What Is Thermal Runaway In Lithium-Ion Batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are a common power source for many of our electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, electric bikes, tools, and electric cars. Despite having several advantages, lithium-ion batteries pose certain safety challenges. Thermal runaway is one of the most notable risks faced by users of lithium-ion batteries.
It is important to understand thermal runaway because it can lead to accidents, explosions, and injuries.
What is thermal runaway?
According to UL Research Institutes, a lithium-ion battery cell experiences a thermal runaway when its temperature spirals out of control and becomes self-perpetuating. As more heat builds up inside the battery cell, the chemical reaction generates additional heat, triggering an unsafe chain reaction that rapidly escalates. Smoke emissions, fires, excessive temperatures, and flammable gas leaks can result.
The difference between thermal runaway and overheating is that once the former starts, it sustains itself. This is because it spreads rapidly among adjacent battery cells.
What causes thermal runaway?
Thermal runaway can be caused by a number of conditions in lithium-ion batteries. As outlined by UL Research Institutes, causes of thermal runaway include:
- Defects during manufacturing
- Short-circuiting internally
- Physical damage from impacts/punctures
- Overcharging
- Excessive heat exposure
- Battery Management System failure
- Charging equipment misuse
Physical damage, overheating, and Battery Management System failure are also among the primary causes of thermal runaway cases, as outlined by the Fire Safety Research Institute.
Warning signs of thermal runaway
Sometimes, there are warning signs prior to actual failure. According to information from the U.S. Fire Administration, batteries may exhibit any of the following before ignition:
- Unusual heating
- Swelling
- Bulging
- Leakage
- Smoke
- Hissing
- Gas emissions
You should not ignore these warning signs. If your battery is defective or overheated, it should be disconnected from the power supply immediately.
Why is thermal runaway so dangerous?
Lithium-ion battery fires have certain differences from ordinary fires. They not only produce a considerable amount of heat, but they can also burn after the fire is put out. Battery fires can generate large amounts of heat, toxic fumes, and smoke. They can even cause explosions, according to the NFPA’s guidelines on lithium-ion battery safety.
Moreover, battery fires can reignite for hours, and sometimes even days, after the original fire.
Common injuries associated with thermal runaway
In cases where thermal runaway leads to fires and explosions, victims could suffer some very painful injuries. These include:
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns
- Injuries caused by smoke inhalation
- Eye injuries
- Damage caused by poisonous fumes
- Explosion injuries
- Severe scarring and deformities
All of these types of injuries would require very intensive care.
Legal claims involving defective batteries
In the event of a thermal runaway, injured victims may be able to pursue legal claims against the manufacturer. Product liability rules help injured victims obtain compensation for their losses, including medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Talk to a Lithium-Ion Battery Attorney Today
Have you been injured by a defective lithium-ion battery? If so, you can hold the manufacturer and others liable for your injuries. Call the Florida personal injury lawyers at Halpern, Santos & Pinkert today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.
Source:
fsri.org/research-update/journal-article-quantifies-fire-hazards-lithium-ion-battery-fires-caused-thermal
