The risk of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries can be mitigated through multiple layers of prevention, monitoring, and containment strategies:
Key Risk Mitigation Strategies
1. Battery Management Systems (BMS)
- Lithium-ion batteries must be equipped with a sophisticated BMS designed specifically for their chemistry. This system monitors cell-level voltages, currents, and temperatures continuously to detect early signs of thermal runaway.
- The BMS uses advanced sensors and algorithms to alert or automatically intervene if abnormal conditions such as overcharging, overheating, or rapid temperature increase occur.
2. Intelligent Charging Protocols
- Charging algorithms that adapt the charging current and voltage based on the battery’s state-of-health and condition help prevent overcharging and overheating, which are common triggers for thermal runaway.
3. Physical Design and Thermal Management
- Incorporating thermal barriers between cells or modules can contain heat and prevent the spread of thermal runaway to neighboring cells or battery units. These barriers must be highly heat resistant, non-flammable, and able to absorb or dissipate heat effectively.
- Physical separation or spacing between cells enhances heat dissipation and reduces risk of propagation.
4. Temperature Control and Proper Storage
- Maintaining batteries within an ideal temperature range (commonly between 5°C to 20°C or 40°F to 70°F) during storage and operation helps reduce thermal stress that can cause runaway reactions.
- Avoid exposure to high temperatures or environments that can accelerate battery degradation.
5. System-Level Protection and Circuit Isolation
- In battery systems, circuit breakers or protective devices should immediately interrupt current flow if thermal runaway is detected to prevent spread and reduce damage.
- Fire suppression systems such as dry-type NOVEC agents or aerosol fire suppression are often integrated within battery storage systems to quickly contain fires caused by thermal runaway.
6. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring
- Preventative maintenance visits should be conducted periodically (e.g., twice a year) to inspect battery health and monitor key parameters.
7. Use of High-Quality Batteries with Built-in Safety Features
- Selecting batteries with inherent protection against overcharge, over-discharge, and internal shorts reduces the likelihood of thermal runaway initiation.
Summary Table of Mitigation Measures
| Mitigation Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Battery Management System (BMS) | Monitors cell-level voltages, current, and temperature to detect anomalies early |
| Intelligent Charging Protocols | Adaptive charging prevents overcharging and overheating |
| Thermal Barriers | Heat-resistant, non-flammable barriers contain and absorb heat |
| Physical Separation | Spacing between cells dissipates heat and reduces propagation risk |
| Temperature Control | Store and operate batteries within recommended temperature ranges |
| Circuit Isolation & Fire Suppression | Immediate current cut-off plus integrated fire suppression systems |
| Regular Maintenance | Periodic inspections and monitoring to track battery health |
| High-Quality Batteries | Built-in protections reduce risk of internal faults |
Together, these strategies form a comprehensive approach to mitigating thermal runaway risk in lithium-ion batteries, enhancing both safety and battery longevity.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-can-the-risk-of-thermal-runaway-in-lithium-ion-batteries-be-mitigated/
