Lithium batteries
Fire, flames, great heat: These risks are inherent in lithium batteries
Lithium-ion batteries can be found everywhere: in smartphones, tools, cars, and whenever there is a need for power independently of the mains supply. They offer a whole range of advantages, such as high efficiency and long service life. They are also relatively inexpensive and can withstand many charging cycles. Nevertheless, Li-Ion batteries receive a lot of criticism. One reason: overheated batteries have been responsible for fires in the past. We explain how this so-called thermal runaway occurs and how it can be prevented.
What is a thermal runaway?
"Thermal runaway" or "thermal cycling" refers to a process that leads to a lithium-ion battery burning or exploding. If a battery overheats, a battery cell may start to burn. A chain reaction occurs: the burning cell heats the neighbouring cell, which then also starts to burn. There is talk of explosive burning.
Why does a battery overheat?
Usually the cause of a thermal runaway is found inside the battery. Construction defects, dust particles or damage can lead to a short circuit. Normally the positive and negative poles are separated from each other. This is ensured by the separator, a thin plastic film. If cracks appear in the separator, this can lead to a short circuit and subsequent heat generation. One especially hazardous situation: small instances of damage do not usually cause a fire, but they get bigger and bigger. If a battery is damaged, the fire often fails to break out until several hours later. If an e-car is involved in an accident, its battery may still ignite 72 hours or more later. This time must therefore be waited for in any case, just to be sure. This also applies to other types of damage, such as when a smartphone has fallen to the ground.
Does that mean lithium-ion batteries are dangerous?
Overheated lithium-ion batteries can cause fires in electric cars, smart phones, navigation systems, laptops and many other electrical appliances. However, you can reduce the risk by following some important safety instructions.
- Avoid rapid charging.
- Do not place battery-operated devices in the sun.
- Only use original charging cables.
How can I recognise a defective battery?
Whether a lithium-ion battery is damaged or not is normally not visible from the outside. An odour of plastic or gas can be an indication, even the bloating of the device indicates a defective battery. Another safety note: a battery should never be warm when switched off.
How should I react in the case of fire?
If there really is a fire, lithium-ion batteries can be put out with water. However, to avoid making any risky attempts to extinguish the fire, it is better to call the fire brigade on 112.
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