Summer Heat and Batteries: Increased Fire Hazard?

The Fire Hazard of Sun and Heat for Lithium-Ion Batteries and How to Reduce the Risk?

Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous in our daily lives all year round, from laptops, drones, walkie-talkies to power tools. Despite their many advantages, they also pose risks, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures. In this blog, we discuss the dangers of sun and heat for lithium-ion batteries and provide tips for safe charging.

 

The Consequences of Heat and Sun for Lithium-Ion Batteries

 

1. Accelerated Aging

  • Chemical Reactions:
    High temperatures accelerate the chemical reactions within the battery, leading to faster degradation of the battery cells.

2. Reduced Performance

  • Efficiency Loss:
    High temperatures can reduce the efficiency of the battery, causing it to discharge faster and deliver less power.
     
  • Component Damage:
    Internal components can be damaged by heat, negatively affecting the overall performance of the battery.

3. Increased Internal Pressure

  • Gas Formation:
    Heat can cause gas formation within the battery, increasing internal pressure and causing the battery to swell or burst.

4. Risk of Thermal Runaway

  • Overheating:
    Exposure to high temperatures can cause the battery to overheat, leading to a chain reaction of further heating.
     
  • Fire Hazard:
    Overheated batteries can lead to fires or even explosions, a phenomenon known as "thermal runaway."

Heat-sensitive applications

Batteries that are frequently used in the sun are particularly sensitive to overheating, including e-bikes and e-scooters. Also, sectors such as construction, landscaping, gardening, and agriculture where tools are needed outdoors during the day and charged unattended at night are at increased risk. It is crucial to use safe charging solutions in these scenarios.
 

How to safely charge your batteries in heat?

  • Charge in a cool, dry environment:
    Avoid charging batteries in direct sunlight or in hot spaces. Choose a cool, dry place to extend the lifespan of your batteries and minimize the risk of overheating.
     
  • Use quality chargers:
    Always use chargers approved by the manufacturer of your device. Cheap or uncertified chargers can cause overheating and compromise battery safety.
     
  • Do not leave batteries unattended:  
    Batteries used extensively in the heat throughout the day may have incurred internal damage and should not be charged unattended. You can charge batteries in charging cabinets or containers. At LOXXER, we offer the option to connect your (locker) cabinet or container to your existing fire control panel so you are alerted to danger even at night.
     
  • Invest in secure storage solutions:
    Use fire-safe storage and charging cabinets or containers. LOXXER charging cabinets and containers are equipped with temperature detection and mechanical ventilation to keep heat within acceptable limits and minimize the risk of overheating.

Conclusion

Safely charging lithium-ion batteries starts with awareness and taking the right precautions. By investing in high-quality storage and charging solutions, you can not only extend the lifespan of your batteries but also ensure the safety of your environment.

 

Contact us freely to arrange a visit and find the best solution for you.  

Deel dit bericht:

Heat-sensitive applications

Batteries that are frequently used in the sun are particularly sensitive to overheating, including e-bikes and e-scooters. Also, sectors such as construction, landscaping, gardening, and agriculture where tools are needed outdoors during the day and charged unattended at night are at increased risk. It is crucial to use safe charging solutions in these scenarios.
 

How to safely charge your batteries in heat?

  • Charge in a cool, dry environment:
    Avoid charging batteries in direct sunlight or in hot spaces. Choose a cool, dry place to extend the lifespan of your batteries and minimize the risk of overheating.
     
  • Use quality chargers:
    Always use chargers approved by the manufacturer of your device. Cheap or uncertified chargers can cause overheating and compromise battery safety.
     
  • Do not leave batteries unattended:  
    Batteries used extensively in the heat throughout the day may have incurred internal damage and should not be charged unattended. You can charge batteries in charging cabinets or containers. At LOXXER, we offer the option to connect your (locker) cabinet or container to your existing fire control panel so you are alerted to danger even at night.
     
  • Invest in secure storage solutions:
    Use fire-safe storage and charging cabinets or containers. LOXXER charging cabinets and containers are equipped with temperature detection and mechanical ventilation to keep heat within acceptable limits and minimize the risk of overheating.

Conclusion

Safely charging lithium-ion batteries starts with awareness and taking the right precautions. By investing in high-quality storage and charging solutions, you can not only extend the lifespan of your batteries but also ensure the safety of your environment.

 

Contact us freely to arrange a visit and find the best solution for you.  

Stay updated

 Newsletter

Would you like to be kept up to date with the latest news on lithium batteries, fires and solutions? Subscribe to the newsletter and be the first to know about new products and developments.

Would you like to be kept up to date with the latest news on lithium batteries, fires and solutions? Subscribe to the newsletter and be the first to know about new products and developments.