Battery in 787 swollen from overheating, safety inspector says

By Elaine Kurtenbach

National Jan. 18, 2013 - 06:42AM JST ( 9 )

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9 Comments

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SimondBJan. 18, 2013 - 07:48AM JST

If today I was offered a free first class return trip to anywhere in the world on a 787 I'd turn it down. Dream on, Dreamliner.
-1

SimondBJan. 18, 2013 - 07:53AM JST

“We are confident the 787 is safe, and we stand behind its overall integrity,” Jim McNerney, company chairman, president and CEO said in a statement

You know when you knock on a door and from within a large feroucious dog start going carazy, and the owner opens the door a crack whilst trying to keep the now hysterical snarling dog behind her and she says, "don't worry, he's harmless"? Well thats how I feel about the CEO's statement. Perhaps he used to work for TEPCO.
0

ebisenJan. 18, 2013 - 08:22AM JST

If today I was offered a free first class return trip to anywhere in the world on a 787 I'd turn it down. Dream on, Dreamliner.

If you were to be offered a first class trip on a Dreamliner, it would definitely happen after the problems are completely fixed. Wow - the power of logic and reasoning, amazing, isn't it!!
0

badsey3Jan. 18, 2013 - 09:01AM JST

It’s also the first Boeing plane to use rechargeable lithium ion batteries for its main electrical system. The batteries charge faster and can be molded to space-saving shapes compared to other airplane batteries, allowing the use of lightweight composite materials instead of aluminum.

-this may be a hard fix, because they are molded to a form and another battery will likely not be moldable and also larger. =You free ticket could be delayed months.
-6

basroilJan. 18, 2013 - 11:55AM JST

badsey3Jan. 18, 2013 - 09:01AM JST

this may be a hard fix, because they are molded to a form and another battery will likely not be moldable and also larger

A few American companies that specialize in lithium iron phosphate batteries (faster safe recharge times, no thermal runaway, safer than lithium ion batteries though a bit lower performance) said they could get a battery certified and in production within 12-18 months if asked.
-4

basroilJan. 18, 2013 - 12:12PM JST

http://news.yahoo.com/dreamliner-woes-spotlight-japan-battery-maker-105514849--finance.html

Here's a newer version of the article with a much more damning headline.
0

japan_cynicJan. 18, 2013 - 05:30PM JST

Shame, I was hoping to fly on it soon. Looks like it might not happen. (Haven't bought the tix, a few months away yet).
0

nandakandamandaJan. 18, 2013 - 08:58PM JST

Quote from article: "GS Yuasa Corp., the Japanese company that supplies all the lithium ion batteries for the 787, had no comment as the investigation was still ongoing. Thales, which makes the battery charging system, also had no immediate comment."

Thales is a French company I believe. Here's hoping they can help.
0

nandakandamandaJan. 18, 2013 - 11:54PM JST

Investigators think a switch to prevent overcharging might have failed, according to the news.