Lithium-ion batteries have become a trustworthy choice across many industries, from mobile phones to domestic and industrial energy storage. Their performance, longevity and efficiency are well proven. However, like any power technology, lithium-ion battery systems need proper maintenance to ensure safety.
At YOK Energy, safety is designed into every solution we supply. Today, we’ll unpack the key factors and best practices for safe lithium-ion battery operations, so you know your investment and our manufacturing partners’ strict procedures are up to standard.
Understanding the Risks
Lithium-ion battery systems are designed to be safe and hold a high amount of energy in a compact form. It is no accident that they are classed as dangerous goods, in some circumstances, risks can arise, such as:
- Thermal Runaway – An uncontrolled rise in temperature could cause the internal chemical reaction to accelerate, possibly resulting in cell failure, or in extreme cases explosion or fire
- Overcharging – Can cause increase in temperature that can lead to damaged battery materials or thermal runaway
- Physical Damage – Puncturing or crushing will increase the chances of short circuits
- Deep Discharge – Can cause battery decay and unpredictability over time.
Built-in Safety Features
Modern lithium-ion battery systems include various layers of protection to limit risks, including:
- PCM Protection Circuit Module – these small circuits are either fitted to the battery cell(s) during manufacture, or are designed as part of the customer’s power circuitry
- BMS Battery Management System – This complex circuitry is usually used for large multicell batteries, and monitors temperature, voltage and current in real time. It can also be designed to store battery usage history
- Overcharge/over discharge protection – To keep operations running smoothly and safely. Incorporated into both PCMs and BMSs.
- Thermal Management Systems – Prevents overheating. Incorporated into both PCMs and BMSs.
- Tough Casing and Cell Module Separators – Containing and isolating possible faults.
Best Practices for Safe Use
To design and carry out an application safely, YOK recommend beginning with certified products that meet industry-recognised safety standards. Installation must be done by a qualified professional to guarantee proper setup and system integration.
A continuous safety regime relies on consistent monitoring, using the battery’s management software to track performance and system health.
It’s also vital to shield batteries from extreme temperatures, moisture or physical impacts that could harm them. Like any critical system, scheduled maintenance and vigorous inspections should be planned to see early signs of wear and tear, especially in high-use environments.
Find a Reliable Battery Solution for You
As lithium-ion battery systems continue to evolve, so do safety precautions. New Battery chemistries such as lithium iron phosphate (LiFeO4) give enhanced thermal stability, while improved BMS technologies offer better early warning signals and fault isolation.
Our team at YOK Energy provide professional assistance and advice for our clients so you can navigate through these choices and get exactly what you need without any hassle, supplying a tailored lithium-ion solution that not only delivers performance, but also peace of mind.
If you want to learn more in person, visit our events page by clicking the button below to see where you can meet the YOK Energy team, attend live demonstrations and get expert advice on safe, effective battery solutions.