The hidden danger of lithium-ion batteries: the risk of overheating, fires, and even explosions
Lithium-ion batteries power our lives—but when damaged or misused, they can overheat, ignite, or explode due to a phenomenon called thermal runaway.
Lithium-Ion battery
John Maytham (in for Lester Kiewit) is joined by Michael van Niekerk, the CEO of ASP Fire.
Listen below
As winter approaches, the threat of loadshedding once again becomes a reality for South Africans.
Many of us have come to rely on backup systems and battery packs to keep our devices running during power outages.
The majority of these depend on lithium-ion batteries.
However, these efficient power savers come with risks. While these batteries provide an effective and efficient source of power, many are unaware of the potential dangers of overheating, catching fire, or even exploding.
"I think most people are oblivious to the risks that Lithium-Ion batteries actually pose."
Michael van Niekerk, CEO - ASP Fire
"People take them on to aeroplanes, you have a little power bank in your briefcase, your cordless drill, your toothbrush, your phone and then of course your larger systems that power homes - all lithium-ion power based."
Michael van Niekerk, CEO - ASP Fire
Van Niekerk explains what can happen when the batteries are damaged or improperly used, charged, or even stored incorrectly.
It's something called thermal runaway.
"That's when the lithium-ion battery actually catches fire and that can occur because of the charging rates, a short circuit and if you heat it externally - if you put it near a heater or fire or oven and raise the temperature of the battery - it's quite catastrophic."
Michael van Niekerk, CEO - ASP Fire
Van Niekerk says more model devices are installed with a battery management system:
"When you have something called a battery management system in place it will monitor the internal temperature of the battery, it will prevent over charging, or charging at too high a rate."
Michael van Niekerk, CEO - ASP Fire
And for those devices without a battery management system?
"Make sure the charger you're using for that battery is specifically suited to that battery."
Michael van Niekerk, CEO - ASP Fire
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