Are Lithium Batteries Safe?
Dispelling The Myths of Lithium Battery Safety
Lithium batteries have taken the world by storm, offering unparalleled energy storage solutions. However, questions and concerns about their safety have been making headlines.
In this blog, we will explore the safety of the two distinct lithium battery types offered by Proquip NZ: Numatic International’s NX1K Lithium Phosphate batteries and NX300 Lithium-ion batteries. We will address common questions and fears related to lithium batteries and demonstrate how each of these batteries provides solutions to these concerns.
Understanding the different types of Lithium Battery
Before we delve into the safety aspects, let’s establish the fundamental differences between the two types of lithium batteries that we offer: the NX1K Lithium Phosphate and NX300 Lithium-ion.
| Characteristic | NX1K Lithium Phosphate | NX300 Lithium-ion |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode Material | Iron Phosphate | Cobalt Oxide |
| Anode Material | Graphite | Graphite |
| Electrolyte Type | Solid | Liquid |
| Thermal Stability | High | Moderate |
| Energy Density | Lower | Higher |
| Cycle Life | Longer | Shorter |
Common Concerns About Lithium Batteries
Are Lithium Batteries a Fire Hazard?
A widespread fear associated with lithium batteries is the risk of fire and thermal runaway. Thermal Runaway is a phenomenon in which a battery enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. In minor cases, this can cause batteries to melt or be damaged beyond repair. This concern stems from incidents involving certain types of lithium-ion batteries.
NX300 Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion batteries, such as the NX300, are more prone to thermal runaway due to their liquid electrolyte and cobalt oxide cathodes. However, the NX300 is equipped with a Smart Safe Charge System – a built-in battery status and health check safety system (SoH – State of Health) that monitors multiple parameters, ensuing the battery is safe to use at all times. This monitors the battery’s temperature and voltage, preventing overcharging and overheating.
NX1K Lithium Phosphate
Lithium Phosphate batteries, like the NX1K, are inherently more stable. Their solid electrolyte and iron phosphate cathodes significantly reduce the risk of thermal runaway.
Are Lithium Batteries Safe to Leave Charging?
People often worry that overcharging their lithium batteries can lead to overheating, damage, and even fire. It is generally not recommended to store your battery in its charger, even if the charger is switched off, however, both the NX1K and NX300 batteries feature overcharge protection which prevents overcharging and associated risks.
NX300 Lithium-ion
With the NX300, if the battery is discharged at temperatures above 35ºC at high loads, the over-temperature protection limit will be triggered. This feature prevents the battery from being damaged due to high temperatures and the battery will accept charge again once the temperature returns to ambient room temperature.
NX1K Lithium Phosphate
The chemical stability of the iron-phosphate cathode in the NX1K battery means that the chemistry breaks down in the event of high temperatures making Lithium-Phosphate batteries inherently safe. The battery can also be used partially charged without compromising its capacity.
Do Lithium Batteries Have a Short Lifespan?
Generally speaking, Lithium batteries have a longer lifespan than standard batteries on the market, such as the flooded lead-acid battery. On average, the typical estimated life of a lithium-ion battery is 2-3 years or 500 charge cycles which can vary depending on maintenance. One charge cycle is a period of use from fully charged, to fully discharged, and fully recharged again. Unlike most Lithium batteries on the market, the NX batteries from Numatic utilise the very latest in battery technology for much longer life spans.
NX300 Lithium-ion
The NX300 Lithium-ion battery is rated for 2500 cycles with at least 5 year life expectancy which is supported by a warranty of 3 years.
NX1K Lithium Phosphate
The NX1K Lithium-Phosphate battery is rated for 4000 cycles with at least 10 year life expectancy which is supported by a warranty of 8 years. The NX1K has lower self discharge rates and can be kept partially discharged, significantly reducing capacity loss over its lifetime.
Best Safety Practices for Lithium Batteries
Irrespective of the lithium battery type you choose, practicing general battery safety is essential. Here are some tips to ensure the safe use of batteries. For safety guidelines specific to your equipment, please refer to the product manual from the manufacturer.
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Charging – Use only the chargers provided by the manufacturer. Avoid using incompatible chargers, as they may pose a safety risk. |
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Storage – Store your batteries in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. A fireproof storage container is ideal for an added layer of safety, though not entirely necessary. |
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Avoid Extreme Conditions – Do not expose your batteries to extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. Extreme temperatures can affect a battery’s performance and safety. |
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Regular Inspections – Periodically inspect your batteries and their chargers for physical damage, such as cracks or punctures. If damage is found, cease use immediately and replace the damaged batteries. |