Science & Technology
Andrew Barnett, managing director of Barnbrook Systems, filming for The One Show.
Published: November 18, 2024 | Updated: 18th November 2024
Technology pioneered in Hampshire which combats exploding lithium-ion batteries is set to feature on primetime TV.
The E:bag will appear on the BBC’s flagship evening programme The One Show, which draws almost three million viewers every weeknight – though no date has yet been given for the segment.
It’s the invention of Fareham firms Barnbrook Systems and Flair, and is currently being trialled at TJ Waste & Recycling in Portsmouth.
The E:bag allows batteries or their parent devices – mobile phones, laptops, vapes and e-scooters – to be safely isolated and dealt with if overheating, smoking or on fire.
Patented nanotechnology has been used to create the E:bag’s temperature sensitive smart fabric, which adapts to completely smother the battery or hardware once placed inside – extinguishing flames or preventing ignition.
A production crew filmed a demonstration of the tech in action at Barnbrook Systems on Fareham Park Road and shot scenes at TJ Waste & Recycling’s facility in Tipner.
It comes as the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill to improve the safe storage, use and disposal of li-ion batteries passes through its committee stage at the House of Lords.
Andrew Barnett, managing director of Barnbrook Systems, said: “It was a spectacular demonstration of the E:bag’s capabilities.
“We used a lithium-ion battery from a smart phone, which exploded into flames and then were completely suppressed when placed in the E:bag.
“Our thanks go to The One Show for visiting and helping us to spread the word about how this increasingly dangerous issue can be dealt with in a safe, secure and efficient way.”
Presenter Lindsey Russell interviewed Andrew and TJ director Luke Haskell for the piece, as well as product safety engineer Guiseppe Capanna from the Electrical Safety First charity, which is backing the new safety bill.
The E:bag, also fitted with Barnbrook’s BlueCube tracking and monitoring sensors, is the first pilot project of its kind in the UK.
John Gosling, managing director of TJ Group, said: “This technology is crucial in helping us to manage the risk of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries and to ultimately keep our sites, employees and local communities safe.
“However, we must continue to combat the wider issue of battery-related fires in the resource and waste management sector by raising awareness of the risks of incorrectly discarded lithium-ion batteries and items containing lithium-ion batteries.
“It’s vital that the public know where to discard of them in a safe and environmentally friendly way by, for example, visiting their local council website for relevant information.”
As interest grows following the launch of the E:bag this July, Barnbrook and Flair are in talks with major international airlines about use of the product on passenger aircraft.
They’ve also spoken with insurers and one of the UK’s top waste management companies.