Wiedza
- Case study - implementation of the LOTO system in a production plant
- Lockout/Tagout - what is it and why is it worth introducing LOTO?
- Why is it worth implementing a LOTO system with Marcin from 4safety?
- Case study: implementation of a flexible barrier system in a manufacturing plant!
- Steel or flexible: which industrial bumpers should you choose?
- Case study: protection of high-bay racking with a flexible barrier system
- How to safely store lithium-ion batteries?
- Explosion of lithium-ion batteries — how to avoid it?
- Hazardous substances in the storage container
- Safe crane operating zone
- LED safety projectors
- Classification of flexible barriers
- Everything about IBM
- Do It Yourself - industrial printers
- The meaning of the padlock in the LOTO system
- Why is it worth using ergonomic mats?
- Anti-slip protections
- A catch basin is good practice or a regulatory requirement?
- Industrial shelving - types and applications
- About employee comfort and safety
- Frost and structural monitoring of the facility
- What information should a nameplate contain?
- How to prevent accidents with safety containers?
- Fire-resistant cabinet – what should you pay attention to when buying?
- Selection of a spill containment tray
- Hazardous substances - what to do in the event of a leak?
- Hazardous materials under the supervision of an ADR advisor
- What problems do industrial barriers solve?
- Color coding of pipelines – colors, arrows, inscriptions
- Lasers for communication routes
- Natural neutralization of substances
- Energy-intensive barriers – Types, characteristics and application
Explosion of lithium-ion batteries — how to avoid it?
Understanding is the key to safety
Learn how lithium-ion batteries are built to extend their lifespan and avoid potential hazards. Ensure safety for yourself and your co-workers
What is a battery made of?
The structure of a lithium-ion battery is designed to be as efficient as possible while maintaining small dimensions and low weight. Batteries generate high-density energy, which means they store a considerable amount of energy in a relatively small volume.
A lithium-ion battery consists of cells. The greater the battery capacity, the greater the number of cells.
Lithium-ion cells
Cells connected together in the appropriate way provide energy with the desired voltage and capacity.
Each cell consists of:
- electrolyte
- anode (positive electrode)
- cathode (negative electrode)
- separator
- housing
- protection circuit
Cell structure
Electrolyte
The electrolyte is a substance that enables the flow of ions between the anode and cathode. In the case of lithium-ion batteries, the electrolyte is in liquid form. It plays a key role during battery charging and discharging.
Anode
During battery discharge, ions leave the anode and move to the cathode, generating energy that powers devices. During battery charging, lithium ions are stored in the anode.
Cathode
During battery discharge, ions leave the cathode and move to the anode, generating a flow of electrons through the external circuit. During charging, ions travel from the anode to the cathode.
Separator
The barrier separates the anode from the cathode. It must be resistant to the processes taking place inside the battery to prevent a short circuit. While being a physical barrier, it also allows the flow of lithium ions between the anode and cathode. The separator in a cell is a thin membrane often made of polyethylene or polypropylene.
Housing
As in most cases, the housing serves a protective function. It insulates the internal battery components, protecting them from mechanical damage, moisture, and contamination.
Lithium battery fire
The probability of a lithium-ion battery igniting is low, but if such a battery is damaged, the consequences are serious. A battery may catch fire due to several factors. Most often, battery fires occur:
- During charging
- As a result of damage
- During improper storage
Other cases: overcharging, deep discharge, overheating, mechanical damage, faults in the charging control system, wear.
The above factors lead to a short circuit or overheating of one of the cells, resulting in spontaneous ignition of a single cell, followed by the rapid onset of a thermal reaction and the spread of fire to the remaining cells. The result of such spontaneous ignition is a battery explosion.
What causes lithium-ion batteries to explode?
Overheating
High ambient temperature may lead to an internal short circuit, resulting in an explosion.
Short circuit
A short circuit most often occurs due to damage to the separator that separates the positive electrode from the negative one. Once the separator is damaged, there is a sudden release of energy and a potential explosion.
Mechanical damage
All human factors related to improper use can lead to cell failure. Punctures or dents are signs of battery damage that should not be ignored. Additionally, an impact or dropping the battery, even without visible external damage, may lead to battery damage and destruction.
Excessive charging
Lithium-ion batteries are highly sensitive to excessive charging. This may lead to overheating.
Contamination
Defective or low-quality batteries are exposed to contamination. It may originate from the manufacturing process and is difficult to detect. Such contamination may cause micro-short circuits.
Lithium battery fire
The probability of a lithium-ion battery igniting is low, but if such a battery is damaged, the consequences are serious. A battery may catch fire due to several factors. Most often, battery fires occur:
- During charging
- As a result of damage
- During improper storage
Other cases: overcharging, deep discharge, overheating, mechanical damage, faults in the charging control system, wear.
