grebllaw:
Once there's a runaway condition, it's probably too late. The whole
idea is to have accurate and timely info from the cells, to allow the
electronics to stop the charge or dump the load before runaway happens.
If the battery is managed correctly, it should never happen, other
than from gross component failure.
LI is far more fussy about operating temperature range and min / max
cell voltages than either lead acid or nicad and both need to be
continuously monitored to ensure safe operation. It doesn't mean there's
anything inherently wrong with the technology, but the overall system
design of battery, charger and load profile need to be to be much
better matched and to a tighter spec.
Analysis of this problem is interesting, even if we are stumbling
around in the dark a bit :-)...
Regards,
Chris