Boeing to revamp Dreamliner battery system
1 min read
Boeing's plan to revamp the lithium-ion batteries in its 787 Dreamliner have been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), but no date has been set for when the grounded planes might fly again.
The improvements include a redesign of the battery's internal components to minimise initiation of a short circuit within the battery, better insulation of the cells and a new containment and venting system.
Ray Conner, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the company's focus has been on developing a permanent resolution. "Working with internal and external experts in battery technology, we have proposed a comprehensive set of solutions designed to significantly minimise the potential for battery failure while ensuring that no battery event affects the continued safe operation of the airplane.
"Our proposal includes three layers of improvements. First, we've improved design features of the battery to prevent faults from occurring and to isolate any that do. Second, we've enhanced production, operating and testing processes to ensure the highest levels of quality and performance of the battery and its components. Third, in the unlikely event of a battery failure, we've introduced a new enclosure system that will keep any level of battery overheating from affecting the airplane or being noticed by passengers."
The FAA has approved limited test flights for two aircraft, which will have prototype versions of the new containment system installed. The flight tests will validate the aircraft instrumentation for the battery and battery enclosure testing, in addition to product improvements for other systems.
