This can happen due to any of the above abuse conditions, or as a result of a manufacturing fault.Īny of these abuse conditions may result in an increase in the internal temperature of the cell, which in turn can initiate exothermic reactions such as SEI decomposition. Internal short circuit (ISC) : An ISC occurs due to the failure of the separator, allowing contact between the cathode and anode via the electrolyte. Mechanical abuse (penetration, pinch, and bend) : Mechanical abuse, usually caused by an external mishap to the LIB such as car crash or during installation, can result in electrical shorting between the electrodes, via the electrolyte, producing localised heating. At temperatures above 200 ☌ the hydrocarbon electrolyte can decompose and release heat. Thermal abuse (over-temperature) : Internal temperature in the 90-120 ☌ range will cause the Solid-Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) layer within a LiB to decompose exothermically. Over time this may pierce the separator causing a short circuit between electrodes and lead to thermal runaway. The conditions which may lead to thermal runaway and fire in LiBs fall into four categories :Įlectrical abuse (over-charging/discharging) : Over-charging or discharging to voltages beyond the manufacturers specified charge window can cause lithium plating, or dendrite formation, on the anode.

The LiB systems used in these applications consist of multi-cell packs and modules where thermal runaway in a single cell can initiate thermal runaway in adjacent cells and consequently compromise the integrity of the entire battery system. Despite the extensive usage of LiBs in energy storage applications, they are susceptible to thermal runaway and fire which is the primary safety concern when used in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), electric vehicles (EVs), aeroplanes and submarines. LiBs have attracted interest from academia and industry ‎due to their high power and energy densities compared to other battery technologies.

Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are a proven technology for energy storage systems, mobile electronics, power tools, aerospace, automotive and maritime applications.

Lithium battery fire