Lithium-Based Batteries – What Every Manufacturer Should Know (Part 5)

29 Dec 2011

Over the course of the last few weeks, this blog has broken out several common factors that manufacturers should be aware of from a safety standpoint when using lithium batteries. In today’s blog entry, the final common factors will be explored: 1) subject of charging primary batteries; and 2) and insufficient charge control of rechargeable batteries.

Charging Primary Batteries
Primary lithium batteries are not built to be charged. Why? Gas is formed within the cell, causing its internal pressure to rise. As a result, venting or even an explosion could occur if lithium batteries were charged. Primary lithium cells connected in parallel, and thereby exposed to a potential source of charging, should be protected by diodes.

Incorrect or insufficient charge control of rechargeable batteries
Charging is the single most risky element in the battery cycle. But why? Energy flows into the system from an external source. It is extremely important to comply with the charge recommendations of the cell and battery manufacturers, with respect to voltage limitation and temperature, in order to ensure a long and safe battery life.

For more information about battery testing, please visit intertek.com/energy-storage. Next week’s blog will take a closer look at charging primary batteries.

What other questions or comments do you have around lithium-based batteries? Please leave a comment below and one our experts will respond.