The Science of Fire and Explosion Hazards from Lithium-Ion Batteries sheds light on lithium-ion battery construction, the basics of thermal runaway, and potential fire and explosion hazards.
One of the prominent risks associated with lithium-ion batteries is the potential for thermal runaway, leading to fires and explosions. In Australia, the risk of fire is particularly amplified in hot climates.
An overview of battery safety issues. Battery accidents, disasters, defects, and poor control systems (a) lead to mechanical, thermal abuse and/or electrical abuse (b, c), which can trigger side reactions in battery materials (d).
Stable LIB operation under normal conditions significantly limits battery damage in the event of an accident. As a result of all these measures, current LIBs are much safer than previous generations, though additional developments are still needed to improve battery safety even further.
And even when a lithium-ion battery fire appears to have been extinguished, it can reignite hours – or sometimes even days – later. Lithium-ion batteries can also release highly toxic gases when they fail, and excessive heat can also cause them to explode.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in Australia, powering a range of devices from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and home energy storage systems. While they offer many advantages, including high energy density and long lifespans, lithium-ion batteries pose potential risks, such as fire, explosion, and toxic chemical leaks.