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Storing Lithium Batteries Safely
2021-03-11

As you might remember from a number of news stories over current years, lithium-ion batteries likewise acquired a track record for capturing fire. Up until current years, this was one of the primary factors lithium wasn‘t typically utilized to develop big battery banks.

Battery Safety

Safety is a full-fledged design feature with lithium batteries, and for a good reason. As we have actually all seen, the chemistry and energy density that permits lithium-ion batteries to work so well likewise makes them combustible. So, when the batteries breakdown, they frequently make a harmful mess.

Lithium Iron Phosphate Chemistry Safety

Lithium phosphate cells are incombustible, which is a crucial function in case of mishandling throughout discharging or charging. They can likewise endure extreme conditions, be it freezing cold, scorching heat, or rough surfaces. Then came along lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. This more recent kind of lithium solution was naturally non-combustible while having a little lower energy density. LiFePO4 batteries were not just more secure, they had numerous benefits over other lithium chemistries, especially for high power applications, such as renewable energy.

Lithium-ion batteries blow up when the battery‘s complete charge is released quickly, or when the liquid chemicals blend with foreign impurities and ignite. This normally occurs in 3 ways: physical damage, overcharging, or electrolyte breakdown. If the internal separator or charging-circuitry is harmed or breaks down, then there are no security barriers to keep the electrolytes from combining and triggering an explosive chemical response, which then bursts the battery‘s product packaging, integrates the chemical slurry with oxygen, and immediately sparks all of the parts.

Fire Risk

There are a couple of other methods lithium batteries can blow up or catch on fire, however, thermal runaway situations like these are the most typical. Typical is a relative term though since lithium-ion batteries power most rechargeable items on the marketplace, and it‘s quite uncommon for massive recalls or security frightens to occur.

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries aren‘t precisely brand-new, they‘re simply now gaining fame in international industrial markets. Here‘s a fast breakdown of what makes LiFePO4 batteries more secure than other lithium battery services. LiFePO4 batteries are best understood for their strong security profile, the outcome of very steady chemistry. Phosphate-based batteries provide an exceptional chemical and mechanical structure that does not get too hot to hazardous levels. Hence, they offer a boost in security over lithium-ion batteries made with other cathode products.

 All lithium chemistries are not equally safe

All lithium chemistries are not produced equally. The majority of American customers, electronic lovers aside, are just familiar with a minimal variety of lithium options. The most typical variations are developed from cobalt oxide, manganese oxide, and nickel oxide formulas.

This is due to the fact that the charged and uncharged states of LiFePO4 are extremely robust and physically similar, which lets the ions stay steady throughout the oxygen flux that takes place together with charge cycles or possible breakdowns. In general, the iron phosphate-oxide bond is more powerful than the cobalt-oxide bond, so when the battery is overcharged or receives physical damage then the phosphate-oxide bond stays structurally steady. Whereas in other lithium chemistries the bonds start breaking down and releasing extreme heat, which ultimately causes thermal runaway.

Why LiFePO4 Battery is safe?

When subjected to harmful events, such as accidents or short-circuiting, they will not blow up or catch on fire, substantially decreasing any possibility of damage. LiFePO4 is most likely your finest option if you‘re choosing a lithium battery and expect usage in unsteady or harmful environments. The majority of LiFePO4 batteries likewise include a Battery Management System (BMS) that have numerous additional security functions consisting of; over-current, over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-temperature defense, and the cells can be found in an explosion-proof stainless-steel case.

Nickel and lead-acid oxide batteries bring considerable ecological threat (particularly lead-acid, as internal chemicals break down structure and ultimately cause leaks). Compared to other lithium and lead-acid batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries provide considerable benefits, such as enhanced discharge and charge performance, longer life periods, and the capability to deep cycle while keeping efficiency.

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