Why Frequent Lithium Battery Explosions Occur and How to Ensure Their Safety and Reliability

With the rapid advancement of technology, lithium batteries have become indispensable energy storage carriers in modern society. However, their widespread use has brought increasing safety and reliability concerns to light, with annual reports of lithium battery explosions and fires, particularly in electric vehicles. This article delves into the reasons behind these incidents and offers solutions for enterprises to address these safety challenges effectively.

Understanding Lithium Batteries

To comprehend lithium battery safety issues, it's essential first to understand their basic structure and working principle. Lithium batteries consist of cathode materials, anode materials, electrolytes, and separators. The cathode and anode materials store and release energy, the electrolyte facilitates lithium-ion transfer, and the separator prevents short circuits.

However, lithium batteries are not without safety risks. Overcharging, over-discharging, short-circuiting, high temperatures, and mechanical damage can all lead to safety incidents.

Influencing Factors of Lithium Battery Reliability

Several factors affect lithium battery reliability. Environmental temperature is a major one, where high temperatures can decrease performance and cause accidents, while low temperatures can affect charging and discharging efficiency and lifespan. Other factors include charge/discharge rates, cycle numbers, and storage duration.

Common Lithium Battery Safety and Reliability Tests

1. Visual Inspection: Checks for mechanical damage, scratches, deformation, etc.
2. Dimensional Measurement: Ensures battery dimensions meet design specifications.
3. Airtightness Test: Verifies battery seal integrity to prevent leaks or internal chemical reactions.
4. Insulation Resistance Test: Ensures no short circuits or electrical hazards during use.
5. Overcharge/Discharge Test: Evaluates performance under different states of charge, including charge/discharge rates and cycle life.
6. High-Temperature Storage Test: Assesses performance under high temperatures.
7. Low-Temperature Storage Test: Evaluates performance in low-temperature environments.
8. Cycle Life Test: Simulates charging and discharging cycles to assess reliability.
9. Mechanical Impact Test: Examines stability under mechanical shocks.
10. Vibration Test: Checks stability during transportation or use.

Lithium battery safety is a critical aspect throughout their usage. National and international standards have been established for lithium battery safety testing, requiring batteries to be fire-proof, explosion-proof, leak-proof, and with intact packaging during tests.

Common Testing Standards:

• GB/T31485-2015 “Requirements and Test Methods for Safety of Power Batteries for Electric Vehicles”
• GB 31241-2014 “Safety Requirements for Lithium Ion Batteries and Battery Packs for Portable Electronic Products”
• UN38.3 “Testing and Criteria for Lithium Batteries and Battery Packs”
• UL1642 “Safety Standard for Lithium Batteries”
• IEC62133-2012 “Safety Requirements for Portable Sealed Alkaline or Other Non-Acid Electrolyte Secondary Cells and Batteries (Lithium Battery Section)”
• GB 21966-2008 “Safety Requirements for Lithium Primary Batteries and Cells in Transport”
• GB/T 8897.4-2008 “Safety Requirements for Lithium Batteries - Part 4: Primary Batteries”
• GB/T 36672-2018 “Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Motorcycles and Electric Mopeds”
• GB/T31467.3 “Safety Requirements and Test Methods for Lithium-Ion Power Battery Packs and Systems for Electric Vehicles”

In conclusion, rigorous adherence to standards like GB/T31241, GB/T38031, and others for physical and reliability testing of new energy batteries is crucial. HOPPT BATTERY can assist customers in enhancing the safety and reliability of lithium batteries, promoting their application and development across various fields, and helping in the research of innovative products and the optimization of product performance.