What are the Common Safety Standards for Lithium-ion Batteries?

The lithium-ion battery industry has a long history of standards development, which provides a wealth of information on the performance and safety of the batteries. Lithium-ion batteries contain lithium and oxygen, which need to be stored at low temperatures (-40C to -60C) to prevent them from exploding or catching fire during charging or discharging.

It's worth noting that safety standards may vary across different regions, organizations, and applications. It's essential to consult the relevant standards and regulations specific to your location and intended use of lithium-ion batteries.

Common safety standards for lithium-ion batteries include the following:

IEC 62133

This standard is issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and focuses on the safety requirements for portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries. It covers aspects such as electrical, thermal, mechanical, and environmental safety.

The IEC recommends that all dry bulk containers containing Li-Ion cells must be constructed out of noncombustible materials; must have adequate thermal insulation; must be equipped with appropriate fire separation systems; must be equipped with a means to monitor pressure inside the container; and must have a means to ventilate internally created smoke or fumes when necessary.

UL 1642

The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 1642 addresses the safety requirements for lithium batteries. It covers tests for physical abuse, electrical abuse, and environmental exposure.

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

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UN/DOT 38.3

The United Nations (UN) Manual of Tests and Criteria, Section 38.3, outlines the criteria for lithium batteries' safe transportation. It includes tests for altitude simulation, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, and more.

UN 3090 and UN 3480

These are specific UN transportation classifications for lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries, respectively. They provide guidelines for packaging, labeling, and handling of batteries during transportation.

ISO 12405

This International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard addresses the safety aspects of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. It covers electrical safety, thermal management, abuse testing, and more.

IEEE 1625

This standard from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) focuses on safety requirements for portable computing devices that use lithium-ion batteries. It includes criteria for cell selection, charging circuits, battery protection, and more.

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) DGR provides guidelines for transporting lithium batteries by air. It covers packaging, labeling, documentation, and handling procedures to ensure safe transportation.

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

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CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1

This Canadian standard outlines the safety requirements for information technology equipment, including devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. It covers electrical safety, insulation, thermal considerations, and more.

Lithium ion battery testing methods

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in various applications, including electric vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy storage systems. Testing lithium-ion batteries is crucial to ensure their safety, performance, and reliability. Here are some commonly used testing methods for lithium-ion batteries:

Capacity Testing

Capacity testing determines the amount of charge a battery can store and deliver. It involves fully charging the battery and then discharging it at a controlled rate while measuring the delivered capacity. This test helps assess the battery's energy storage capability.

Cycle Life Testing

Cycle life testing evaluates how a battery performs over multiple charge and discharge cycles. The battery is subjected to repetitive charging and discharging cycles until it reaches a specified end-of-life criterion, such as a certain capacity fade or increase in internal resistance. This test assesses the battery's longevity and degradation rate.

Rate Capability Testing

Rate capability testing measures the battery's ability to deliver power at different discharge rates. The battery is discharged at various rates, ranging from low to high, to determine its performance under different load conditions. This test helps evaluate the battery's power output and voltage stability.

Calendar Aging Testing

Calendar aging testing simulates the natural aging of a battery over time. The battery is stored under controlled temperature and humidity conditions, periodically removed for testing, and its performance parameters are measured. This test assesses the battery's long-term stability and aging characteristics.

Safety Testing

Safety testing is crucial to ensure that lithium-ion batteries do not pose any hazards, such as thermal runaway, explosion, or fire. Various safety tests include overcharge, over-discharge, short circuit, crush, and puncture tests. These tests evaluate the battery's ability to withstand abuse conditions and determine the effectiveness of safety mechanisms.

Environmental Testing

Environmental testing assesses the battery's performance and reliability under extreme environmental conditions. It includes tests such as temperature cycling, humidity exposure, vibration, and mechanical shock. These tests help evaluate the battery's stability and durability in real-world operating conditions.

Impedance Spectroscopy

Impedance spectroscopy is a technique used to measure the electrochemical impedance of a battery at different frequencies. By analyzing the impedance response, this method provides insights into the battery's internal electrochemical processes, including ion diffusion, charge transfer, and other phenomena. It is useful for detecting degradation and analyzing the battery's performance characteristics.

Lithium-ion battery standard sizes

Lithium-ion batteries come in various standard sizes and form factors. Here are some of the most common lithium-ion battery sizes:

18650

This is one of the most popular lithium-ion battery sizes. It measures approximately 18mm in diameter and 65mm in length. 18650 batteries are commonly used in laptops, power tools, e-cigarettes, and electric vehicles.

21700

This is a larger lithium-ion battery size that measures approximately 21mm in diameter and 70mm in length. 21700 batteries offer higher capacity and power compared to 18650 batteries, making them suitable for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and high-performance flashlights.

26650

Another larger lithium-ion battery size, the 26650 measures approximately 26mm in diameter and 65mm in length. These batteries are known for their higher capacity and are often used in electric vehicles, solar energy storage, and power tools.

14500

This lithium-ion battery size is commonly used in smaller devices like flashlights and some electronic gadgets. It has a diameter of approximately 14mm and a length of 50mm.

16340

Also known as CR123A, this lithium-ion battery size is frequently used in cameras, flashlights, and security systems. It measures approximately 16mm in diameter and 34mm in length.

38120

This is a large-format lithium-ion battery commonly used in electric vehicles, solar power systems, and industrial applications. It measures approximately 38mm in diameter and 120mm in length.

While these sizes are widely used, there may be other non-standard sizes available for specific applications or niche products. It's always important to check the specific requirements of the device or application you are using to ensure compatibility with the appropriate lithium-ion battery size.

UL standard for lithium-ion battery

UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is an independent global safety science company that provides certification and testing services for a wide range of products. UL develops safety standards for various industries, including lithium-ion batteries. However, please note that the information I can provide is based on my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, and there might have been updates or new standards introduced since then. I recommend checking the UL website or contacting UL directly for the most up-to-date information.

UL has developed several standards for lithium-ion batteries, including:

UL 1642

"Standard for lithium batteries." This standard covers the safety requirements for lithium batteries used in a variety of applications. It focuses on the safety of the battery cells themselves, including their construction, electrical characteristics, and performance.

UL 2054

"Standard for Household and Commercial Batteries." While this standard covers a broader range of battery technologies, it includes specific requirements for lithium-ion batteries. It addresses safety considerations for batteries used in consumer products, such as portable electronics, power tools, and medical devices.

UL 1973

"Standard for Batteries for Use in Light Electric Rail (LER) Applications and Stationary Applications." This standard focuses on batteries used in light electric rail (LER) systems, as well as stationary applications like energy storage systems. It includes requirements for battery design, construction, electrical performance, and safety features.

These are some of the notable UL standards related to lithium-ion batteries. However, depending on the specific application or industry, there might be other relevant UL standards or industry-specific standards that apply. It's essential to consult the appropriate standards and work with a recognized testing laboratory to ensure compliance and safety for lithium-ion battery products.