This is the final of four posts concerning the safety aspects of lithium-ion batteries. We append links to the first three of these below, to help you follow the complete picture. This piece is about the prospects of moving to safer lithium-ion batteries. Much work is ongoing in diverse places to fix the defects of this product, which has made a great contribution to our lifestyles.
Why Can’t We Just Extinguish Lithium-Ion Battery Fires?
Conventional fire-fighting methods use liquid to cool a burning item, while depriving the flames of oxygen. But, in the case of a lithium-ion fire, they only cool the product. Because the lithium-ion fire generates a continuous supply of oxygen.
Lithium-ion batteries may also generate highly-toxic gases which excessive heat can cause to explode. Specialist lithium-ion gel extinguishers may be more effective, although the chemical reaction and flames can auto-restart even days later.
Can We Move To Safer Lithium-Ion Batteries Sooner?
We can’t eliminate the chemical processes in lithium-ion batteries without destroying the product. Lithium is flammable, and we have to live with this. We can make a start by implementing the changes we discussed in our earlier post.
Battery management systems in lithium-ion battery packs can detect temperature increases, and isolate defective cells. They can also monitor cell voltage, cell current, and state of cell charge.
These factors can prevent thermal runaway that leads to battery fires. This is a good start to moving to safer lithium-ion batteries. But it is insufficient because battery management systems can fail too.
This brings us back to the point where we began three posts ago. Follow these simple steps, and you should have better, safer lithium-ion batteries:
- Keep the battery away from high temperatures, and avoid damaging it.
- Maintain a state of lithium-ion battery charge between 90% and 10%.
- Use the correct charger settings. Never strain the battery by overloading it.
- Store batteries in a cool space in their original packs or insulate their terminals.
And finally share these tips with everyone you know. Together we can make the world a better place!
More Information
Are Safe Lithium-Ion Batteries Possible?
Concerns Over Lithium-Ion Batteries Unpacked
