Why is There So Much Fear Surrounding LiPo Batteries?

What are LiPo batteries?

The LiPo or lithium polymer batteries are a type of rechargeable battery with a polymer electrode instead of a liquid electrode. It is often referred to as LiPo, lithium-poly, or Li-poly. It is lightweight and offers higher specific energy in comparison to many other types of batteries.

Why is There So Much Fear Surrounding LiPo Batteries?

The fear is due to the dangers associated with the mishandling of LiPo batteries as they can release toxic smoke, catch fire or explode. Some important things to always remember about LiPo batteries are as follows:

• Thermal runaway – A lithium polymer battery, if heated to 150° C (302° F) or more, can become unstable and cause a thermal runaway. During this, the heat from the failing cell spreads to other cells and makes them unstable. Note – Thermal runaway is a situation where the already heated lithium batteries’ temperature rises continuously, resulting in dangerous consequences.
• Physical damage – The battery can become unstable and catch fire if it is crushed or punctured.
• Storage – Li-poly batteries should be stored in a dry and cool place with temperatures between 40° to 80° F. Also, keep them out of reach of pets and children.
• Disposal – Contact the manufacturer, retailer, or local hazardous waste program instructor when disposing of your LiPo batteries. Until it is taken by either of them, store the battery in a bucket full of sand or pet litter.

General Safety Guidelines to be Followed with LiPo Batteries

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Possible Steps to be Taken in Certain Situations

In case,

• There is a need to cut the terminal wires – Instead of allowing +ve and -ve leads touch each other, cut each wire separately.
• There are signs of damage – Immediately, stop the charging, disconnect the battery from socket, and device. Then follow proper disposal procedure mentioned in the battery’s instruction manual.
• Battery reaches high temperature in an R/C model crash – Immediately, disconnect battery from the device. Stay at a safe distance from the battery and watch it for next 30 minutes. Follow proper disposal methods mentioned in the instruction manual.

Avoid Over-Discharging LiPo Batteries

When we use the batteries even if they are completely drained, below their minimum voltage level, and out of charge, this is termed as over-discharging. This can permanently damage the battery. This results in internal damage to the battery which can lead to fire when you recharge them. 

Precautions Before Charging Li-Poly Batteries

• Before you plug in the charger, make sure you perform the following checks.
• Always inspect the LiPo battery for any physical damage leads, connectors shrinkwrap, swelling of cells, or other irregularities.
• Check the voltage of the pack with a digital voltmeter and not your charger.
• Do not charge any battery pack, if the open voltage per cell is less than 3.3 V. For example, you have 2-cell pack and its open voltage is less than 6.6, which is not ideal.

Note: Always contact the manufacturer or provider, in case there is an issue with the voltage or charger. Do not charge unless the experts check the device.

Precautions While the Lithium Polymer Batteries are Charging

• Never leave batteries unattended when charging.
• Allow batteries to cool down before you put them on charge.
• Avoid charging multiple battery packs in a series.
• Always follow battery and charger instructions provided by the manufacturer and/or mentioned in the safety manual.
• Avoid going with cell count and voltage other than the one printed on the label. If neglected, can lead to serious consequences of explosion or fire.
• A higher or lower setting for the charger’s charging current can be dangerous.
• C-rating in a battery measures its current relative to its capacity. Generally, it is the current at which a battery is charged and discharged. The capacity is rated and labelled at 1C Rate (1C current). It means a battery fully charged with a capacity of 10Ah should provide 10 Amps for 1 hour.

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LiPo Battery Maintenance & Handling

• Do not disassemble and mix existing lithium polymer batteries with other LiPo cells or packs.
• Avoid discharging the batteries to the lowest level and they will perform well for long time.
• Do not allow any functioning at higher or lower temperatures.

Storage & Transportation of Lithium Polymer Battery

It is recommended to follow the mentioned steps while storing and transporting the Li-poly batteries.

Transporting

• Use fireproof containers like Li-Po bags.
• Battery packs should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.
• Temperature of the vehicle should be more than 20° F but should not exceed 150° F.

Storage

• Never store batteries near open flame or heaters.
• Avoid storing the battery at a temperature more than 170° F for longer periods, like 2 hours or more. It can damage the batteries resulting in fire.
• For best results and longevity of batteries, store them at temperatures between 40 and 80° F.
• If storing for a long term, do not store fully charged batteries. Instead, discharge them to 50%-60% of their capacity then store them at the said temperature.

Battery Life & Disposal of LiPo Batteries

Since these batteries do not last forever, they should be removed from service once they have lost 20% of their initial capacity. In case, there are signs of wear tear, swollen cells, or such, stop using the cells immediately and dispose of them safely.

Proper Disposal Procedure of LiPo Batteries:
Lithium polymer battery disposal can vary based on location. it is thus recommended to find a local recycling location. But before anything, make sure to read the manual completely and then begin the disposal process.

IMP – We need to be extra cautious while handling lithium polymer batteries, unlike NiMH or NiCD batteries. Mishandling can lead to fire or explosion even if the battery is not in use.

Cross-Reference: LIPO Safety & Warnings