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Inside the SAE G-27 Testing Process: Ensuring Lithium Battery Safety in Transit
Article Summary Safe transport of lithium batteries depends on packaging that has been proven to work, and until recently there was no consistent way to prove it. Before the SAE G-27 standard, lithium-ion battery packaging was evaluated with varied and often inconsistent methods, which created uncertainty about package safety, discrepancies in results between test labs,…
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Sustainability in Data Centers
Article Summary Sustainability has become a hot topic in the data center industry, but are we truly making progress? While many conversations revolve around building greener facilities with energy-efficient technologies and reusable materials, there’s another critical aspect that often gets overlooked: sustainability in operations. This article focuses on this operational side of sustainability. And to…
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Why Lithium Battery State of Charge Matters: The 30% Rule and Beyond
Article Summary One of the best-known rules in lithium-ion battery transport is ICAO’s 30% state-of-charge rule, and this article explains both why it exists and why it isn’t enough on its own. Lithium-ion batteries are safest when they carry less stored energy: ICAO determined that at or below 30% charge, batteries have less stored energy…
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The Evolution of Lithium Battery Safety: Insights from the SAE G27 Lithium Battery Packaging Performance Committee
Article Summary Lithium batteries power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles, but the risk of thermal runaway — where a battery overheats and potentially ignites — has made air transport packaging a critical safety concern. This article traces the origin and progress of the SAE G27 Lithium Battery Packaging Performance Committee, formed at the request…
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Revolutionizing Packaging for a Greener Tomorrow in Data Centers
Article Summary Packaging may not be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing sustainability, but its impact is undeniable in data center operations. Data centers rely heavily on shipping and storing critical components in large volumes, such as lithium-ion battery backup units and server racks, and packaging choices can significantly influence waste generation…
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How are Different Types of Lithium-Ion Batteries Tested to Determine and Verify Optimal Containment?
Article Summary Understanding Battery Capacity and Containment Solutions When it comes to lithium batteries, accurate testing is essential for developing effective containment and suppression solutions. Each battery is unique, and its Battery Management System (BMS) can alter its performance. For example, a battery rated at 3 volts at the cell level may have its charging…
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How Does Open Compute Project (OCP) Help Drive Innovation in Data Centers?
Article Summary What is OCP? The Open Compute Project (OCP) is a collaborative initiative focused on open-source hardware designs for data centers. Unlike proprietary systems, OCP promotes interoperability, efficiency, and scalability, allowing companies to design and implement standardized, interchangeable hardware solutions. As artificial intelligence (AI) evolves, major industry players like Amazon, Meta, and Google are…
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The Critical Role of In-House HazMat Expertise in Developing Lithium-Ion Battery Packaging Solutions
Article Summary When it comes to designing safe and compliant packaging solutions for lithium batteries, having in-house HazMat experts is invaluable. These specialists not only understand current regulations but also keep an eye on future trends, ensuring that packaging solutions remain compliant for years to come. Why Regulatory Knowledge is Essential Lithium battery storage and…
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Translating Test Results Into Design
Article Summary When it comes to designing containers for specialized applications, especially for transporting sensitive equipment like helicopter blades or hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries, testing plays a crucial role. It’s not just about determining if a design meets current needs; testing often uncovers hidden weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. The insights gained from testing…
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What Are AS 9100 and ISO 9001, Why Are They Important, and How Are They Different?
Q&A with Americase’s Derrick Cunningham, Director of Innovation and Engineering and Chaz Cleveland, Director of Operations Question 1: What are AS9100 and ISO 9001, how are they different from one another, and how do they differ from other quality management standards? ISO 9001 and AS9100 build upon each other. ISO 9001 is a foundational quality…
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Preparing for Regulatory Audits in the Lithium-Ion Battery Industry: Ensuring Compliance in Transportation and Storage
Article Summary An audit is only as good as the auditor conducting it, and this article argues that’s the weak point most lithium-ion battery compliance programs overlook: many companies rely on internal or external auditors who lack the depth of knowledge needed to conduct a meaningful audit, understanding both the letter and the spirit of…
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Putting Together a Test Plan: Step By Step Advice
Article Summary Q&A with Raymond James, Principal Engineer Question #1: What are the essential components that should be included in a comprehensive test plan? The essential components that should be included in any test plan start with backtracking a little and determining what the customer is trying to prove with the testing. Once you have…
