Lithium ion batteries are the most popular rechargeable batteries on the market, being found in our cellphones, laptops, electric vehicles, power tools, digital cameras, tablets, e-readers, and more. These batteries are electrochemical devices that release and store electrical energy through the movement of lithium ions between their anode and cathode. While these batteries are immensely popular, they can be dangerous.
Thermal runaway in lithium ion batteries causes many issues. This chain reaction is extremely dangerous and causes irreparable damage to your batteries. Luckily, there are a few proven ways to prevent this dangerous process.
What is Thermal Runaway in Lithium Ion Batteries and Why is it Dangerous?
Thermal runaway is a chain reaction in batteries that is extremely hard to stop once it starts. The process occurs in a battery when an exothermic reaction triggers another, resulting in an uncontrolled increase in the battery temperature. In lithium batteries, this happens when the lithium ion cell generates heat at a faster rate than it can dissipate from the cell. Thermal runaway in lithium ion batteries can cause the ejection of gas, shrapnel, and particulates, along with generating extremely high temperatures, smoke, and fire.
How to Prevent Thermal Runaway in Lithium Ion Batteries?
Proper Storage Temperature
The simplest way to prevent thermal runaway in lithium ion batteries is proper storage. Generally, the ideal storage temperature for most lithium ion batteries is between 35ºF (1.7ºC) and 90ºF (32ºC), however, the range may vary from battery to battery. Since these ranges may vary, it is important to check the battery label and take care to stay within that range as much as possible.
Replace Old Batteries
While lithium ion batteries last for years, there is a good possibility that they will degrade over time, making it crucial to change your batteries as needed. Smaller lithium ion batteries can last for 2-3 years before needing to be replaced while lithium ion batteries in EVs are designed to last 10-20 years before needing to be replaced. Regardless, it is important to keep an eye on the health of your batteries and get them replaced when needed.
Proper Insulation
One of the most effective ways to prevent thermal runaway in lithium ion batteries is to ensure they are insulated properly. Proper battery insulation can prevent the heat generated from one lithium ion battery cell from jumping to another, thus preventing thermal runaway. Electrolock offers many insulation options for lithium ion batteries:
- Go-Therm Thermal Runaway Barriers are designed to be used as an interior lining of the battery case, protecting the pack from ejecta and flame caused by thermal runaway. The Go-Therm 150 is a glass one-sided silicone laminate that is used to line the interior of the battery packs and as a thermal runaway barrier between prismatic cells. Additionally, the Go-Therm 315 is a fiberglass dual-backed insulation that is used to line the interior of the battery pack to act as a thermal runaway barrier between prismatic cells in a module or as a module-to-module barrier.
- Pyrel-Therm is a thermal runaway barrier that is designed to meet extreme heat environments. There are a few types of Pyrel-Therm that are used in battery insulation:
- Pyrel-Therm EIG 1000 exhibits excellent thermal resistance, extremely low shrinkage, low thermal conductivity, and compression resistance.
- Pyrel-Therm ES 1100 also has excellent thermal resistance, extremely low shrinkage, low thermal conductivity, and compression resistance.
- Pyrel-Therm RMC Mica Heat Shield has very low heat transfer and is an effective dielectric and gas barrier.
- Pyrel-Therm TS 800C is generally used in applications where high temperature and low thermal conductivity are required. It exhibits superior resistance to heat and flames and acts as an excellent heat shield in electronics and military applications.
Electrolock is Here to Help Prevent Thermal Runaway in Lithium Ion Batteries
Since 1957, Electrolock has been engineering insulation solutions for various industries. As lithium ion batteries become more and more common in everyday items, our team has developed numerous insulation solutions to prevent thermal runaway in these batteries to keep them running safely and efficiently.
If you are looking for thermal runaway insulation, contact our team today to get started.
