The fire risk of Lithium-Ion-batteries

lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and inherently flammable. These battery packs tend to degrade much faster than they normally would, due to heat. If a lithium-ion battery pack fails, it will burst into flames and can cause widespread damage. This calls for immediate measures and guidelines for battery safety. But why do Lithium batteries often catch fire? There are a few main reasons:

A. Manufacturing Defects

Flaws in production can cause metallic particles (impurities) to seep into the lithium-ion cell during the manufacturing process. Battery manufacturers need to ensure stringently controlled cleanrooms for manufacturing batteries.

Another defect could be the thinning of separators which could prove detrimental in actual use. Cells should undergo strict quality-control tests and validation before being sold.

B. Design Flaws

Car companies want to design their cars as sleek and slim while giving the maximum range and performance. These requirements push battery pack manufacturers to come up with compact designs by packing high-capacity cells into a smaller body, messing with an otherwise well-built battery.

Compromising on the design can cause damage to the electrodes or the separator. Either of which could result in a short circuit. Further, the absence of a proper cooling system or vent can cause battery temperatures to rise as flammable electrolytes heat up.

If uncontrolled, it could result in a chain reaction of cell failures, causing the battery to heat up even more and spiral out of control. 

C. Abnormal or Improper Usage

External factors like keeping the battery very close to an area of heat or near a fire can cause it to explode. Penetrating the battery pack either deliberately or through an accident is bound to cause a short circuit and the battery to catch fire. That’s why unauthorized disassembly of the battery pack in electric vehicles leads to the lapse of warranty.

Users are advised to only get the batteries checked and repaired from the car maker’s authorized service centres. Even high-voltage charging or excessive discharging of the battery could damage it.

D. Charger Issues

Using poorly insulated chargers can damage the battery. If the charger shorts or generates heat near the battery, it can do enough damage to cause failure.

While lithium-ion batteries have built-in protections to stop them from overcharging, using unofficial chargers can damage the battery in the long term.

Here at Lithium Battery Recycling Solutions, we are on hand for all things Lithium, our experts can provide a full consultancy service with help and advice on all aspects of lithium-ion battery storage, transportation and recycling. Lithium Battery Recycling Solutions have a range of specialist approved storage boxes to ensure safe packaging at all times and can help to ensure your Lithium Batteries are safely secured and transported reducing the risks of fire. These boxes are available for both hire and purchase.