How Does High Temperatures Kill Batteries

Batteries are an integral part of our everyday lives, powering everything from our smartphones to electric vehicles. However, their performance and lifespan can be significantly affected by high temperatures. In this blog post, we will explore the intricacies of how high temperatures can kill batteries, and what measures can be taken to mitigate their negative effects.

Effect of Temperature on Battery Performance:

One of the key aspects that determine a battery’s performance is its internal resistance, which is affected by temperature. As the temperature rises, the internal resistance of the battery increases, leading to a decrease in its overall capacity. This means that batteries exposed to high temperatures can store less energy and discharge it at a slower rate due to the increased resistance.

Heat Accelerates Chemical Reactions:

High temperatures can accelerate the chemical reactions that occur within a battery. When a battery operates, a chemical reaction takes place between the electrolyte and the electrodes, producing and releasing energy. However, when exposed to heat, these chemical reactions can become more energetic and occur at a faster rate. This increased reaction rate can lead to faster degradation of the battery’s components and can cause a decrease in its lifespan.

Positive Temperature Coefficient:

Batteries also have a positive temperature coefficient, which means their internal resistance increases with rising temperatures. This phenomenon is a result of the increased mobility of the battery’s ions, which leads to a more restricted flow of current and a subsequent increase in resistance. The increased resistance further contributes to a reduction in the battery’s capacity, making it unable to deliver its intended power output efficiently.

Thermal Runaway:

One of the most critical issues that arise from high temperatures is the risk of thermal runaway. When a battery is exposed to excessive heat, it can lead to a chain reaction that generates even more heat and can potentially cause the battery to catch fire or explode. This self-perpetuating process occurs as the increased temperature causes the release of more energy, which further raises the temperature. It is crucial to prevent thermal runaway and ensure that battery temperature is kept within safe limits to avoid potentially catastrophic consequences.

Accelerated Aging and Capacity Loss:

High temperatures can cause accelerated aging and capacity loss in batteries. Heat can cause chemical reactions to occur more rapidly, leading to the degradation of the electrodes and catalysts within the battery. Additionally, heat can cause the evaporation of the electrolyte, leading to a loss of capacity. Over time, these effects can accumulate, resulting in a significant reduction in the battery’s overall performance and lifespan.

Tips to Extend Battery Lifespan in High Temperatures:

To mitigate the detrimental effects of high temperatures on batteries, it is essential to take certain preventive measures. Here are a few tips to help extend battery lifespan:

1. Avoid exposing batteries to direct sunlight or storing them in hot environments, such as inside parked vehicles.

2. Opt for devices with built-in cooling mechanisms that can regulate battery temperature effectively.

3. Use insulating materials or cases to shield batteries from excessive heat exposure.

4. Implement proper ventilation in battery-operated devices to dissipate heat efficiently.

5. Regularly monitor and maintain the battery’s temperature within the recommended operating range.

6. Store batteries in a cool and dry environment when not in use to minimize the risk of temperature-related damage.

Summary:

High temperatures can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of batteries. The increased internal resistance, accelerated chemical reactions, positive temperature coefficient, thermal runaway risks, and accelerated aging and capacity loss all contribute to the detrimental effects of heat on batteries. By taking preventive steps and ensuring proper cooling and storage methods, we can optimize battery performance and prolong their lifespan, ensuring efficient and reliable power supply for our devices.

Need a Battery Store in Houston, TX?

Why did my battery die when the temperature was so high this past summer? The building block of a battery is the plate inside the battery. The plates, either a negative one or a positive one, is pasted with active material, then cooked. After cooking, the plate is dried to remove moisture. When the ambient temperature gets very hot, the engine compartment gets even hotter. Combined with vibration and the intense heat, the active material begins to shed off the plate loosing capacity until the battery cannot accomplish the job of starting.

We carry batteries that meet a number of industrial, automotive and personal needs. Our well-trained and extremely knowledgeable battery suppliers can assist you with identifying what type of power source best suits your needs. Our battery store keeps a regular inventory of hard-to-find batteries and accessories, including foreign products. We offer any service that your industrial power supply system could require, including oil filtration systems, charging and installations. If you administer an institution requiring the use of an uninterrupted power system (UPS), we offer replacements and repairs for a wide range of systems. See site for more info: https://texford.com/

Categorised in: Batteries, Battery Issues, Battery Service

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