Thermal Runaway Battery- Introduction, Simulation, and Fire Safety

Batteries bring a lot of ease and functionality to our life and one of the types of batteries that are very well known for this is the lithium-ion battery. Well, many other batteries provide us with a lot of benefits for using them.

3.2V 20A Low Temp LiFePO4 Battery Cell -40℃ 3C discharge capacity≥70% Charging temperature：-20~45℃ Discharging temperature: -40~+55℃ pass acupuncture test -40℃ maximum discharge rate：3C

READ MORE

However, there is one issue with most of the batteries and that is the thermal runaway. This is something that a lot of people do not know about and it is unbelievably dangerous. So, this might be the right time to know about this side of the batteries. Here we will discuss everything about the thermal runaway of the batteries.

What is a thermal runaway battery?

As the name speaks for itself, this is the condition where the temperature of the battery rises while it is running. The rising temperature for the batteries while being used is a normal case in many situations and battery types. However, sometimes this might not be as normal, and it can cause severe reactions. Here is the main reaction that happens in the battery.

What is the science happening in the battery that causes thermal runaway?

Speaking of the reaction happening inside the battery, the main cause of temperature rise is the usage of the battery. This thermal runaway usually happens when the battery is being charged. As the flow of current heats, the battery, the cell temperature rises which allows more current to flow and the temperature rises further. This reaction keeps going on and the temperature of the battery keeps on rising.

What factors lead to this situation?

There are a very few factors that can lead the battery towards this type of issue. Here we have explained some of the factors responsible for thermal runaway.

Abuse: when the battery has to deal with some harsh impact that might because of hitting the battery with something.

Overcharging: not using the right charger for the battery or charging the battery for a very long time.

Expired battery: using the battery when it is not suitable for being used.

All of these factors can lead the battery towards thermal runaway.

Low Temperature High Energy Density Rugged Laptop Polymer Battery Battery specification: 11.1V 7800mAh -40℃ 0.2C discharge capacity ≥80% Dustproof, resistance to dropping, anti - corrosion, anti - electromagnetic interference

READ MORE

The long term effects of thermal runaway.

Thermal runaway is the problem with the batteries that can cause severe issues. One of the major issues is creating fire or explosion but this only happens in extreme conditions. Other than this, the rise in battery temperature can cause the life and performance of the battery to deplete by a huge factor ultimately making the battery almost useless for practical applications.

Thermal runaway battery simulation:

Considering the effects of thermal runaway batteries there are different methods and procedures implemented on the battery for ensuring the better safety and performance of the battery. Here we will discuss some of the parts of this simulation.

Analysis

The first and the very significant part of this simulation is the analysis and prediction of the thermal runaway. This analysis phase helps to gather around all the information about the behavior of different batteries under different conditions. This gathered information is used for the efficient results of the next phase.

Comparison.

With the experiment and analysis phase being completed, the next please is where the results are compared. The main intention of this comparison is the validation of the model that helps to deduce results by comparing all the information.

Practical application.

After deducing the results from the experiments, analysis, and comparisons the results are then implemented on different models of the batteries for the production of a safer model.

Using the tests’ results and the newer models for the additional research.

The last phase of this simulation is the production of better yields of batteries along with the model that can predict different types of batteries and their effectiveness for being safe from thermal runaway.

What are some benefits of this simulation?

Simulation is a great way where the batteries, especially the lithium-ion batteries, are tested, and newer and safer models can be developed. This means that whenever the battery is produced, this simulation will not only help to make the production release safer for the consumers, but it will also save the manufacturers from a lot of hassle and financial loss.

Thermal runaway battery fire safety:

The batteries work on the principle of two different materials separated by another material called electrolyte. The power here is converted into electrical energy from chemical energy and this is done with the flow of electrons. However, under some circumstances, this flow of electrons can cause fire. This is called the thermal runaway fire.

It is mostly caused because the flow of electrons through the battery is so fast that it heats the battery. Eventually, the battery becomes so hot that one of the materials reaches its melting point where it reacts with the other mates which ends up in a fire. Thermal runaway battery safety techniques are used in this case to make the battery safe considering different aspects.

What are the benefits of doing this?

There are several benefits of implementing thermal runaway battery safety, some of them are elaborated below.

Safety of the lab testing environment.

When it comes to battery testing, all of the work cannot be done using machinery and sometimes humans have to deal with things. Well, this battery safety can make the battery safe for the people testing it. Although it can undermine the performance of the battery,?

This can make the battery very safe.

Safety of the end-users

After the battery is commercially produced, users can use it and implementation of the fire safety for thermal runaway battery makes the battery very safe for use. The only exceptional case left here is the case when the battery is being abused because this affects the physical structure of the battery.

Final Thoughts

Thermal runaway is a situation where the battery temperature rises, and it eventually catches fire if no safety is used. Here we discussed all about the working and simulation of thermal battery runaway. We also elaborated on the safety techniques of thermal runaway.