The Washington Post reports:
Overcharging of batteries likely culprit in Boeing 787 fires, aviation and battery experts say
Here are some details and images of the 787 chargers and batteries:
Thales is the power system general contractor for the 787.
The chargers are made by Securaplane (a Meggitt company),
who state:
Securaplane has developed a method for accurately detecting the inflection point which has eluded battery experts for years and is critical in reducing an overcharge condition. This patented method of charging ensures that the battery receives the optimum amount of charge for all temperature conditions combined with various battery states of charge.
Securaplane battery chargers store every fault including battery over-temperature, cell unbalance, defective temperature sensors, defective charger/battery connection and GMT time/date of fault period. Our chargers possess extensive diagnostics such as charger microprocessor status and permanent memory of faults...
The batteries are made by GS Yuasa, and are the Lithium Cobalt variety.
Result of overcharge:
