How to Safely Store Lithium Batteries?

02 Sep.,2024

 

How to Safely Store Lithium Batteries?

The world of technology is often powered by lithium batteries, from our smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and various home appliances. Known for their high energy density and long life cycles, lithium batteries have become a staple in our daily lives. However, these powerful energy sources require specific care to ensure their longevity and safety.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Lithium Storage.

 

To ensure you store your lithium-ion batteries safely and correctly, we explain the storage steps you need to take in detail below.

 

Factors to Consider to Store Lithium Batteries

 

Lithium Ion batteries require a bit of extra care when it comes to storage techniques. These are often the most sought-after batteries for solar battery charging because they are rechargeable, but they can be expensive, so storing them properly is in the best interest in terms of cost and longevity.

 

Temperature

 

The environment in which lithium batteries are stored plays a significant role in their safety and lifespan. These batteries prefer cool, dry spaces away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can degrade the battery's performance and potentially make it unsafe.

 

The optimum storage temperature for lithium-ion batteries is 10C (50F). The higher the temperature at which your lithium-ion battery is stored, the more quickly it will self-discharge.

 

In most instances, temperatures below freezing won&#;t significantly damage lithium-ion batteries as they don&#;t contain water. Still, you shouldn&#;t store them at sub-zero temperatures regardless. If you&#;re storing your lithium-ion batteries long-term make sure the conditions are optimal.

 

Humidity

 

Humidity can also affect lithium batteries. Moisture can cause corrosion on the battery contacts and, in some cases, can lead to the battery shorting out. Therefore, it's essential to store these batteries in an area with low humidity.

 

The optimum storage humidity for lithium-ion batteries is 50%. When the air is too humid, condensation can accumulate between the terminals, which can cause a short in the batteries.

 

In the worst-case scenario, a short can cause the battery to overheat and it may even catch fire. It&#;s for this reason that you should provide each terminal with a separate cover and do everything you can to prevent humidity from damaging the lithium-ion cells.

 

Charge

 

Lithium batteries should be kept in a non-conductive and fire-resistant storage container when not in use. This measure further reduces the risk of any unintended reactions that could compromise safety.

 

Every battery self-discharges when it is stored in the long term. Typically, most lithium-ion batteries will self-discharge at around 5% in the first 24 hours of being charged. Thereafter, each battery will discharge at a rate of 1-2% per month. If your lithium-ion battery comes with a safety circuit, this alone will contribute to a self-discharge rate of around 3%.  

 

It&#;s best to store your lithium-ion batteries at around a 40-50% state of charge if you plan to use them immediately. You should also be mindful that lithium-ion batteries can suffer damage if you overcharge them for too long.

 

Prevent Battery Terminals from Coming into Contact

 

Arguably the most vital aspect of storing lithium batteries safely is ensuring the battery terminals don't touch any metals or other battery terminals. Lithium batteries and devices containing them should be stored in a secure compartment, cabinet, or shelf that's protected from potential bumps or disturbances. This prevents any displacement of the batteries and keeps the terminals from contacting.

 

To increase safety, consider utilizing battery terminal covers, or store them in their original packaging if it's feasible. Importantly, batteries should be kept separate as much as possible, similar to how you would prevent squabbling kids in the backseat of a car from bothering each other during a long drive. If space constraints necessitate stacking batteries, take care to position them so they won't be disturbed, and avoid placing additional items on top of them.

 

Organize Batteries by Type and Age

 

For safety's sake, you might need to engage in a bit of organization. Separating batteries by type is logical and prevents a haphazard, chaotic assortment of cells that can be overwhelming. Plus, it simplifies the task of keeping the terminals from touching. It's also advisable to categorize batteries based on their age, which may not seem obvious but is a crucial safety step. Typically, the weakest battery can limit a device's performance. If one battery is weak, your remote control may not transmit a signal effectively, or your emergency flashlight might glow less brightly.

 

More alarmingly, mixing old and new batteries can pose dangers. The constant voltage output from the chemical reaction in a battery depends on the battery's internal resistance, which increases as the battery is used. This resistance can cause the battery to heat up when a newer battery forces energy through the older one, potentially causing the older battery to overheat or leak. Additionally, the newer battery loses energy much quicker, which is inefficient. By keeping track of your batteries' age, you can safely get maximum use from them. Consider labeling your batteries with the purchase date or store receipts with your batteries to help remember when you bought them.

 

Maintain Batteries in a Moderate and Dry Climate

 

Here, the term "climate" implies an optimal environment for batteries. They should be kept in mild conditions, away from sunlight, heat, and humidity. The storage area should be well-ventilated and dry, with a fairly consistent temperature. The best temperature for storing batteries is around 59&#;, but typical room temperatures are usually adequate. That is, unless your living conditions fall outside the range of &#;40°F to 122°F, which suggests you reside in extreme environments like an igloo or a volcano, and it would be inadvisable to store batteries in your home.

 

For a better understanding of how to store lithium batteries safely, here are some things to avoid:

 

  1. Avoid charging the battery near fire or extreme heat. If the battery leaks or releases an unusual odor, immediately remove it from an open flame.

 

  1. Stop using the battery immediately if it swells or leaks.

 

  1. Keep the battery away from water and dampness.

 

  1. Never throw the battery into a fire or heat it.

 

  1. Never directly connect the battery to a wall outlet or car cigarette lighter.

 

  1. Do not short-circuit the battery's positive and negative poles with wires or other metal objects. Avoid transporting or storing the battery with metallic objects like necklaces or hairpins.

 

  1. Avoid mishandling the battery by knocking, stepping on, or modifying it. Do not expose it to sunlight or place it in a microwave or high-voltage environment.

 

  1. Always use a proper lithium battery charger. Never use inferior chargers or chargers for other types of batteries.

 

  1. Do not mix the battery with metal objects as they could touch the battery's positive and negative terminals, leading to a short circuit, damaging the battery, or causing hazards.

 

  1. Do not use the battery with primary batteries or batteries of different capacities, models, and types.

 

  1. If the battery emits an unusual odor, overheats, deforms, discolors, or shows any other abnormalities, it should be immediately removed from the device or charger and cease use.

 

  1. During transport, protect the battery from moisture and avoid squeezing or colliding, which could damage the battery.

 

  1. Never use or store the battery in high-temperature environments (such as in the hot sun or a very hot car), as this can cause the battery to overheat, ignite, malfunction, and shorten its life.

 

  1. Avoid storage in places with strong static electricity or magnetic fields as it can damage the battery's safety protection device, leading to potential risks.

 

  1. If the battery shows any signs of unusual odor, overheating, discoloration, deformation, or other abnormalities during use, storage, or charging, remove the battery from the device or charger immediately and discontinue use.

 

In Conclusion

 

Are you interested in learning more about Lithium Storage Battery Manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

The advancements in lithium battery technology have brought unprecedented convenience and efficiency into our daily lives. From powering our smartphones and laptops to electric cars and countless other devices, their utility is undeniable. However, along with the immense benefits, they also come with specific safety concerns. Proper handling and storage of lithium batteries are not only crucial for maximizing their lifespan but, more importantly, for preventing potentially hazardous situations.

 

The significance of correct lithium battery storage practices cannot be overstated. It's essential to understand these safety measures and put them into practice. Only then can we continue to benefit from the technological miracles that these tiny powerhouses provide while ensuring our safety. As consumers and beneficiaries of this technology, it's our responsibility to be informed and vigilant. By doing so, we contribute to a safer and more efficient energy future.

 

FAQs about lithium battery storage 

 

In what temperature range should the lithium battery be used?

 

Lithium-ion batteries can be used in a temperature range of -20°C to +55°C.However, charging can usually only take place at temperatures of +0°C to +45°C.

 

How long is the battery life?

 

Lithium-ion batteries can be charged up to 1,000 times (depending on capacity). However, these values can only be achieved under optimal conditions. Depending on the handling and maintenance of the battery, the number of cycles may be reduced. During the service life, the capacity will decrease. Generally speaking, when the nominal capacity of the battery is less than 70%, it is called worn-out.

 

What is the memory effect (using NiCd technology) and/or the lazy battery effect?

 

The battery keeps track of its intensity of use. If the battery is not fully discharged before charging, small crystals will form on the electrodes and they will be less likely to accept an electrical charge. Thus, if the battery is not fully discharged one at a time, the operating time of the battery becomes shorter and shorter. 

Complete Guide For Lithium ion Battery Storage - DNK Power

Lithium-ion battery are fire hazards, so How should we store the lithium batteries?

In general, Lithium ion batteries (Li-ion) should not be stored for longer periods of time, either uncharged or fully charged. The best storage method, as determined by extensive experimentation, is to store them at a low temperature, not below 0°C, at 40% to 50% capacity. Storage at 5°C to 15°C is optimal. Since lithium batteries self-discharge, it is recommended that they must be recharged every 12 months.
We can further divide it into short-term storage and long-term storage.

Short-term storage: Store the battery in a dry place with no corrosive gases and a wet temperature between -20&#;-35&#;, higher or lower temperature will cause the metal parts of the battery to rust or the battery to leak.

Long-term storage: As long-term storage will cause the battery activity passivation and accelerate the self-discharge rate, the ambient temperature should preferably be between 10&#;-30&#;, in addition, it is necessary to do a charge/discharge cycle every 3 months to maintain its activity and recovery performance.

Charge 40% to 50% of the battery charge, and refrigerate in a dry environment. Cooler temperatures and less charge is conducive to maintaining the life of the battery, but too little charge can not be, because the battery will be self-discharge in storage, once the battery slowly run out of power, it will seriously shorten the battery life.

The extent of the effect can be referred to the following relationship between the storage temperature of lithium batteries and the rate of permanent loss of capacity.

Storage Temperature (&#;)

40% State of Charge(SOC) 100% State of Charge(SOC) 0 38%(one year later) 94%(one year later) 25 36%(one year later) 80%(one year later) 40 32%(one year later) 65%(one year later) 50 25%(one year later) 60%(one year later)

Want More Details: Download our battery design ebook.

Lithium Battery Design Design Ebook Download(2M, 20 pages, PDF)

Some may ask, should the battery be removed from the device when not in use for a long period of time?

Yes. There is also a small current flowing through the shutdown device, causing a complete discharge, which can damage the battery over time, and in the worst case scenario, destroy the device along with it.

To help you understand better about the storage of lithium batteries, we&#;ve summarized a list of prohibitions.
1. Do not charge the battery under fire or extreme heat. Do not use or store the battery near a heat source (such as a fire or heater). If the battery leaks or emits a peculiar smell, immediately move it away from the open flame;
2. When the battery swells up, leaks, etc., stop using it immediately
3. Do not put the battery in water or get it wet
4. Do not throw the battery into the fire or heat the battery
5. Do not connect the battery directly to a wall socket or car cigarette lighter socket
6. Do not short-circuit the positive and negative poles of the battery with wires or other metal objects. It is forbidden to transport or store the battery with necklaces, hairpins or other metal objects.
7. Do not knock, acupuncture, step on, modify, or expose the battery to the sun, and do not place the battery in a microwave or high-voltage environment.
8. Do not hit, throw or subject the battery to mechanical shock
9. Use a regular matching lithium battery charger to charge the battery, do not use inferior or other types of battery chargers to charge the lithium battery.
10. Do not disassemble the battery in any way
11. Do not mix the battery with metal objects, lest the metal objects touch the positive and negative electrodes of the battery, causing a short circuit, damaging the battery or even causing danger.
12. Do not use with primary batteries (such as dry batteries) or batteries with different capacities, models, and varieties.
13. Do not use the battery if it emits peculiar smell, heat, deformation, discoloration or any other abnormal phenomenon. If the battery is in use or charging, it should be removed from the electrical appliance or the charger immediately and stop using it.
14. In the transportation process, pay attention to moisture-proof, moisture-proof, avoid squeezing, collision, etc., to avoid battery damage.
15. Do not use or place the battery under high temperature (in the hot sun or in a very hot car), otherwise it may cause the battery to overheat, catch fire or function failure, and shorten its life.
16. Do not store in places with strong static electricity and strong magnetic fields, otherwise it is easy to damage the battery safety protection device and bring insecurity.
17.. If the battery emits peculiar smell, heat, discoloration, deformation, or any abnormality during use, storage, or charging, immediately remove the battery from the device or charger and stop using it.
18. Discarded batteries should be covered with insulating paper to prevent fire and explosion.

Lithium battery Storage Checklist

Before storing, remove the battery from the device

Charge or discharge the battery to 3.8V (use the charger set in &#;storage mode&#; or use a voltmeter to check V).

Use insulating materials (such as plastic, electrical tape) to protect the battery terminal.

Put the battery in a fireproof bag/container.

&#;Lithium-ion battery only&#; storage area

Room temperature and no heat source

Dry and well ventilated place

Remove all combustible materials (wood, carpet, gasoline are prohibited, ceramic or cement surfaces are recommended).

There must be an ABC or water fire extinguisher nearby. And know its location

Storage Measures For Factory

1.Cell or battery warehouses should be set up independently.
Set up &#;No Fireworks&#; eye-catching signs in storage places. It is strictly forbidden to stack combustibles and flammable items around.

2.The temperature of cell or battery warehouses should be controlled within the range of 20±5&#;,
The maximum should not exceed 30&#;,
The relative humidity should not be greater than 75%.
Keep the warehouse clean, dry and well ventilated, and do not store other items.

3.Cell or battery warehouses should be equipped with smoke and temperature alarm devices, and the alarm signal should be transmitted to a place where someone is on duty 24 hours a day.

4.Cell or battery warehouses should be equipped with independent external accident exhaust devices.
The accident exhaust devices should be interlocked with smoke and temperature alarm devices.

5.Cells and batteries should be neatly placed, not stacked too high, and storage facilities should be made of non-combustible materials, and anti-static measures should be taken.

6.The positive or negative pole position of each battery (cell) must be insulated to prevent short circuit protection measures.

7.Automatic sprinkler facilities should be set up in the battery warehouse.

8.The battery must not be stored at full capacity, and it is recommended to store it at 50% power.

9.Semi-finished batteries should be equipped with protective plates.

10.Waste batteries should be stored separately after being discharged.

11.Each fireproof zone of the battery and cell warehouse shall not exceed 250 square meters.

12.A sufficient number of spherical dry powder automatic fire extinguishers or sprinklers should be hung in the battery and cell warehouses.

13.The battery and cell warehouses should be equipped with 2 fire blankets each, and 1 special bucket for handling accident batteries.

PS:
1.Explosion-proof electrical equipment should be used in battery warehouses and aging rooms.
2.Faulty batteries and waste batteries must be placed in special treatment cabinets for isolation and disposal, and the use of explosion-proof sand buckets to deal with accident batteries is advocated.

Storage Measures For Daily Lithium Battery Users

1. For Lithium-ion batteries which need to be stored for a long time and not used, they should be kept in a state of 50%-60% charge. They should be recharged every 3 months and recharged every half a year.

2.Attention should be paid to moisture-proof and moisture-proof, to prevent squeezing, collision, etc., to avoid battery damage.

3. It is forbidden to use or place the battery at high temperatures (in hot sunlight or in very hot cars), otherwise it may cause the battery to overheat, catch fire or fail in function, and shorten its life.

4. It is forbidden to store in places with strong static electricity and strong magnetic fields, otherwise it will easily destroy the battery safety protection device and bring unsafe hidden dangers.

5.If the battery emits an odor, fever, discoloration, deformation, or any abnormality during use, storage, or charging, immediately remove the battery from the device or charger and disable it.

Daily fire extunguish equipment and materials needed: dry powder fire extinguishers, sprinklers (water), fire blankets(for warehouses)

==========================================================================

FAQ about lithium battery storage

For lithium-ion batteries, studies have shown that it is possible to lose 3 to 5 percent of charge per month, and that self-discharge is temperature and battery performance and its design dependent. In general, self-discharge is higher as the temperature increases.

A fully discharged battery is understood to be &#;squeezed out&#; until it doesn&#;t produce any more of this current at all. In this case, the voltage drops to 0 volts. If this state is maintained, the electrodes in the battery will chemically react, rendering it partially to completely unusable. The result is that the capacity of the battery is greatly reduced and may not be recharged. Therefore, the battery should not be discharged below the final cut-off voltage associated with the type and should be recharged as soon as possible. Therefore, lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries should essentially not be discharged to the point of being completely unusable.

As a rule of thumb, lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery packs are recommended to be charged at about 10 to 20 percent of remaining capacity. Good lithium ion rechargeable batteries generally have extensive protection and/or monitoring circuitry within the battery pack to prevent full discharge/overcharge and explosion.
3. in what temperature range should the lithium battery be used?

Lithium-ion batteries can be used in a temperature range of -20°C to +55°C.However, charging can usually only take place at temperatures of +0°C to +45°C.

4. How long is the battery life?

Lithium-ion batteries can be charged up to 1,000 times (depending on capacity). However, these values can only be achieved under optimal conditions. Depending on the handling and maintenance of the battery, the number of cycles may be reduced. During the service life, the capacity will decrease. Generally speaking, when the nominal capacity of the battery is less than 70%, it is called worn-out.

5. What is the memory effect (using NiCd technology) and/or the lazy battery effect?

The battery keeps track of its intensity of use. If the battery is not fully discharged before charging, small crystals will form on the electrodes and they will be less likely to accept an electrical charge. Thus, if the battery is not fully discharged one at a time, the operating time of the battery becomes shorter and shorter.

In the case of NiMH technology, a battery inertia effect (lazy battery effect) comparable to the classical memory effect occurs. Lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries can and may be recharged at any time. These batteries do not have a memory effect and should only be recharged at frequent short intervals. In addition, full charging in several stages, with or without partial discharge in between, will not cause any damage.
However, lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries should not be fully discharged.
According to the experiment, if there is about 10% to 20% of the remaining capacity of the lithium ion polymer battery, charge it. Note that disconnecting a fully charged battery pack and reconnecting it to the charging unit will not result in a higher charge. This procedure will impair the performance capability of the battery.

Want More Details: Download our battery design ebook.

Lithium Battery Design Design Ebook Download(2M, 20 pages, PDF)