What do manufacturers do to prevent battery damage? Crash battery tests. They are rigorous and represent a demanding process.
Already at production, the battery undergoes several tests. For most commonly used Li-Ion batteries, manufacturers focus primarily on visible battery abnormalities . These are searched not only visually but also through X-ray . During the manufacturing process, it is further tested to ensure that the battery does not change the parameters or its functionality under extreme conditions . The batteries are exposed to both high and low temperatures or shocks.
Crash battery tests quickly simulate day-to-day operation
The fact that manufacturers are trying to ensure the safety of their batteries really well is also evidenced by the development of controls over the past few months. Maybe Samsung has come up with several other testing elements after last year's battery-erupting battery case in mobile phones. One of these is a simulation of common use, where the battery's reaction to daily operation is tested in an accelerated test. The aim is to determine the wear rate after months and years of use so that the battery is not susceptible to malfunction and danger even after a long period of time.
Attention also focuses on frequent charging and discharging. In this respect, manufacturers focus not only on the battery being able to function for as long as possible but whether the safety risk is not, for example, battery overcharging and tightening. But today modern batteries are fortunately able to watch for themselves. Most often it is a component called a polyswitch or thermal fuse. They turn off the battery circuit when the current is exceeded or at a higher temperature, thus protecting the device from short-circuit. These situations are therefore simulated to verify that everything in the battery works the way it is.
Both volatile substances and the risk of fire are being monitored
Manufacturing companies also ensure that volatile substances do not escape from the battery, which, of course, also poses a safety risk. For example, substances contained in a Li-Ion battery are often flammable or at least flammable. In addition, lithium itself is very reactive. In mobile batteries, however, it is used in a bonded form, which eliminates its danger. Nevertheless, the risk of danger to the user's health by dangerous substances in battery crash tests is carefully scrutinized.
Avoid extreme temperature conditions
Manufacturers must be aware of most of the safety risks of accumulators before selling, but part of the work is also on the users themselves. It's nothing complicated, just follow the basic guidelines. By properly using the device, the customer either avoids a dangerous situation and, on the other hand, can extend the life of the battery. Just do not fall victim to bad habits and do not believe damaging myths.
The first principle is to avoid extreme conditions, not to expose the battery to excessive heat or cold, and to protect your device from moisture and direct sunlight. The battery problem can also lead to a cell phone overnight under the pillow. Dangerous myth is then the advice of storing an overheated battery in the fridge. In the refrigerator, however, the coolness is especially damp, which will irretrievably damage the battery. A major security risk is also the use of a damaged adapter. If you avoid these situations, the battery short-circuit risk is almost zero, as other traps have already been eliminated by the manufacturers.
Author text: Radim Tlapák (BatteryShop.cz)
Source: tz, editorial e-mail