Lithium-ion batteries play a fundamental role in most modern technologies that depend on batteries for operation. This ranges from large-scale energy storage systems and best electric vehicles (EVs) to common household electronics like laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. In this article, we’ll see how the batteries catch fire and how to avoid this issue in detail.
Lithium-ion batteries, despite their increasing popularity, also pose a fire safety danger that should be taken into account. It is important to remember that although lithium-ion battery fires are extremely rare, the effects can still be severe.
This advice and guidance article explains how lithium batteries operate. The reasons they can catch fire, the risks associated with them, and how to reduce those risks. If your batteries catch fire¸ do read this blog post in brief and save the long-term health of your lithium-ion batteries.
How To Operate Batteries Made of Lithium-Ion?
A lithium-ion battery is composed of an anode, cathode, separator, electrolyte, and two current collectors (positive and negative), according to the US Department of Energy. Through the separator, the electrolyte transports positively charged lithium ions from the anode to the cathode and vice versa.
A charge is created at the positive current collector at the anode by the movement of the lithium ions, which releases free electrons. After passing via a powered item (a computer, phone, etc.), the electrical current then moves from the current collector to the negative current collector. The separator prevents electrons from moving freely within the battery.
Are Lithium Batteries Combustible?
As with any technology subjected to the conditions of energy production, storage, and utilization, death lithium-ion battery malfunction. Physical damage, or exposure to heat can result in fire in unfavorable circumstances.
Lithium-ion battery fires are uncommon, but they can be extremely deadly. So all necessary precautions should be taken to prevent them. For Lithium-Ion Battery Safety, you must keep following the necessary steps for precautions.
What Causes Lithium-Ion Batteries to Overheat?
A rapid, uncontrollable release of heat energy known as “thermal runaway” can occur from a lithium-ion battery cell if it produces more heat than it can efficiently disperse.
This can result in an explosion or fire. Lithium-ion batteries combine a flammable electrolyte with significant stored energy.
Many factors can lead to thermal runaway, such as “lithium plating,” which is the accumulation of metallic lithium on the anode surface of a battery cell, internal short circuits brought on by manufacturing flaws, or mechanical damage (e.g., piercing, dropping).
Overcharging/over discharging and exposure to heat from an external source are two other potential reasons of thermal runaway.
Battery Casting
Battery casings may spew a variety of poisonous and combustible gasses due to thermal runaway. The produced combustible gasses frequently catch fire right away. But they can also remain dormant until they come into contact with an outside ignition source, which could cause an explosion.
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries can be extremely challenging to put out since they produce their own oxygen. For small, developing fires, specialty Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) fire extinguishers could be a good choice.
In these cases, extinguishing media can be applied directly to battery cells, offering a dual effect of cooling and oxygen depletion. However, these fires are typically only contained and put out when the Fire & Rescue Service douses the burning materials with copious amounts of water.
Batteries Catch Fire Prevention Techniques
Although it might be challenging to predict how and when a lithium-ion battery may catch fire cold weather impact lithium, there are some precautions you can take to reduce the risk:
- Use batteries that you have bought from a reliable manufacturer or supply only.
- Avoid dropping or damaging batteries, and avoid attempting to recharge lithium-ion batteries that show any signs of damage. You should get rid of these safely.
- Charge batteries only with the included original charger.
- After the batteries have finished charging, disconnect or remove them from the charger. Never leave batteries charging in an empty space.
- Never cover chargers or charging devices, and refrain from using, storing, or charging batteries in extremely hot or cold temperatures.
- Mobile phones and other devices that might contain lithium-ion batteries should never be left in hot or sunny conditions or inside a moving car.
- Avoid overcharging your batteries since thermal runaway could occur.
- Products using lithium-ion batteries shouldn’t be kept close together.
Although there is no increased risk of a fire happening if these goods are kept apart. There is a decreased chance of a fire spreading from one battery-powered gadget to another. Recall to keep lithium-ion battery items and batteries dry and cold, away from combustible and flammable things.
Conclusion:
Today’s electronics are mostly dependent on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries catch fire provide greater energy storage capacity and a faster rate of charging than lead-acid batteries. Which have dominated the battery market for decades.
New designs will necessitate new battery management systems due to the continuous evolution of battery chemistries. To meet this problem, a number of battery manufacturers are developing partnerships that bring together businesses with complementary battery expertise. Additionally, users can take action to increase safety. Don’t overcharge an EV or leave it plugged in all night; instead, use the outlets and charging equipment specified by the manufacturer.
Check the battery often for indications of wear or overheating. To avoid thermal stress on the battery, keep the car away from exceptionally hot or cold conditions. For example, park in the shade during heat waves. Lastly, to reduce the risk of fire or electrocution in the case of an EV collision or accident. According to the manufacturer’s safety procedures, the battery must be disconnected if at all possible.
