If you’ve been following the news lately, you might have seen a few stories about lithium-ion batteries and their safety. The first story was about a phone exploding in China on an airplane, which caused the plane to make an emergency landing.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in more than just phones – they’re also found inside laptops, power tools, cars, and planes. So what do these stories mean for you, your business, and your lithium-ion battery safety?
What is Lithium-ion Battery?
Lithium-ion batteries are one of two popular types of rechargeable batteries that store energy with ions (electrically charged atoms or groups) moving between electrodes through an electrolyte solution that can conduct electricity by positive ions moving toward the negative electrode where electrons enter the external circuit during the discharge process.
The lead-acid battery is the other popular type of rechargeable battery that stores energy with lead and lead oxide. Lead-acid batteries are used in cars, trucks, boats, electric floor sweepers, etc.
The Benefits of Lithium-ion Battery
So what are the advantages of lithium batteries over lead-acid batteries?
Lead-acid batteries have been the go-to battery for a long time due to their low cost and ability to deliver high power. However, they also have some major drawbacks. They are large and heavy, making them difficult to transport. They also require regular maintenance, such as adding water to the cells to prevent them from corroding.
Lithium-ion batteries offer many advantages over lead-acid batteries:
- A Lithium battery is much lighter than a lead-acid battery, making it easier to transport.
- A Lithium battery does not require maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about adding water or checking the electrolyte levels.
- A Lithium battery lasts longer, so you won’t need to replace them as often.
- Their performance remains consistent even as they age, so you can continue to use them for their full life cycle.
- A Lithium battery is more environmentally friendly than a lead-acid battery because there is no lead or other toxic metals in the battery.
In general, a lithium battery requires less effort and costs less money over time compared to lead-acid batteries. They may even last longer if maintained properly!
Learn more about: Why the Li-battery is the best choice for E-bike?
How Lithium-ion Batteries Are Made?
A lithium-ion battery consists of a positive electrode made from metal oxides such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCo), LiMnand graphite; a negative electrode consisting mainly of metallic lithium; an electrolyte that contains dissolved thiumlts such as LiPFxCycloalkyl Sulfonate; and separators that prevent short circuits.
The sum of these parts is called the “lithium-ion battery” or more commonly, simply “the battery.”
All lithium-ion batteries require three basic components to function: A positive electrode (cathode), a negative electrode (anode), and an electrolyte solution in between them.
Lithium-ion cells are unique because they utilize different materials for their electrodes than lead-acid batteries do. That’s why lithium-ion is also considered a superior technology to lead-acid batteries; it can be applied practically with less weight and even have a bigger capacity.
The Lithium-ion Battery Safety
There have been some reports of accidents with lithium-ion batteries over the years. The most notable event was when Samsung issued a recall for their smartphones that were exploding in people’s pockets.
So what is it exactly that makes them so dangerous and should you be worried if they explode near your face?
And are lithium batteries safe?
The answer is yes！
But like any other type of battery, they can fail. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using and charging lithium-ion batteries to maintain your lithium-ion battery safety.
And if you experience a problem with a lithium-ion battery, be sure to report it to the manufacturer. They may need to investigate the issue and make changes to the battery design.
But what are some things that can cause battery failure?
- The Flaw in Design: A flaw in the design of a lithium-ion battery might result when two electrodes touch, which can cause an electrical short. This type of defect is very rare and likely to be caught during quality control testing before they leave the factory.
- Manufacturing Error: An error in the manufacturing process can also lead to battery failures. For example, a battery might be overcharged or charged with the wrong type of charger.
- External Damage: External damage, such as being dropped or getting wet, can also cause a lithium-ion battery to fail.
- Usage Error: Using a battery in a way that it was not designed to be used can also cause failure. For example, leaving your laptop plugged in for too long or using the battery to power something that it wasn’t designed for (like a fire alarm) could damage the battery and lead to failure.
Lithium-ion batteries are considered safe when they’re properly manufactured, charged, and stored. If you experience an issue with a lithium-ion battery, be sure to report it. The manufacturer may need to investigate the issue and make changes to the battery design.
Also, one of the common problems is that your batteries don’t charge. Discover more about what to do if you can’t charge a lithium-ion battery.
So are lithium batteries safe?
I assume you have an answer now.
How to Make Sure Your Lithium Battery is Safe?
You can take steps to make sure your lithium battery is safe.
- You should only use a charger that came with the device or was made specifically for it: using another type of charger may damage the battery and cause an accident.
- Do not leave your phone, electric razor, or other devices plugged in when they are fully charged or when you are not using them: overcharging batteries is a common way to cause an accident.
- Do not expose your battery to extreme heat, cold, or direct sunlight for extended periods as this can affect its safety and performance.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- If your battery starts to swell, smoke or emit an unusual odor, discontinue use and contact the manufacturer immediately.
These are just a few tips for your lithium-ion battery safety. For more information on battery safety, please check the operation manual or visit the website of the device’s manufacturer.
How to Replace a Damaged Lithium Battery
If you have a damaged lithium battery, it is important to either replace or re-wrap your Lithium-Ion Battery as soon as possible. If left unchecked, your Li-ion batteries may emit toxic gases and cause more damage to the surrounding area.
The good news is that replacing a defective battery can be done with ease by following a few simple steps.
First, remove the battery from the device it is powering. This can usually be done by unscrewing or popping off the battery cover.
Second, check your battery condition. Once you have removed the battery, take a look at its condition. If there is visible damage such as a cracked case, bulging cells, or leakage then just please do not continue replacing it.
Instead, you need to consider calling the after-sales service to handle this condition. Just keep in mind that don’t operate the battery by yourself if you find the battery is visibly damaged.
Finally, If your lithium batteries are in good condition and only need replacement due to aging then you can proceed by purchasing new ones online or at a local retailer. When buying new batteries, always make sure to get a set that is compatible with your device. Once you have the new batteries, follow these simple steps to replace the old ones:
- Remove the screws or tabs that hold the battery in place
- Gently lift out the old battery and dispose of it properly
- Insert the new battery making sure the terminals are facing in the correct direction
- Replace the screws or tabs and tighten them securely
- Test your device to make sure it is working properly
When Should You Worry About the Lithium-ion Battery Safety and Call in Professionals?
- If you notice unusual smells or overheating.
- Your lithium batteries are aging, leaking fluid, swelling up, or feeling hot to the touch.
- There is visible corrosion on your contacts and/or casing of the device.
- The device has been dropped or damaged in any way.
- You are unable to charge it, turn it on, or use it as intended.
- It is more than two years old.
- You have replaced the lithium battery more than twice.
If you notice any of these signs, it is time to call in a professional as your safety may be at risk. Lithium-ion battery safety is very high when used as intended, but there are a few things to look out for.
By being proactive and knowing the signs of a battery in distress, you can help keep yourself and your family safe. For more information on lithium-ion batteries, please visit our website: TRITEK
Tritek Battery is committed to providing the most professional lev battery solutions. We have worked closely with leading manufacturers of electric drive systems, electric bicycles, and electric motorcycles from the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and the United States. The team has more than 12 years expertise of in design, R & D, and sales in the field of LEV batteries.
At present, Tritek can provide a full range of solutions for LEV batteries and accessories, including customized battery packs, OEM for motor drives, controllers, central control systems, etc. At the same time, Tritek has a complete supply chain for critical e-bike parts, such as HMI, cables, etc.
With the introduction of the MES system, the whole production has realized precise information processing.
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