USING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES IN BELOW-FREEZING CONDITIONS
Lithium-ion batteries are common in many devices, and the effects of improper handling and charging are well known. Extreme cold can damage lithium-ion batteries, especially when they are charged below freezing temperatures (0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Cold conditions can physically degrade battery components over time, reducing capacity, power and lifespan.
While cold temperatures temporarily reduce a battery’s performance, charging it below freezing can cause permanent internal damage. This damage affects the run time and performance, and can also make the battery unstable and prone to overheating.
In some cases, this instability can trigger a chain of exothermic reactions inside the battery, known as thermal runaway, which can cause the battery to ignite or explode. Similar outcomes can happen when a battery is physically damaged, such as by being dropped.
How subfreezing temperatures affect lithium-ion batteries
- Reduced performance:
Cold temperatures slow the chemical reactions inside the battery, increasing internal resistance and decreasing capacity and voltage output. Devices will run out of power faster under these conditions.
- Permanent damage from charging:
Charging a battery when its internal temperature is below freezing can cause invisible and irreversible damage. Lithium can plate onto the anode instead of integrating into the electrode, forming dendrites. These crystal-like structures can crack or separate internal components, leading to short circuits and increased internal temperatures, which can result in thermal runaway, ignition or explosion.
How to protect lithium-ion batteries in cold weather
- Avoid charging below freezing:
Never store or charge a lithium-ion battery in an area below freezing. Some devices include built-in protections that prevent charging at unsafe temperatures.
- Keep batteries warm:
Store and use devices in moderate temperatures whenever possible. When working in the cold, keep the battery close to your body to help maintain warmth.
- Use insulated storage:
When storing batteries — especially long term — keep them in a dry, warm location. If this isn’t possible, use insulated storage bags or cases to buffer against temperature extremes.
- Consider special batteries:
For workplaces where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, consider batteries specifically designed for cold-weather use. Some include built-in heating elements, sensors that regulate temperature, or additives that help internal components function better in low temperatures.
Lithium-ion battery technology continues to evolve, so choose suited to the environmental conditions of your workplace. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper charging and operating temperatures.
Information for this article was obtained from:
OSHA
https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA4480.pdf
National Fire Protection Association
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/lithium-ion-batteries
FDNYSmart
https://www.fdnysmart.org/be-fdnysmart-when-using-any-devices-powered-by-lithium-ion-batteries/
U.S. Fire Administration
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/batteries
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
https://ehs.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Lithium_Battery_Safety_Guidance.pdf