Summer in Australia brings scorching temperatures and sun-soaked days. But not many people consider that it also brings heightened risk of lithium-ion battery fires. For industries relying on lithium-ion batteries, the rising mercury can pose a potential threat. Now, with an impending El Niño weather event further intensifying summer conditions, the need for reliable and secure storage solutions becomes paramount.
El Niño and Extreme Heat: What are the Risks of Li-ion Batteries?
The Bureau of Meteorology declared El Niño in September 2023. It is the first since the summer of 2015/16 and follows three years of La Nina summers in Australia. The El Niño climate phenomenon is characterised by warmer-than-average sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. With it comes the increased likelihood of heatwaves, and for businesses utilising Li-ion batteries, this brings a heightened risk of overheating.
One of the most common questions our Dangerous Goods Storage Consultants get asked is 'Does heat damage lithium-ion batteries?" And the answer is a resounding 'yes'. Lithium-ion batteries are particularly sensitive to heat and extreme temperatures. Excessive heat can trigger thermal runaway in cells, leading to battery fires and explosions.
Summer heat waves only increase the risk of lithium-ion batteries overheating.
Extremely Hot, Fast-burning and Hard to Contain
As a self-sustaining fire, lithium-ion battery fires are extremely hot, fast burning and are hard to contain. This can put real strain on the emergency services attending the site. They also release large amounts of dangerous fumes which are harmful to human health and can explode causing extensive harm people and workplaces. Firefighters in Australia currently use water to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires, but the blazes have proven to be extremely destructive and hard to put out. The lithium-ion battery, being so susceptible to heat, will continue to catch alight even after it’s been extinguished by fire crews.
Preventing Lithium-ion Battery Fires
According to Li-ion battery safety data sheets (SDS), "exposure to excessive heat may lead to venting or rupture of the sealed battery, exposing the internal components which may be corrosive and/or flammable. Vented gas would be flammable when in sufficient concentration." It is also stated that lithium-ion batteries should be stored in a cool, dry ventilated area away from sources of heat and moisture and that large temperature fluctuations are to be avoided. When working with lithium-ion batteries, always refer to your specific safety data sheet so you can ensure that you store batteries in the correct way.
Lithium-ion Battery Storage: Shielding Against the Heat
The ideal storage temperature for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries is 15°C. So, as the temperatures rise, so does the need for comprehensive safety measures.
Lithium-ion battery charging cabinets stand as a robust defense against the summer heat, offering features that significantly reduce the risk of overheating, thermal runaway, and potential fire hazards. The lithium-ion battery storage also helps to contain battery fires that do occur when the lithium-ion batteries are on charge.
Storemasta lithium-ion battery charging cabinets provide a cool, dry and secure environment for batteries.
Battery Fire Containment: Intelligent Protection for Lithium-ion Batteries
Storemasta's battery charging cabinets are the only battery cabinets designed and manufactured in Australia. These lithium-ion battery charging cabinets are designed with intelligent fire containment to prevent lithium-ion battery fires from escaping into the workplace.
The lithium-ion cabinets feature double-walled sheet steel construction and 40mm thermal air barriers. This innovative design provides insulation and protection in the event of a battery fire, protecting your businesses and providing peace of mind. The air barriers also help protect the contents of your battery cabinet from external fires.
Lithium-ion Batteries: Beating the Summer Heat
The cooling system integrated into Storemasta's cabinets is a game-changer, especially in the face of heatwaves and scorching summers. Equipped with a powerful 150mm fan capable of producing 67m3 of air per hour, it effectively mitigates the risk of overheating batteries and thermal runaway. This feature ensures that your batteries stay cool, even when the weather is anything but.
The correct battery storage will increase lithium-ion battery safety for your operations.
Spill Containment: Catching Every Flammable Drop
Damaged lithium-ion batteries can also add to the risk of battery fires and explosions due to the flammable electrolyte contained within the cell.
In the event of damaged or faulty lithium-ion battery cells leaking, Storemasta's cabinets come with built-in spill containment. With a generous sump capacity ranging from 23-64L, every drop of flammable electrolyte is contained, preventing potential hazards and environmental damage.
Super-Charging: Power and Safety Combined
Storemasta's cabinets supply all the charging power you need through high-quality, certified electrical fittings. With up to 18 charging ports providing a 10amp flow, your li-ion batteries can charge efficiently and safely, reducing the risk of overheating during the charging process.
Storemasta's lithium-ion battery cabinet offers electrically certified charging points to safely charge your cells.
Australian Made: Trusted Lithium-ion Battery Safety
As the only battery cabinet designed and built in Australia, Storemasta ensures quality and reliability. Australian-made products adhere to strict manufacturing standards, offering businesses a trustworthy solution for their li-ion battery storage needs. Storemasta has been manufacturing dangerous goods storage equipment for over 30 years and are considered a leader in the field of lithium-ion battery storage solutions.
5 Years Warranty: A Commitment to Long-Term Safety
Storemasta stands by the durability and effectiveness of its lithium-ion battery charging cabinets with a 5-year warranty. This commitment reflects the company's confidence in the cabinets' ability to provide long-term safety and protection, even in the face of challenging environmental conditions.
Case Study: Buggy Man Lithium-ion Battery Fire
Check out this video of our client David Blakeley, AKA The Buggy Man, who suffered a devastating li-ion battery fire in his NSW workshop and came to Storemasta for a solution. Blakeley’s workplace was destroyed when the lithium-ion battery from a client’s motorised gold buggy that he was repairing caught fire. Luckily the fire was extinguished before burning down the entire building and the adjoining businesses with it.
Battery Fires in the News
Unfortunately, there's no shortage of news stories regarding battery fires. See these resources to learn more about lithium-ion battery fires:
- Experts warn fires caused by lithium batteries set to rise as use of product increases. Read the article.
- What causes lithium-ion battery fires? Why are they so intense? And how should they be fought? An expert explains. Learn more.
- ACCC: Consumers urged to use and store lithium-ion batteries safely to prevent deadly fires. Read now.
How Can People Mitigate the Problems with Lithium-ion Batteries?
As the heat of summer and the El Niño weather event approach, it's crucial for businesses to fortify their li-ion battery storage. Storemasta's Lithium-Ion Battery Charging Cabinets not only meet the challenges of the season but exceed them, offering a comprehensive solution to reduce the risk of overheating, thermal runaway, and potential fires.
To learn more about mitigating lithium-ion battery risks, you can access our free guide which details the risks to an effective batteyr risk assessment.
