Benefits of lithium battery charging cabinets
When the temperature of of lithium-ion batteries gets too high the risk of dangerous lithium related fires also increases. Lithium battery charging cabinets are the perfect solution to minimise the risks lithium batteries pose and charge and store batteries in a safe and efficient manner.
Lithium battery charging cabinets not only offer a convenient space to charge batteries but the robust powder-coated, double wall steel construction offers ultimate fire protection with the dual fan system keeping the batteries cool, reducing the chance of combustion. In this article we will highlight some of the dangers lithium batteries pose and by lithium battery charging cabinets are a beneficial safety solution.
There have been many cases in recent years of property damage, injuries and even deaths related to lithium battery fires. It is important that lithium batteries are treated as a dangerous good and stores and handled appropriately.
Some of the main dangers lithium batteries pose are:
Overheating and Fire Hazard: Lithium-ion batteries are prone to thermal runaway, a condition where the battery temperature increases rapidly due to internal short circuits or overcharging. This can lead to a buildup of heat, potentially causing the battery to catch fire or explode. The electrolyte inside lithium-ion batteries is flammable, which exacerbates the fire risk.
Thermal Runaway: Lithium-ion batteries may undergo thermal runaway, an escalating process of heat production causing a swift rise in temperature. This can lead to the emission of combustible electrolytes and gases, potentially culminating in fires or explosions.
Overcharging and Over-discharging: Charging lithium-ion batteries beyond their specified voltage limits can cause instability in the battery chemistry, leading to overheating and potential damage to the battery. Similarly, discharging the battery below a certain voltage threshold can lead to irreversible chemical reactions and decrease the battery's capacity or even render it unusable.
Physical Damage: Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to physical damage, such as punctures, crushing, or bending. Damaging the battery casing can result in internal short circuits, electrolyte leakage, and potentially hazardous situations.
Short Circuit: Short circuits can occur due to damage to the battery casing, manufacturing defects, or external factors such as exposure to water or physical impact. A short circuit can cause a rapid discharge of energy, leading to overheating, fire, or even explosion.
Why are lithium fires so hard to extinguish?
Lithium fires are particularly challenging to extinguish due to several factors:
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Reactive Nature: Lithium metal reacts vigorously with water and oxygen. When a lithium-ion battery catches fire, it releases lithium metal, which reacts with moisture in the air or any water-based fire suppressants. This reaction can intensify the fire rather than extinguish it.
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High Temperature: Lithium fires burn at extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 1000°C (1832°F). These high temperatures can cause conventional fire extinguishing agents to evaporate before effectively suppressing the fire.
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Reignition: Even if a lithium fire appears to be extinguished, there's a risk of reignition. Lithium can reignite if it's not fully cooled and isolated from oxygen.
What is the best way to store lithium batteries?
Lithium battery charging cabinets are the safest way to store lithium batteries. Titan Safety's range of cabinets include several safety features such as the following:
Heavy duty steel: Titan Safety's range of lithium battery charging cabinets are made from heavy duty powder-coated steel. They have a double wall construction with a 40mm barrier. This offers ultimate protection and containment in the event of a fire.
Dual fan system: Titan Safety's lithium battery storage cabinets are fitted with two fans which emit 55 cubic meters of air per hour, one fan to draw in cool air and another to expel the hot air, therefore cooling the temperature of the batteries.
In-built containment sump: Batteries are designed to charge and sit above an in-built containment sump to collect any potential leaks of electrolyte, reducing risks of short circuiting or corrosion.
Self-closing doors: Cabinets feature self-closing doors so they cannot be left open or ajar by personnel.
Titan Safety's range of lithium battery storage cabinets
Titan Safety stock lithium battery cabinets in warehouses Australia wide, better yet they are also made right here in Australia. They come in two sizes - an 18 outlet cabinets and an 8 outlet cabinet.
Click here to view our lithium battery charging cabinets and place an order today.