspective of battery sizes; A typical smart phone has a battery which is 5 to 7 watt hours.  Some wheel chairs can be around 300 watt hours.  The 2 batteries on the 787 are about 4 times larger than a wheel chair battery. 

All are approximations, but it gives a good perspective.  Lithium Batteries can be dangerous if not handled properly, period.