Current Challenges in Lithium-ion Battery Safety

The need for Lithium-ion batteries is increasing in the battery field, because of their advantages when compared with traditional batteries. Along with the tremendous uses, it has some disadvantages, where the current generation is facing challenges in safeguarding the battery.

The development of more effective lithium metal and solid-state batteries is greatly aided by expanding research in several material and nanotechnology domains. With all of the developments, producers are creating considerably greener, cleaner energy. These high volumetric and gravitational energy batteries will undoubtedly command a higher market price than other power sources. We provide you with cutting-edge batteries at BMS Batteries, which are efficient and affordable. To learn more about lithium batteries, get in touch with us. One of the top online retailers for batteries and BMS in the USA is BMS Batteries. To meet all of your needs, we provide a broad selection of items and our products are shipped from the USA warehouse.

Let us move forward to know what is Li-ion battery, why it gained popularity, the factors that lead to challenges, and the preventive measure in the upcoming sections.

What is a Lithium-ion Battery?

The Lithium-ion battery is another way it is popular as the Li-ion battery. It works on the principle of electrolysis. It is a rechargeable battery in which the lithium ions from the electrolyte move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge. While recharging, a reverse reaction takes place the ions start from the positive electrode to the negative electrode.

Importance of Elements in the Li-ion battery

Any battery comprises four important components- the anode, the cathode, the separator, and an electrolyte. Here, lithium oxide is used as a cathode instead of metal lithium. Since lithium itself is an unstable compound, it attains stability after reacting with the oxides. So for practical applications, lithium oxide is used.

The type of active material coated on the cathode affects characteristics and battery performance. The greater the number of ions, the greater the capacity, and the greater the potential difference between cathode and anode, the greater the voltage.

The separator is used to separate the cathode and anode, to protect the battery from damage – the safety system of the battery will be affected, and the current is not produced.

Safety Challenges of Lithium-ion Battery 

Protecting the Lithium-ion battery is the current challenge in battery technology. Safety issues arise when the semi-permeable separator fails, and it is the leading cause of battery damage. As it was defined already when the separator fails the cathode and anode get together leading to the internal short circuit leading to the battery overheating. The factors leading to separator failure are as follows.

Temperature Management

Li-ion batteries are vulnerable to low and extreme temperatures. Temperature is an important factor that affects the batteries in many ways – Operation of the battery electrochemical system, power efficiency, energy efficiency, safety, reliability, and battery life.

The battery performs better in the desired temperature ranging from 10 °C to +55 °C. If the battery temperature rises above 80°C, the rate of exothermic reaction increases leading to overcharging, and internal or external short circuits.

It is important to maintain the battery pack in the preferred temperature range for optimum performance, and battery life. The other important aspect is to control the uneven distribution of the temperature throughout the pack which leads to minimal performance and the risk of potential hazards.

Uniform temperature distribution throughout the pack can be attained by following some heating and cooling methods.

Voltage Limits

Based on the chemistry of the cell, Li-ion cells can withstand a voltage ranging between 2.5 to 4.35 V. Exceeding the voltage range results in premature aging and safety risks.

Internal Circuit Damage

Internal short circuits can occur as a result of rough handling and overcharging. The battery expands as it fills up with lithium ions. An excessive amount of lithium can mechanically strain the battery and damage its internal insulation. Overcharging occasionally can cause metallic deposits between the electrodes to conduct electrons.

Problem with Charging

Li-ion batteries should be charged between +5°C to +45°C. When charged beyond these conditions results in thermal runaway and cell rupture. Overcharge will lead to the decomposition of the cathode materials. Over-discharge will lead to the decomposition of SEIs on the anode and oxidation of copper foil. If a battery charges too quickly, it results in the short circuits

Faulty Chargers

Using the faulty chargers will affect the battery security and protection circuit, leading to a short circuit and sudden bursting of the battery.

How to Overcome Safety Challenges of Lithium-ion Battery?

Battery safety is an important criterion for small and large-scale electrical devices. Cell design will influence the safety and electrochemical performances. Electrolytes will help in settling the safety issues related to Lithium-ion batteries.  To eliminate the battery safety issues, the battery management system came into existence.

Functions of a Battery Management System

It is fixed inside the battery pack to act as a spying agent to maintain the battery’s safety, longevity and reliability.  A sensor and controller play an important role in this system in data measurement to operate the battery in the safe zone avoiding internal damage.

BMS helps in overcoming safety challenges by stopping thermal runaways, warning of potential failure, minimizing damage, helping in safe driving, and adaptive protection.

It helps monitor the battery’s performance and health to eliminate failures and avoid accidents that could result in fire hazards or explosions. The BMS is the “brain” of any battery pack and is essential for a dependable and effective operation. The BMS you choose will determine how well your battery performs and how long it lasts.

Conclusion

As Li-ion batteries are in huge demand, of their High Energy Density, Low Self-Discharge Rate, Minimum Maintenance, and their feasibility. As they are available in various sizes, you can use them in small remote cars, flying airplanes, and energy storage systems. So protecting them from explosions is very important.

The flareup might take place due to continuous charging, over current, short circuits, charging beyond the temperature range, deep discharge, and speedy charge of the over-discharged cells.

There is a lot of importance and demand for Lithium-ion batteries in electrical technology. Understanding the reasons for the battery failure helps you to deal with the challenges and to protect them from unexpected bursts.

Hence by using the BMS and by charging the batteries at the desired temperatures, and voltage you can avoid severe issues. Don’t overcharge or undercharge.

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