As you’re probably aware, how you store lithium-ion batteries is extremely important from both a safety and efficiency perspective. If you don’t pay attention to the way that your batteries are stored in the short or long term, it can cause them to overheat and lead to a sensation known as thermal runaway.
To ensure you store your lithium-ion batteries safely and correctly, we explain the storage steps you need to take in detail below.
The optimum storage temperature for lithium-ion batteries is 10C (50F). The higher the temperature at which your lithium-ion battery is stored, the more quickly it will self-discharge.
In most instances, temperatures below freezing won’t significantly damage lithium-ion batteries as they don’t contain water. Still, you shouldn’t store them at sub-zero temperatures regardless. If you’re storing your lithium-ion batteries long-term make sure the conditions are optimal.
The optimum storage humidity for lithium-ion batteries is 50%. When the air is too humid, condensation can accumulate between the terminals, which can cause a short in the batteries.
In the worst-case scenario, a short can cause the battery to overheat and it may even catch fire. It’s for this reason that you should provide each terminal with a separate cover and do everything you can to prevent humidity from damaging the lithium-ion cells.
Every battery self-discharges when it is stored in the long term. Typically, most lithium-ion batteries will self-discharge at around 5% in the first 24 hours of being charged. Thereafter, each battery will discharge at a rate of 1-2% per month. If your lithium-ion battery comes with a safety circuit, this alone will contribute to a self-discharge rate of around 3%.
It’s best to store your lithium-ion batteries at around a 40-50% state of charge if you plan to use them immediately. You should also be mindful that lithium-ion batteries can suffer damage if you overcharge them for too long.
When you check the charge of your lithium-ion battery, you need to remove it from storage and allow it to sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. You can then test it. If you find that your lithium-ion battery is showing heavy discharge, you will need to do the following:
Trickle charge: (0.1C) until the cell voltage reaches 2.8 volts. If you don’t see this occur within an hour, your battery is probably damaged beyond repair.
Fast charge: (1C) until the cell voltage reaches 4.2 volts. This should occur within 2 hours.
Constant charge: until the charge current drops below 0.07C.
If you keep store lithium-ion batteries in the right way, they can last for up to ten years, while those used within military and medical industries may even last twenty years.
The crucial thing to remember when storing lithium-ion batteries is to regulate temperature and humidity while ensuring they’re at the right state of charge.
If you have any questions about how to store your lithium-ion batteries correctly, or would like to place an order with us, get in touch via our website or give our Telford office a call on 01952 293 388.
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