LG Energy Solution Australia has issued a recall notice for various LG Chem RESU models and battery packs with cells from specific production lots.
In December last year, LG Energy Solution triggered a voluntary recall in the USA after receiving five reports of fires resulting in minor property damage. These incidents were associated with LG Chem RESU 10H residential energy storage systems with specific serial numbers sold from January 2017 through March 2019. The recall involved around 1,800 battery systems.
On Friday, a recall notice was posted on the Product Safety Australia web site for the following models with cells manufactured between March 2017 and September 2018 from certain production lots.
- RESU7H_Type R
- RESU10
- RESU10H Type-C
- RESU10H_Type R
- EM048063P3S4
- EM048126P3S7
The last two are battery packs (3.262 kWh and 6.524 kWh respectively) that may be used in other storage systems, such as Redback Technologies’ Smart Hybrid Battery Enclosure BE13200.
479 units in Australia are affected by the recall; the serial numbers of which can be found here and instructions for locating those numbers here.
The recall notice notes the defect as being “the batteries may overheat and catch on fire”.
Owners of affected systems who haven’t yet been contacted are urged to get in touch with LG Energy Solution Australia’s product department (1300 677 273 or email via [email protected]) immediately to arrange an inspection. If applicable, a replacement battery will be supplied at no cost.
During the period prior to replacement, a remote software upgrade for affected internet-connected RESU10H Type-R and RESU7H Type-R units is being organised by LG Energy Solution Australia to lower the maximum state of charge to 90%.
While this is an unfortunate turn of events, at least LG is taking this voluntary action rather than saying nothing, crossing its fingers and hoping none of its potentially affected LG Chem RESU batteries installed in Australia burst into flames. It’s not clear why there was a significant lag between the US recall and Australian recall.
Lithium-ion Battery Safety
Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous – used in everything from phones through to solar batteries and electric vehicles. One of the major advantages of lithium-ion battery technology is its high energy density capabilities – which can also be one of its drawbacks.
While generally very safe, when things go wrong it can happen pretty quickly and violently, leading to venting with flame along with toxic smoke and/or explosion.
The LG Chem RESU is a lithium-ion battery storage system that uses lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) cells. The Li-ion chemistry widely regarded as the safest is lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). But just because a battery uses LiFePO4 cells, that doesn’t make it safe per se – it needs to be part of a well designed system. A good NMC based system would be safer than a shoddy LiFePO4 unit, so while battery chemistry can be a consideration when planning a home energy storage purchase, it shouldn’t be the sole focus.
You can view a range of energy storage solutions currently available in Australia along with specifications including chemistry types and approximate pricing on SQ’s solar battery comparison table.
On a related note, SQ’s Ronald recently published an article on the most recent Canberra Battery Test Centre reports, which continues to indicate even reputable battery manufacturers still have difficulty producing reliable home batteries.
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“It’s not clear why there was a significant lag between the US recall and Australian recall.”
My understanding is that the two recalls are different – that the USA one applied to only the RESU 10H battery model, a high voltage model, whereas the Australian one applies to more models, and, crosses the line from high voltage batteries, to include both high and low voltage batteries.
I have asked the question before, in this blog, and, as yet, it is unanswered; what is/are the significant difference(s) between high voltage and low voltage batteries?
As I had stated when I previously asked the question, a significant Perth solar retailer has published, last month, that he now recommends/prefers dealing with only high voltage batteries.
I do not know whether one is supposed to be safer, or more stable, or more durable, or, more reliable, but, some significant differences must exist, apart from (I think) high voltage batteries being more expensive than low voltage batteries?
Hi,
Anyone has the serial numbers – the link doesn’t work. I had an LG battery that became swollen – they replaced it immediately, then the new battery wouldn’t work with my inverter (diff firmware) I am told, this then fried part of my inverter. LG have practically washed their hands of my complaints and are now trying to say that I had water in the original battery so it’s my fault, not theirs. I’m on verge of VCAT but having evidence that the battery was part of this not warranty would be a huge help!
Brett:
There are many differences between higher and lower voltage battery storage stacks.
I have worked and been involved in the development and safe handling and construction of higher voltage stacks in both EV and RE storage applications in Australia and overseas for many years.
The key points are [1] system efficiency, and [2] system functionality regarding safety. They are axiomatic.
You are able to research these two metrics easily Brett so I wont expand except to reiterate this one important electrical theory that many engineers understand well and design accordingly, but many don’t understand: Ohms Law.
The higher the voltage the lower the current. Current is the killer of electrical equipment. Higher voltage – produces much better design outcomes. Lighter gauge wiring; less heat; reduced arcing potential; lessens fire hazards; lesser rated IC components.
The list is long – and the advantages are many.
Lawrence Coomber
But, is it not true, that the reported safety issues that have occurred so far – the recall on the LG batteries, and, the Tesla car exploding into flame, and, any others, have involved high voltage batteries, rather than low voltage batteries?
Thus, the question must be asked; what is the ratio of reported safety (unsafe) incidents, for high voltage batteries, relative to low voltage batteries?
I have been waiting for replacement faulty batteries for 6 months ! My supplier informs me that LG can’t give them a response as to when I will get the new batteries . Meanwhile I’m paying for the power I have to use while the batteries are not working . Not Happy !! Rod Martin Townsville .
Time to consider contacting them directly or through consumer affairs with a request for compensation. I’d go with the capability of your battery per day x your kw cent you pay.