Reducing the Risks of Lithium-ion Batteries

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We have been curating a thought piece – see link below – by Dr Matthew Priestley. He is an associate lecturer at Energy Systems Research Group at University of New South Wales in Australia. Thus far we have reviewed his thoughts on why lithium-ion batteries fail, and how to make them safer. We consider ways to reduce the risks of lithium-ion batteries, in this our final post on this topic for now.

The Risks of Lithium-ion Batteries Catching Fire

Lithium-ion battery fires are extremely hot, and easily spread to other combustible materials. Moreover, being chemical reactions they do not need oxygen to burn. This makes them difficult to extinguish using traditional fire-fighting strategies. Furthermore, special lithium-ion gel extinguishers are still not readily available.

However, the risks of lithium-ion batteries catching alight extend beyond finding ways of extinguishing them. They also release highly toxic gases when they burn, and excessive heat can lead to explosions that may spontaneously re-ignite hours later.

What Can We, As Users Do About This?

Perhaps we need to become more aware of the downside of these remarkable batteries, and become less blasé. Matthew Priestley keeps pressing the point of not exposing them to high temperatures. We should also use the correct battery charger, and avoid borrowing a substitute ‘on the fly’.

As wise users, we should inspect lithium-ion batteries before we connect them, and regularly thereafter for any sign of damage. It also sounds intelligent not to purchase second-hand batteries, or those with packaging someone may have tampered with.

Why Do We Keep Using Lithium-ion Batteries?

We could do away with the risks of lithium-ion batteries by simply not using them, of course. But nothing beats them for fast charging, high density, and long cycle, and calendar life. We wear safety glasses when our work risks our eyesight. Perhaps we should be more consciously careful, when using our lithium-ion-powered devices.

More Information

Two Ways to Make Lithium Batteries Safer

Two Reasons Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Fail

Preview Image:  Three Sizes of Lithium-Ion Batteries

University of New South Wales in Australia Post

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About Author

I tripped over a shrinking bank balance and fell into the writing gig unintentionally. This was after I escaped the corporate world and searched in vain for ways to become rich on the internet by doing nothing. Despite the fact that writing is no recipe for wealth, I rather enjoy it. I will not deny I am obsessed with it when I have the time. I live in Margate on the Kwazulu-Natal south coast of South Africa. I work from home where I ponder on the future of the planet, and what lies beyond in the great hereafter. Sometimes I step out of my computer into the silent riverine forests, and empty golden beaches for which the area is renowned. Richard

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