Avoiding Pitfalls with Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common portable energy storage solution while safety concerns grow.

FREMONT, CA: There are growing concerns about lithium-ion batteries, the most widely used portable energy storage solution. Lithium-ion batteries are essential in a wide range of hardware, from electric vehicles to scooters to mobile phones and laptops. The technology is also used in residential solar battery systems and grid-scale energy storage systems. It is still unclear whether lithium-ion batteries will fail, their mechanisms of failure, and their potential consequences.

Currently, most people need to understand the risks associated with these batteries or have enough respect for them. It is equally important for consumers at home but even more important for professionals who use lithium-ion batteries in their workplace on a larger scale.

Lithium-ion batteries hazards: It is possible for all types of batteries to be hazardous and to pose a safety risk. To create lithium ions, liquid electrolytes, like ethylene carbonate, are combined with lithium salts in a solution to create lithium-ion batteries. The lithium ions in these batteries produce better battery performance, which allows the battery to store more energy in a smaller space, which is why these batteries are so useful. Due to its high volatility and flammability, the liquid electrolyte containing these lithium ions creates a serious fire risk and explosion, especially when exposed to high temperatures. Lithium-ion batteries also generate heat as a byproduct of generating power. An uncontrolled battery failure can increase fire hazard risks due to the energy and heat generated. It is possible for lithium-ion batteries to fail rapidly and produce temperatures well above 400 degrees Celsius. In addition to being difficult to contain, lithium-ion batteries tend to be self-sustaining, making them more volatile.

Challenges with lithium-ion batteries to fail: Battery failures are often caused by overheating, but physical damage to the battery can also cause problems. The battery cell can be damaged internally if excessive heat is generated, such as when using a faulty charger or overcharging the battery. In lithium-ion batteries, thermal runaway is the most common cause of overheating. As a result, a battery's chemical reaction is exacerbated by excessive heat, which results in more heat and chemical reactions. The electrolyte inside lithium-ion battery cells can leak if they are physically damaged, which is another potential hazard.

Dangers of lithium-ion battery failures: Lithium-ion battery fires are extremely difficult because of the thermal runaway phenomenon. Extinguishers based on the water will cool down the battery and prevent it from spreading, but they will not extinguish the fire on the battery until its energy dissipates. Special lithium-ion gel extinguishers are available but not widely available for all lithium-ion battery applications. A lithium-ion battery fire can re-ignite hours or even days after it appears to have been put out. In addition to releasing highly toxic gases when they fail, lithium-ion batteries can also explode under excessive heat.

Mitigate the problems with lithium-ion batteries: Using and storing lithium-ion batteries correctly is extremely important. It is not recommended to leave batteries in direct sunlight for long periods since high temperatures can damage them. Overcharging can also create excessive heat within the battery cell as a result of overcharging. It is, therefore, important to use a reputable brand-name charger instead of a cheap generic version. When your battery is fully charged, a quality charger will cut off the charge to prevent overheating. They are designed specifically for the battery you are using.

Lithium-ion batteries should be handled if they suffer physical damage, such as being dropped or pierced by an object. It is crucial to store batteries safely in industrial settings so that in the event of accidental failure, the fire can be contained and controlled and does not spread - which can quickly cause catastrophic consequences. Lithium-ion batteries should never be purchased secondhand or online from an unknown and potentially unregulated seller.