Batteries can indeed expand or swell over time, resembling a balloon in shape. Swollen batteries pose a significant safety risk and require careful handling to prevent potential fires and explosions. When encountering a swollen battery, it’s crucial to exercise caution when removing it and replacing it with a new one. Similar to battery corrosion, leaving swollen batteries in your device can also lead to various risks. In this article, we will delve into:
- Reasons behind the swelling of lithium rechargeable batteries.
- How to handle a swollen battery.
- How to prevent Li-ion battery from swelling.
Let’s explore these topics in detail.
1.What is a swollen battery?
A swollen battery refers to a battery that bulges and swells during use. First things first – it would be best to understand what causes a battery to swell. Your Li-ion battery can swell because of having too much current flowing in them causing a buildup in gasses and heat. As a result of overcharging, deep discharging, or even when your Li-ion battery is damaged. It would be best if you’d acquire your Li-ion battery from a trusted battery store – your battery could swell as a result of defects from the manufacturer. Redway is your optimum selection, our products have been tested and qualified, and the quality is more guaranteed.
2. What occurs when a battery swells? What leads to a swollen battery exploding?
As previously discussed in this article, the swelling of a battery is a consequence of the accumulation of gases and heat resulting from an excessive current flow. Given the potential risks, it’s vital to comprehend that swollen batteries have the capacity to explode, leading to fire hazards. To safeguard your life and property, it is imperative to discontinue the use of swollen batteries. Replacing them should only be undertaken with the utmost caution.
Even when not connected to a power source, swollen batteries can pose a danger. Leaving them within devices carries the risk of an explosion, which could result in severe injuries or even fatalities. It’s worth noting that the majority of Li-ion batteries contain a highly flammable liquid electrolyte, except for solid-state lithium-ion batteries. When this electrolyte begins to leak, the battery is at risk of exploding and causing a fire. This leakage is a primary factor behind the explosion of swollen batteries.
Now, you may be wondering, “How can I identify a swollen battery?” Let’s explore the telltale signs.
3. How can you identify a swollen battery?
Recognizing battery swelling is a relatively simple process; the battery visibly expands, much like a balloon when air is pumped into it. To illustrate, if you wish to determine whether your smartphone battery has swelled, you should be observant of the following indicators:
- Elevation of Your Phone’s Touchpad.
- Instability on Flat Surfaces: When your phone is set on a level surface, such as a table or countertop, it exhibits a wobbling motion.
- Splitting of Your Phone’s Enclosure.
4. Is it safe to use a battery with minor swelling?
Using a swollen battery, whether it exhibits minor or significant swelling, is inherently hazardous. When you observe any signs of swelling in your Li-ion battery, it is advisable to contact battery specialists to assist you in the replacement process. It’s essential to bear in mind that retaining swollen batteries within your devices is equally perilous, as they carry the potential to explode and ignite a fire.
5. How best to handle a swollen battery?
Upon detecting the swelling of your battery, exercise caution when attempting to remove it. If you encounter any challenges or find the battery is not easily removable, it is imperative to cease and seek assistance from a certified and skilled battery repair specialist. In the event that you are able to remove the swollen battery, it is advisable to store it within a sturdy container in a cool location, away from direct sunlight and any metallic objects.
6. What are the safe steps to remove a swollen battery from your devices?
When extracting a swollen battery from your device, it is crucial not to try to puncture the battery in an attempt to relieve the internal pressure buildup. Instead, handle it with care and steady force. If you encounter any resistance during the removal process, it is vital to cease immediately.
7. Is it possible to repair a swollen battery?
Swollen batteries are not repairable. The most prudent course of action is to remove the swollen battery and replace it with a new one sourced from a reputable Li-ion battery manufacturer. It’s important to note that attempts to sell so-called “fixed” Li-ion batteries are not genuine and should be viewed with skepticism.
8. How to prevent battery swelling?
To prevent your batteries from swelling, you can take the following precautions:
- Limit Continuous Charging: Avoid keeping your Li-ion battery plugged in all the time, especially in the case of laptops and smartphones. Overcharging can lead to swelling.
- Use the Correct Charger: Always use the charger specifically designed for your device. In case you misplace your original charger, opt for one from the device’s manufacturer or an approved aftermarket charger.
- Replace Old Batteries: If you notice that your battery is no longer functioning correctly or efficiently, consider replacing it promptly. This proactive step helps prevent swelling.
- Proper Storage: Store your batteries in cool, dry locations away from other metallic objects. This reduces the risk of exposure to extreme temperatures or physical damage.
- Quality Battery Management Systems (BMS): Invest in high-quality batteries equipped with advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS). These systems monitor the battery’s status in real-time, preventing overcharging and overdischarging, thus minimizing the likelihood of swelling. Redway products, for example, are equipped with premium BMS to ensure the prevention of hidden battery issues like swelling.
9. Can I travel with a swollen battery by air?
It is highly advisable to refrain from transporting a swollen battery on an airplane. The reason is clear: swollen batteries have the potential to explode, which poses a significant risk to the safety of the flight. Such an incident could lead to a catastrophic airplane crash, endangering the lives of many passengers and resulting in the destruction of property.
10. Conclusion
Detecting swollen batteries is uncommon. A battery is swollen when it resembles an air-filled balloon. Swelling results from gas and heat due to excessive current. Causes include wear, store-bought faults, overcharging, and deep discharge. Using swollen batteries is risky, regardless of swelling size.
To handle swollen batteries, remove them from devices to prevent explosions. Leaving them is unsafe. Slowly remove the battery. If resistance occurs, stop and seek help.
Unfortunately, swollen batteries can’t be fixed. Don’t pierce them. Avoid flying with them; in-flight explosions can be fatal. Swollen batteries are perilous, so stop using them to prevent injuries and damage. Choose Redwaybest lithium batteries for safety.
12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery OEM
• Cell Optionals: LiFePO4• Cycle Life: 4,000 cycles (80%DOD @25°C)
• MOQ: 10
• Delivery: 20 Days
• OEM/ODM/Customizable: Yes
• Production/Port: Redway Battery, Guangdong China
