Modern batteries are becoming more powerful and energy-intensive, but these advantages are turned around and disadvantages. The most unpleasant disadvantage is the ability of batteries spontaneously explode, there are already quite a lot of such cases. Why does this happen and how to reduce the likelihood of an explosion of the battery?
Any type of batteries are characterized by the energy intensity - the amount of energy that is capable of carrying their cells in recalculation by the unit of mass. For example, the energy intensity of nickel-cadmium batteries is approximately 50-60 W * h / kg. Nickel-methydride has up to 70 W * h / kg. And in some types (there are 6 types of all) lithium-ion batteries, it can exceed 200 W * h / kg.
Modern lithium-ion batteries are distinguished by a large capacity
The more energy in itself carries the device, the more powerful it will be released with a short circuit. This process is accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature, so that part of the contents of the battery simply evaporates. This is actually an explosion.
Why does short circuit going?
Most often - due to improper connection or due to mechanical damage to the battery case. But not only.
Batteries are widely used in vacuum cleaners.
In some types of lithium-ion batteries, there is a disadvantage: on not until the end, the crystallization of metal lithium is begins on the electrodes of the battery cell, the crystallization of the metal lithium in the form of the characteristic "mustache" (similar beams of iron sawdust attracting to the poles of the magnet) begins. These microscopic "mustache" are able to serve as a current leakage. With a slow increase in leaks, the device is heated when working, thickening the case, the battery begins to lose the charge quickly. With a rapid increase in leaks, short circuit occurs.
Disruption of electrical insulation between the electrodes may occur due to external influence. Shaking, blows - even one unsuccessful drop in the battery from a height of 1-1.5 m on a solid surface sometimes it happens enough to lightly damage the subtlest layers of insulating material. In this case, an externally battery may look intact. Batteries overheating is also very recommended, their work in the wrong temperature mode. In the photo: rechargeable saw
Let's summarize:
- Most types of devices (nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and part of lithium-ion with energy intensity below 100 W * h / kg) in normal conditions do not explode even if you protrude them with nail. Some types of lithium-ion batteries with maximum energy intensity are exploding (over 200 W * h / kg); With them should be treated with increased caution.
- Do not drop batteries!
- Do not overheat the device. The operation of a smartphone or computer under conditions of poor ventilation of the case leads to overheating not only equipment, but also batteries. Observe the temperature mode when storing the batteries.
- For charging, do not use batteries from other types of batteries.
- When visual defects appear (body deformation, heating during operation), the use of this battery should be terminated immediately.