#lithium battery safety

[flock-of-cassowaries]

Goddamit, Daniel. Your daughter told you about that battery recall. She told you 18 months ago.

[feddy-34]

PSA ABOUT ELECTRIC VEHICLES

IF YOU OWN AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND ARE IN THE PATH OF AN ONCOMING HURRICANE AND CANNOT EVACUATE

DO NOT PARK YOUR CAR IN YOUR HOUSE

heavy hurricanes like helene and milton will bring floods of saltwater with them. saltwater is corrosive towards the lithium ion batteries found in ALL ELECTRIC VEHICLES and can cause the batteries to short-circuit, fail, or even explode. lithium ion fires take THOUSANDS more gallons of water to put out than normal electrical fires. they can and will burn houses down even during hurricanes.

PARK YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON THE STREET.

[luvv4j4ybe11]

Hi babies!! I wanted to come on here just to give you guys an explanation/update on why I haven’t been active, so listen up🫶🏽!

Yesterday, I came home from my classes to the whole house smelling like smoke, and my dogs trying to run out the door. The smoke detectors were going off and it was obvious that there was a fire happening because of the potent smell, so immediately I took the dogs outside and started to look for where tf the smell was coming from, and once I got closer to my parents room and opened the door wave of smoke and heat hit me. The fire was already put out but it was extremely hot in the room, and the fire only went out because the windows were closed and so was the door (thanks to my dog, bishop- he literally saved all the animals lives because he decided to use my parents bed as his personal litter box so😭..). But had those two things not have been closed, me and my family would be homeless. The reason the fire started was because my momma left her fan charging (which had a lithium ion battery- which get extremely hot and create a lot of fucking smoke.) on the side of her bed-even tho her gut was telling her not to. But shortly after I found the fire I called my mom, then my dad, and then my sister. We got all the animals out the house and then called 911. Everyone’s ok, just mentally exhausted and heartbroken over how much my parents lost.

This is what I came home to-

And this is what my parents room looks like now -

We’re still waiting for the insurance company to come and take pictures, so we’re limited to how much we can clean and move, but other than that we’re ok. The whole situation couldn’ve been sm worse if my mom had her door open and windows open, but luckyiky she didn’t. And luckily for us insurance will cover most of what needs to be replaced, so thank you so much universe and whoever tf created insurance for that😭

I love you all, and thank you for all the concerns for my absence and thank you guys for still writing for me and @aperiraa ‘s event, we both appreciate it deeply. And I promise I’ll read all of you guys fics and annotate them!! They all look amazing so far, like yall are so fucking creative FOR WHAT? I want all of you guys brains in a jar rn🤗!

[clatterbane]

That was some more excitement we did not need.

Dumbass here just managed to short out a 21700 battery, of all fucking things, a little while ago. They are relatively big, they hold a lot of energy by Li-ion cell standards, and they are potentially VERY full of fire and explosion.

So yeah, working with loose Li-ion cells all the time and knowing my battery safety? (Seriously, if you want to learn a lot about that, check out that guy's YouTube channel. If you ever mess with loose lithium cells for any reason, this electrical engineer is your new best friend.)

I did notice a tear in the insulator wrap on one, but did I replace it immediately? 😩 "It'll be fine for the moment."

It was not, in fact, fine.

I then compounded this error by proceeding to charge the thing. On the way out of the charger, freshly refilled with spiciness, was when I managed to short it. Because of course I did.

No actual harm done, though, and no dramatic video like with that power bank incident years back. I was right there holding the charger when it started venting and starting to smoke. I unplugged the charger as soon as I heard worrying noises, and carefully carrying the whole thing at arm's length toward the bathroom and its big solid containment vessel just in case. In the absence of any convenient bucket of sand.

This is a slightly more complicated task when you're using a manual wheelchair, do not have a Hindu iconography number of arms, and also need to pop small wheelies over thresholds in your house. So, I called for Mr. C as calmly as my excitable ass could manage, informing him that we had a battery situation andto PLEASE bring first himself and second an extinguisher. (Which I know he has somewhere in his little lair. I couldn't safely get to the kitchen one right then.)

So yeah, then we played pass the threatening charger, and he promptly ferried it and dislodged the battery into the tub. After it had calmed down enough after a couple minutes, he actually settled on taping it to the end of a wooden stick to carry it down and temporarily stash it in one of the grills outside until he was sure it was safe to dispose of more properly.

I did appreciate the prompt cool response and assistance from someone who knew what they were doing. And the lack of bitching after things had calmed down enough for me to say what had happened. (Which I probably would have just kept to myself, if I was not expecting that kind of reception.)

As it was? There was no need for the extinguisher, or eventual cleanup from that. I don't think there were actual flames at any point. Nobody got hurt. .

That charger is toast, we needed to open some windows for a while in chilly weather, and everybody here got jolts of adrenaline they weren't looking for. That was thankfully the worst that happened.

I guess any moral of this little story would have to be that, if you're going to be handling high-powered especially loose Li-ion cells? Please be careful and educate yourself about how to do it as safely as you can. Please DO NOT do like me and turn overconfident.

Also, please make sure you have some plan in case things should suddenly go south. If you manage to catch a problem promptly, it might hopefully just turn into an unwanted adrenaline and toxic fumes situation like this one, rather than something much worse in potentially painful incendiary ways.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Chemists create gel to prevent leaks and boost lithium-ion battery life

A new type of gel, developed by chemists at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), could help to make lithium-ion batteries safer and more powerful. The gel is designed to prevent the highly flammable electrolyte fluid from leaking. Initial lab studies show that it also improves the performance and service life of the batteries. The researchers have published their work in the journal Advanced Functional Materials. Lithium-ion batteries are real powerhouses. "They charge faster than conventional rechargeable batteries and can therefore be used in almost all areas of life," says Professor Wolfgang Binder, head of the Macromolecular Chemistry Research Group at MLU. "However, the electrolytes, which transport the ions that conduct the current between the electrodes, are highly flammable. This can cause the battery to catch fire or explode if it is damaged."

Read more.

[awesomecooperlove]

🚘🔥🚍

[arctic-hands]

Gosh darn it. I saw a post recommended to me by r/spicypillows (I didn't follow until a few minutes ago but was already familiar with the concept here on tumblr about spicy pillows–i.e lithium batteries that bulge with dangerous and flammable chemicals due to age or damage or defect) talking about how the original Nintendo DS's batteries are starting to become spicy from age so I had @thetabirb check ALL her DS's. Sure enough, the OG DS and DSi XL were ever so slightly starting to bulge, so we'll have to deal with that at some point. It's not to the point of danger yet as far as we can tell, I think we can safely take to a repair place and have them deal with disposal because it's not going to explode in the near future (I hope)

Anyway, here's a PSA to check your DS batteries as they start to age

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

How much is 400 MWh of energy storage? One way of thinking about it is that it’s enough electricity for 300 homes … for an entire year. Of course, that’s not how it works, but that helps to conceptualize how much electricity is stored in this giant battery(..)

[council-of-the-void]

Hello, local firefighter here

When these batteries do light on fire it is extremely hard to put them out. They can be dunked in water and then relight, they can be removed of oxygen and will relight...

They are extremely hazardous, especially in big forms such as EV's and solar panel batteries.

Please, please, if you see one even slightly bulging, tell someone. Get someone to do something before the fire starts.

I would love to show you all the video i was shown in my electrical safety course, but unfortunately I cannot find it

[semcoinfratechworld]

Energy Storage BMS: The Secret Weapon for a Successful Battery System

As the world pivots towards sustainable energy solutions, energy storage systems (ESS) have emerged as the backbone of renewable energy deployment. Central to the functionality and safety of these systems is the Battery Management System (BMS)—often referred to as the secret weapon for ensuring the success of any battery system. But what exactly is a BMS, and why is it indispensable for energy storage systems?

What Is an Energy Storage BMS?

A Battery Management System (BMS) is an advanced electronic system designed to monitor, manage, and safeguard a battery pack. From individual cells in small-scale batteries to large grid-connected systems, a BMS ensures optimal performance by performing the following critical tasks:

Monitoring Battery Health: Tracks voltage, temperature, and state of charge (SOC) in real time.

Ensuring Safety: Prevents overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating, which could lead to thermal runaway or system failure.

Balancing Cells: Maintains uniform performance across all cells to enhance the lifespan of the battery pack.

Predicting Maintenance Needs: Identifies potential faults before they escalate, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Why Is a BMS the Secret Weapon for a Successful Battery System?

A high-performing BMS is the linchpin of reliability and efficiency in an energy storage system. Here’s why:

Enhancing Battery Life Batteries degrade over time due to irregular charging cycles, temperature fluctuations, and inconsistent usage patterns. A BMS optimizes these factors by maintaining equilibrium across the cells, extending the overall lifespan of the battery pack.

Maximizing Performance The efficiency of an energy storage system directly depends on how well its battery pack operates. By constantly monitoring and regulating energy flow, a BMS ensures that the system delivers peak performance under varying conditions.

Ensuring Safety and Compliance Safety is paramount in large-scale energy storage applications. A robust BMS detects potential risks such as short circuits or thermal runaway, enabling prompt intervention. Moreover, it helps systems comply with industry standards and certifications.

Cost-Effectiveness Investing in a BMS may seem like an upfront cost, but it saves money in the long run. By improving energy efficiency and reducing maintenance needs, it delivers a high return on investment (ROI).

Applications of Energy Storage BMS

The versatility of BMS technology makes it indispensable across multiple sectors:

Renewable Energy Integration: Balances the supply-demand dynamics of solar and wind power systems.

Electric Vehicles (EVs): Safeguards the EV battery pack, ensuring safety, range, and durability.

Grid-Level Storage: Maintains the stability of power grids by managing large-scale battery packs.

Residential and Commercial Storage: Supports energy independence for homeowners and businesses using on-site battery systems.

Features to Look for in an Advanced Energy Storage BMS

When selecting a BMS for your energy storage system, prioritize the following features:

Scalability: Suitable for systems ranging from small residential setups to large utility-scale installations.

Advanced Communication Protocols: Integrates seamlessly with inverters, controllers, and other ESS components.

Real-Time Data Analytics: Offers actionable insights through smart monitoring tools.

Customizability: Adapts to specific system requirements for enhanced functionality.

Future of Energy Storage with Advanced BMS

The evolution of energy storage systems relies heavily on advancements in BMS technology. Emerging innovations, such as AI-powered predictive maintenance and IoT-enabled remote monitoring, are set to redefine how we manage battery systems. As these systems become smarter and more adaptive, they will play a pivotal role in supporting the global energy transition.

Conclusion

The Battery Management System (BMS) is undeniably the secret weapon behind the success of modern energy storage systems. By ensuring safety, optimizing performance, and extending the lifespan of batteries, a BMS transforms energy storage into a reliable and efficient solution for the renewable energy era. Whether you’re designing an ESS for residential use or a large-scale grid application, investing in a robust energy storage BMS is the key to unlocking the full potential of your battery system.

[nuadox]

AI detects early warning sounds of lithium-ion battery failures

- By Nuadox Crew -

NIST researchers have developed an AI-based method to detect early warning sounds from lithium-ion batteries before they catch fire.

The system identifies the distinct "click-hiss" sound produced by a breaking safety valve—caused by internal pressure buildup—just minutes before thermal runaway occurs.

By training a machine learning algorithm on audio from 38 battery failures and generating over 1,000 unique samples, the team achieved a 94% detection accuracy.

This technology could lead to specialized fire alarms for homes, offices, and battery-dense locations, offering critical time for evacuation and reducing fire risks.

Read more at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Research paper: Tam, W. , Chen, J. , Tang, W. , Tong, Q. , FANG, H. and Putorti Jr., A. (2024), Development of a Robust Early-Stage Thermal Runaway Detection Model for Lithium-ion Batteries, 13th Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Science and Technology, Daegu, KR, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=958183 (Accessed November 14, 2024)

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[faierius]

Just a friendly reminder to check your old PSP batteries. And any old lithium ion batteries.

[clatterbane]

Also just going to post this little infographic on basic battery safety dealing with Li-ion cells here separately.

Anybody doing any kind of hobby or work stuff involving standalone 18650 lithium cells and similar really needs to know this stuff.

For more safety and lots of other assorted battery info, I also strongly recommend Mooch's YouTube channel, which is chock full of educational videos from an electrical engineer who knows his shit (and also seems to be a really good guy):

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Researchers at Swansea University, in collaboration with Wuhan University of Technology, Shenzhen University, have developed a pioneering technique for producing large-scale graphene current collectors. This breakthrough promises to significantly enhance the safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), addressing a critical challenge in energy storage technology. Published in Nature Chemical Engineering, the study details the first successful protocol for fabricating defect-free graphene foils on a commercial scale. These foils offer extraordinary thermal conductivity -- up to 1,400.8 W m-1 K-1 -- nearly ten times higher than traditional copper and aluminium current collectors used in LIBs.

Read more.

[liulouxi]

Reshaping the Electric Bicycle Ecosystem: "Swap Instead of Charge" Ushers in a New Era of Safe Travel

As urbanization accelerates and the concept of green travel gains traction, electric bicycles (e-bikes) have swiftly emerged as an indispensable part of urban transportation due to their convenience, affordability, and environmental friendliness. Annual production and sales figures consistently surpass 40 million units, reflecting the urgent demand for efficient modes of travel among city residents.

However, recently, a video of an e-bike battery exploding inside an elevator went viral, serving as a stark reminder of the potential dangers.

This tragic incident, which occurred in Guangzhou in 2021, left a man severely burned, ultimately succumbing to his injuries 26 days later. The investigation revealed that the explosive battery was an illegally reprocessed and modified one, and the deceased's family was later compensated with over 1.01 million yuan.

The proliferation of lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes has significantly increased their adoption rates but also highlighted safety concerns. A substantial portion of the market is dominated by inferior lithium batteries, plagued by issues such as overstated capacity and high risk of thermal runaway, making them the primary culprits behind e-bike fire accidents. Nationwide, these accidents occur frequently, causing immense personal losses and posing severe challenges to public safety. In this context, exploring safer and more efficient energy replenishment methods for e-bikes has become a focal point for both the industry and the broader public.

Enter the battery swapping model, which revolutionizes the e-bike industry with its core concept of "separating the bike from the battery and swapping instead of charging." Provinces across the country have implemented "swap instead of charge" initiatives, particularly in the delivery sector, disrupting traditional charging practices and enhancing the safety of e-bike travel. Through the widespread use of battery swapping cabinets, riders can quickly replace depleted batteries with fully charged ones anytime, anywhere, eliminating the need for lengthy charging periods and significantly mitigating the risk of fire hazards caused by improper charging.

Rising to prominence amidst this swapping trend is HEX UP, a shining star in the industry with exceptional R&D capabilities and an innovative spirit.HEX UP not only devotes itself to creating efficient and safe battery swapping cabinets but also establishes an extensive and well-serviced swapping network, offering users a convenient and reliable swapping experience.

HEX UP's swapping cabinets strike a balance between safety and user experience in their design. Equipped with advanced battery management systems, they monitor battery status in real-time, ensuring absolute safety during storage, charging, and swapping processes. Furthermore, their intelligent operation interfaces and streamlined swapping processes allow users to complete the swap with just a few simple steps, significantly saving time. This solution is particularly beneficial for high-frequency e-bike users like delivery riders and couriers, providing a more convenient and economical energy alternative.

As the "swap instead of charge" initiatives deepen and swapping technology advances, the battery swapping model is poised for explosive growth within the e-bike industry and beyond. In the future, swapping cabinets will not be limited to specific industries like delivery and express services but will gradually penetrate into daily commuting, shared travel, and other sectors, becoming an integral part of urban green transportation.

Moreover, with the seamless integration of IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence technologies, swapping cabinets will offer even more intelligent and personalized services. By leveraging these technologies, operators can optimize battery allocation, predict maintenance needs, and personalize user experiences, further enhancing the safety, efficiency, and convenience of e-bike travel.

In conclusion, the battery swapping model represents a paradigm shift in the e-bike industry, ushering in a new era of safe and efficient travel.HEX UP, as a pioneering player, is leading the charge, reshaping the e-bike ecosystem and contributing to a greener, safer urban transportation landscape.

[creativeera]

Battery Management System: Keeping Lithium-Ion Batteries Running Smoothly

A battery management system, also known as a BMS, is an important component used in lithium-ion battery packs. The primary purpose of a BMS is to protect the battery by regulating voltage, current, and temperature. It does this by continuously monitoring individual cells and the overall battery pack performance. Properly functioning BMS are essential for safety and extending the usable life of lithium-ion batteries used in various applications from electric vehicles to consumer electronics. Monitoring Battery Performance One of the key roles of a BMS is to continuously monitor the voltage, current and temperature of each individual battery cell. Lithium-ion batteries cannot be overcharged or over-discharged as it can cause damage or hazards. The BMS monitors cell voltages and balances charging currents to keep all cells within a safe operating window. It prevents any single cell from charging too much compared to others which could cause issues. Temperature is also closely tracked to avoid operation in temperature extremes that can degrade battery performance over time. Cell Balancing for Extended Life Over time small differences in battery cells can occur due to manufacturing variations or uneven aging characteristics. A good BMS performs active cell balancing to keep all cells at an equal state of charge. This prevents any cells from becoming more drained than others which could lead to early failure or unsafe operation.

Cell balancing helps maximize the usable capacity of lithium-ion battery packs and extends their lifecycle. Constant monitoring and active equalization between cells is an important maintenance function performed by Battery Management System. Thermal Management is Critical Heat generated from high charging currents or discharging rates needs to be carefully controlled by a BMS. Lithium-ion batteries can become damaged if the internal temperature exceeds optimum limits, which is why thermal sensors are included. Cooling systems may need to be activated, and charging/discharging can be slowed or halted altogether if temperatures approach unsafe levels. Overheating issues are addressed with precision in electric vehicles where heat dissipation demands are more complex compared to smaller products like smartphones. Advanced BMS precisely control thermal dynamics for longevity and safety. Detect Faults and Warn Users Proactive fault detection is another role of battery management system technology. It analyzes cells for abnormalities during routine monitoring activities. Early warning signs of potential faults like unexpected voltage or impedance changes can be spotted. Users are alerted to battery issues through status indicators so corrective maintenance can be promptly performed. Serious faults are acted upon automatically by the BMS through isolation procedures that prevent further degradation or hazards to the pack. Fault diagnosis capabilities help maintain high health levels in lithium-ion battery deployments. Data Logging and Telemetry Functions Many BMS are equipped with significant data logging functions to help fine-tune performance over the lifetime of the battery. Parameters like charge cycles completed, cumulative energy throughput, and usage history profiles are stored. This information helps determine remaining useful life estimations and identify factors impacting it sooner. Advanced systems include wireless connectivity for remote battery monitoring as well. Real-time telemetry data and log downloads enable predictive servicing by OEMs and optimize battery second-life reuse opportunities in stationary storage applications. Battery Safety Functions Above everything else, battery safety remains the top priority function for BMS. Overcurrent, overpressure, short circuit detection are all critical hazards addressed. Active protections include current limiting circuitry that engages during fast charging/discharging routines. Pre-charge functions slowly condition cells before high power stages. Thermal shutdown switches off battery operation entirely if cells become imperiled. Internal/external isolation relays prevent fired or damaged cells from impacting others. Strict controls applied by BMS safeguard people and property from battery failures leading to fires or explosions. Get more insights on Battery Management System

Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement.

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