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Lithium-ion Battery Storage Fire Safety
Fire Safety for Lithium-ion Battery Storage
Research began on lithium-ion (LI) batteries in the 1970s and by 1991, they were being used in marketable applications. That is a surprisingly quick turnaround for new technology. These batteries store significant energy for their size, are rechargeable, and are very versatile. They can be found in small electronics like earbuds, headphones, and smartwatches. They power most cell phones and laptops. They are the preferred energy source in transportation, used in e-scooters and bikes, and are in every electric vehicle.
Lithium-ion batteries are manufactured with very strong cases to protect the content. The chemical content of LI batteries creates a lot of energy, and when released gradually, as designed, they provide stable and sustainable energy storage. However, when the chemicals become unstable, they produce a dangerous explosive fire very quickly.
- The electrolytes in LI batteries are extremely volatile and produce heat during use.
- When an LI battery fails, the energy produced increases. It increases rapidly and intensely. It gets very hot: as hot as 7520
- The heat from the electrolytes is sufficient to ignite fuel in the immediately surrounding area. Since it is a chemical reaction, the heat continues until the reactant is spent in what is called a thermal runaway.
- Water is inadequate to extinguish a thermal runaway, although it can spread heat and flame.
- Since the flame results from a chemical reaction, the flame can reignite once it is extinguished. This makes electrolyte fires extremely dangerous.
- The fumes from these fires include hazardous gases.
- We keep devices that use LI batteries very close to our bodies and in our homes. When something goes wrong, the results can be serious very quickly.
Lithium-ion batteries are very stable and make many devices common in our daily lives possible. They are well-engineered and handle the bangs and bumps of normal usage. Problems Lithium-ion Battery Storage Fire Safety arise when:
- The battery overheats. The chemical reaction that produces energy also creates heat. When a battery is overcharged or damaged internally, the heat begins to rise drastically.
- The case enclosing the electrolytes is damaged, exposing the chemicals to oxygen.
The use of lithium-ion batteries is pervasive, and being prepared for fire danger is increasingly important. Here are some important items to remember.
- Make sure to keep batteries out of direct sunlight and store them in a cool space.
- Prevent overcharging and do not use inexpensive fast-charge chargers, as they create stress on the battery.
- Regularly inspect devices and immediately remove damaged batteries. Batteries with chips or cracks are not okay, even if they are not leaking.
- Damaged batteries should be disposed of at an authorized battery collection site as soon as possible. Do not store a damaged battery inside a building or vehicle.
- For facilities that need fire suppression for devices using LI batteries, clean agents and inert gases are the most effective options.
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