Whether it is a smartphone, laptop, digital camera, or electric vehicle, lithium batteries can power everything. But news about them catching fire spreads like fire. Though it is true that lithium batteries can catch fire, the risk of it happening is very low when they are properly manufactured, stored, and used.
At the same time, if a lithium battery catches fire for any reason, the consequences can be severe, as it may lead to costly damage, explosions, or dangerous fires. Understanding the potential reasons behind this happening is crucial, and it may help you stay safe during unusual circumstances.
In this guide, we will explore why do lithium batteries catch fire and how you can minimize the chance of it happening. It also presents premium-quality LiFePO4 batteries that are safer than traditional lithium batteries. Let's get into further specifics.
How Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Work?
A powerful process in lithium-ion batteries converts chemical energy into electrical power to run your appliances and devices. According to the US Department of Energy, five main components combine to build these batteries, as given below.
- Anode: It is the negative electrode that is usually made up of graphite. When a battery is charged, lithium ions are stored on the anode.
- Cathode: It is the positive electrode that is made up of lithium metal oxide. The cathode stores lithium ions during the battery discharge.
- Electrolyte: It is a gel or liquid that enables the flow of lithium ions between the negative (anode) and positive (cathode) electrodes.
- Separator: It is a porous, thin membrane that prevents short circuits by keeping the cathode and the anode apart. At the same time, it allows the flow of lithium ions.
- Current Collectors: Both positive and negative current collectors conduct electricity to and from an external circuit.
When the battery charges, lithium ions travel from the cathode to the anode, while the ions move from the anode to the cathode during the discharging process.
Do Lithium Batteries Catch Fire?
Generally, lithium-ion batteries are very reliable for routine applications, as they are manufactured with safety in mind. They are used to run millions of appliances and devices without any mishap. At the same time, they are prone to a fire happening if anything goes seriously wrong. A battery catches fire when it is exposed to extreme conditions, as mentioned below.
- Physical Damage: Puncturing or crushing may lead to physical damage. If a battery drops during transportation or installation, minor or major physical damage can occur.
- Overheating: This problem appears mainly due to two reasons, i.e., overcharging or external temperatures. When a lithium battery is exposed to excessive heat, overheating issues may appear. Similarly, if the charger is not compatible with your battery, you are likely to experience overheating problems.
- Malfunction: A lithium battery can malfunction due to a couple of reasons, such as short-circuiting or manufacturing defects.
Why Do Lithium Batteries Catch Fire?
The primary reason why lithium battery fires happen is a dangerous process, thermal runaway. It occurs when your battery cell rapidly overheats and initiates a chain reaction that releases more heat. Due to this uncontrolled temperature level, the flammable electrolyte inside the battery ignites. As a result, a small malfunction may lead to a dangerous explosion or fire.
A lithium battery may experience thermal runaway due to a variety of reasons. Some of them are as follows.
- Punctures or other physical damage
- Internal short-circuiting
- Manufacturing defects
- Overheating or overcharging
When a battery undergoes a thermal runaway process, the casing ejects a variety of toxic and flammable gases. These gases may spread around unignited. At the same time, they may ignite immediately.
Once the thermal runaway starts, it is next to impossible to stop this process. It can raise the battery temperature above 537 degrees Celsius or 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, the nearby cells can also be affected badly. This is what is known as thermal propagation.
Lithium-ion battery fires are very difficult to extinguish, as they generate their own fire. Moreover, these fires spread fast and are very intense. Other consequences include safety risks to people, structural damage, device damage, extreme heat generation, and explosion. This is why quality manufacturing, proper usage, and safety systems are crucial to avoid fire issues.
How to Minimize the Fire Risk?
Now that you know why do lithium ion batteries catch fire, it is time to know how you can minimize the fire risk. Below are the steps you should take to minimize the risk of batteries catching fire.
- Use Manufacturer Approved Charger: Always use original battery chargers recommended by the manufacturer to avoid voltage mismatches or overcharging.
- Avoid Overcharging/Deep Discharging: Never connect the chargers to your batteries for extended periods, especially overnight. Moreover, don't allow the batteries to drain to 0% frequently.
- Store Batteries Properly: Keep your lithium batteries in a safe, cool, and dry place. If you want to store them for the whole season, make sure you place them in a non-conductive or fireproof container.
- Keep Batteries Away from Heat Sources: Don't put your batteries inside hot cars to get the best out of them. Similarly, avoid exposing your lithium batteries to direct sunlight or radiators. Doing this will help you avoid overheating issues.
- Unplug Devices When Fully Charged: When devices connected to your batteries are fully charged, don't forget to unplug them as soon as you can. It does not allow excessive heat buildup and extends your battery life greatly.
- Avoid Mixing and Matching: Never mix old batteries with the newer ones. At the same time, don't use incompatible battery types in the same device, as it may cause uneven charging due to overheating.
- Inspect Batteries for Damage: Stop using the damaged batteries, as they are always at high risk.
Renogy LiFePO4 Batteries: Safer from Lithium Battery Fires
The primary reason for lithium batteries catching fire is thermal runaway - a process in which a battery cell overheats and triggers a chain reaction that releases even more heat. It can be dangerous to the surrounding cells, too. For more details on why do lithium batteries catch fire, read through the discussion above.
Use a manufacturer-recommended charger, avoid overcharging/undercharging, and store batteries properly for maximized performance. When it comes to battery safety, Renogy Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries have a clear advantage over standard lithium-ion batteries. These batteries come with more stable chemistry. Plus, they offer a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) for protection against deep discharging, short circuits, overheating, and overcharging.
Renogy Pro S1 LiFePO4 Batteries Is Launched. Get Your Early Bird Perks Now!
