Battery lab explosion rocks GM Tech Center

Published 11 April 2012

By Huw Evans

To approximately 8: 45 morning, the suburb of Warren residents heard Michigan Detroit the sound of an explosion from the nearby nearby General Motors Technical Center.

A fire then led to the alternative energy Center is located on the campus of the technical center. Local news, stations of a person reported was chemically burned the hospital, and held for observation overnight.

About the cause, said GM engineers had worked on a prototype battery system and were in the process to the test. At the time, this post is much still unknown although it, the explosion caused chemical reaction gone wrong is believed with a kind.

A GM statement said the incident was independent of any production car, including the Chevrolet Volt, and the experimental battery itself does not explode.

"Chemical gases from the battery cells were released and ignited in the closed Chamber, GM said in a statement.""The battery itself was intact."

With the GM Technical Center hosting advanced engineering and design groups there is a high level of security to prevent that trade secrets leak out. While it turn out to be an advantage for GM and its employees for emergency services, it can prove an obstacle due to the number of restricted entry points and closed doors.

Were this said, steps taken to minimize the impacts of all disasters on campus; GM and local fire have staged already played authorities counter-measures. As a result emergency measures proved during real events such as the battery lab fire, pretty quickly and effectively; Firefighters were reportedly on the ground about six minutes after the explosion occurred.

"We are satisfied as it went," said local fire chief skip McAdams.

Officials evacuated and cordoned off the AEC, but allegedly continues as usual running other parts of the technical centre. All 80 employees at the site accounted for treated with five spot for minor injuries are.

McAdams, said that following a preliminary investigation, the fire "caused considerable structural damage", the facility and equipment inside, but he also said that the explosion safety systems directed upwards and outwards, reducing the impact of the explosion to the building itself.

As the dust to rules begins, the rumor mill turns yet again. The alternative energy Center is where developed GM lithium ion battery systems for hybrid and electric cars, including the Volt.

There is no doubt that the incident timing was unfortunate, because GM as quickly after the highly regarded German Volt fire investigation, and some observers the points trying to put doubt together to more voice on batteries.

While still come forth more info, industry analysts were quoted, that the mishap was a result of the experiment, the push technology to its limits in the search for improved performance and range for automotive batteries.

"they stretch the envelope," said Edmunds analyst Michelle Krebs of the Detroit free press. "Everyone is trying to get a breakthrough." "You are dealing with new volatile materials and new ways of doing things, which was not done."

Detroit free press