With an increased focus on sustainable and renewable energy, batteries have become so important. Their storage capacity, power generation capabilities, and discharge are becoming indispensable. Lithium-ion batteries, particularly, are driving this switch to clean and sustainable energy.
That said, there are significant challenges regarding the safety of these batteries and how they can be overcome to ensure the safe usage of these products in various commercial applications. Let’s look at some unique lithium-ion battery safety challenges and the future of this technology.
Thermal runaway occurs in batteries due to heat-generating exothermic reactions inside a battery. It raises the temperature, leaving a risk of further temperatures, explosions, and subsequent fires. The temperature that can trigger thermal runaway ranges from 130C to over 250 degrees Celsius. Now, you can always undertake measures to minimize the chances of this phenomenon. However, it can be hard to stop cell degradation once it starts.
Causes of thermal runaway vary and are closely linked to cell chemistry. Most batteries operate between 0 to 60 degrees Celsius optimally. However, there are low charge transfers during significantly low temperatures due to high electrolyte viscosity and lithium plating. Thermal runaway can also be triggered due to electrical abuse due to overcharge or discharge.
Several safety measures can be used to mitigate the unique lithium-ion battery safety challenges. PTC devices, fuses, and battery management systems are typically used to regulate voltage flow and detect external shorts. Upon identification of any mishaps, these components switch off the current supply and disable the cell within the battery.
Polyethylene is usually blended with a conductive filler used in PTC devices and applications. Once the composite activates, it stops the battery from functioning and remains disabled until the problem is fixed.
In addition, multilayer separators with variable phase transition temperatures can also be used as a safety measure to prevent thermal runaway. During an unprecedented temperature increase, the lawyer with low phase transition melts and shuts the pores of the solid layers. This, in return, stops the ion transport and current flow.
Lithium-ion batteries are still the preferred choice for users that require a robust battery solution for their unique needs and requirements. Despite the safety challenges, it has proven to be a much more viable option than its lead-acid counterparts.
If you want to buy lithium battery items, reach out to the team at Ezeal. We can help you get your hands on LiFePO4 prismatic battery cells. Our world-class battery management systems can help solve your lithium-ion battery safety challenge. As a reputable US-based battery product supplier, we deliver top-of-the-line equipment for our clients.
We also provide a hundred-percent money-back guarantee, which speaks volumes about our high-quality standards. Reach out to our team for more details about our lithium battery items.
