Beware of bicycle batteries!
Experts warn about the safe charging of electric bicycle batteries, which have become widespread recently and explode because they are left charging overnight. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan stated that "There should be a system on the devices that cuts off the electricity when the charge is completed. Charging should be monitored, and the device should not be left charging on its own.” Emphasizing that Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries should be preferred, Dr. Uçan said that "These new technical batteries are longer-lasting and safer than lithium-ion batteries. This reduces the risk of fire and explosion from the battery."
Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan made evaluations on the safe charging of electric bicycle batteries and the risk of explosion of batteries.
Temperature and charge control is important
Stating that lithium-ion batteries should operate in the temperature range between 5 and 40 degrees, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan said that "It should not be forgotten that direct sunlight or very hot environment can also cause hazards such as fire and explosion of the device carrying lithium-ion batteries. There should be a layout on the devices that cuts off the electricity when charging is completed. Charging should be monitored, and the device should not be left charging alone. If an explosion occurs, it is easier to extinguish the fire at the initial stage. It may be appropriate to use a fire smoke detector to get early warning of the fire that has started."
New technical batteries are safer
Emphasizing that Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries should be preferred in new battery-powered devices, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan stated that "These batteries represent a significant advancement in energy storage technology and offer a number of advantages that set them apart from traditional types of Lithium batteries. These new technical batteries, which use lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material, are longer-lasting and safer than lithium-ion batteries. This reduces the risk of fire and explosion from the battery."
The risk is higher with low-quality batteries
Referring to the main causes of battery explosions, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan expressed that "Thermal leakage occurs when the heat production in the lithium-ion battery cell exceeds its heat dissipation capacity. Thermal runaway usually occurs at high temperatures, as it can trigger exothermic reactions in the battery. As reactions generate more heat and the battery temperature increases, they can cause the battery to swell, be destroyed, and cause fires and explosions. Of course, the risk is higher in low-quality batteries."
Do not pour water into the burning battery!
Drawing attention to how safe areas should be designed for the charging of electric vehicle batteries at home and at work, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan stated that "Water should never be used to extinguish a device carrying a burning lithium-ion battery. It should be kept away from the automatic spring system. Water causes the fire getting bigger and being spread. Class D (metal) fires are very difficult to control. Special precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of fires of alkali metals such as lithium, and special extinguishers should be used to extinguish them."
Electric vehicle charging stations should be outdoors
Noting that care should be taken not to have flammable materials around the places where charging is done at home, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan concluded his remarks as follows: "Attention should be paid to the lethal gases that will be released during the battery fire. Care should be taken to ensure that electric vehicle charging stations are in the open air. In practice, if there is no special extinguisher in the charging area, it may be appropriate to have sand. In closed garages, it may be appropriate to build a special section for electric vehicles separated from other vehicles by concrete."
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)