Lithium-ion battery are fire hazards, so How should we store the lithium batteries?
In general, Lithium ion batteries (Li-ion) should not be stored for longer periods of time, either uncharged or fully charged. The best storage method, as determined by extensive experimentation, is to store them at a low temperature, not below 0°C, at 40% to 50% capacity. Storage at 5°C to 15°C is optimal. Since lithium batteries self-discharge, it is recommended that they must be recharged every 12 months.
We can further divide it into short-term storage and long-term storage.
Short-term storage: Store the battery in a dry place with no corrosive gases and a wet temperature between -20℃-35℃, higher or lower temperature will cause the metal parts of the battery to rust or the battery to leak.
Long-term storage: As long-term storage will cause the battery activity passivation and accelerate the self-discharge rate, the ambient temperature should preferably be between 10℃-30℃, in addition, it is necessary to do a charge/discharge cycle every 3 months to maintain its activity and recovery performance.
Charge 40% to 50% of the battery charge, and refrigerate in a dry environment. Cooler temperatures and less charge is conducive to maintaining the life of the battery, but too little charge can not be, because the battery will be self-discharge in storage, once the battery slowly run out of power, it will seriously shorten the battery life.
The extent of the effect can be referred to the following relationship between the storage temperature of lithium batteries and the rate of permanent loss of capacity.
| Storage Temperature (℃) | 40% State of Charge(SOC) | 100% State of Charge(SOC) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 38%(one year later) | 94%(one year later) |
| 25 | 36%(one year later) | 80%(one year later) |
| 40 | 32%(one year later) | 65%(one year later) |
| 50 | 25%(one year later) | 60%(one year later) |
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Some may ask, should the battery be removed from the device when not in use for a long period of time?
Yes. There is also a small current flowing through the shutdown device, causing a complete discharge, which can damage the battery over time, and in the worst case scenario, destroy the device along with it.
To help you understand better about the storage of lithium batteries, we’ve summarized a list of prohibitions.
1. Do not charge the battery under fire or extreme heat. Do not use or store the battery near a heat source (such as a fire or heater). If the battery leaks or emits a peculiar smell, immediately move it away from the open flame;
2. When the battery swells up, leaks, etc., stop using it immediately
3. Do not put the battery in water or get it wet
4. Do not throw the battery into the fire or heat the battery
5. Do not connect the battery directly to a wall socket or car cigarette lighter socket
6. Do not short-circuit the positive and negative poles of the battery with wires or other metal objects. It is forbidden to transport or store the battery with necklaces, hairpins or other metal objects.
7. Do not knock, acupuncture, step on, modify, or expose the battery to the sun, and do not place the battery in a microwave or high-voltage environment.
8. Do not hit, throw or subject the battery to mechanical shock
9. Use a regular matching lithium battery charger to charge the battery, do not use inferior or other types of battery chargers to charge the lithium battery.
10. Do not disassemble the battery in any way
11. Do not mix the battery with metal objects, lest the metal objects touch the positive and negative electrodes of the battery, causing a short circuit, damaging the battery or even causing danger.
12. Do not use with primary batteries (such as dry batteries) or batteries with different capacities, models, and varieties.
13. Do not use the battery if it emits peculiar smell, heat, deformation, discoloration or any other abnormal phenomenon. If the battery is in use or charging, it should be removed from the electrical appliance or the charger immediately and stop using it.
14. In the transportation process, pay attention to moisture-proof, moisture-proof, avoid squeezing, collision, etc., to avoid battery damage.
15. Do not use or place the battery under high temperature (in the hot sun or in a very hot car), otherwise it may cause the battery to overheat, catch fire or function failure, and shorten its life.
16. Do not store in places with strong static electricity and strong magnetic fields, otherwise it is easy to damage the battery safety protection device and bring insecurity.
17.. If the battery emits peculiar smell, heat, discoloration, deformation, or any abnormality during use, storage, or charging, immediately remove the battery from the device or charger and stop using it.
18. Discarded batteries should be covered with insulating paper to prevent fire and explosion.
Lithium battery Storage Checklist
Before storing, remove the battery from the device
Charge or discharge the battery to 3.8V (use the charger set in “storage mode” or use a voltmeter to check V).
Use insulating materials (such as plastic, electrical tape) to protect the battery terminal.
Put the battery in a fireproof bag/container.
“Lithium-ion battery only” storage area
Room temperature and no heat source
Dry and well ventilated place
Remove all combustible materials (wood, carpet, gasoline are prohibited, ceramic or cement surfaces are recommended).
There must be an ABC or water fire extinguisher nearby. And know its location
Storage Measures For Factory
1.Cell or battery warehouses should be set up independently.
Set up “No Fireworks” eye-catching signs in storage places. It is strictly forbidden to stack combustibles and flammable items around.
2.The temperature of cell or battery warehouses should be controlled within the range of 20±5℃,
The maximum should not exceed 30℃,
The relative humidity should not be greater than 75%.
Keep the warehouse clean, dry and well ventilated, and do not store other items.
3.Cell or battery warehouses should be equipped with smoke and temperature alarm devices, and the alarm signal should be transmitted to a place where someone is on duty 24 hours a day.
4.Cell or battery warehouses should be equipped with independent external accident exhaust devices.
The accident exhaust devices should be interlocked with smoke and temperature alarm devices.
5.Cells and batteries should be neatly placed, not stacked too high, and storage facilities should be made of non-combustible materials, and anti-static measures should be taken.
6.The positive or negative pole position of each battery (cell) must be insulated to prevent short circuit protection measures.
7.Automatic sprinkler facilities should be set up in the battery warehouse.
8.The battery must not be stored at full capacity, and it is recommended to store it at 50% power.
9.Semi-finished batteries should be equipped with protective plates.
10.Waste batteries should be stored separately after being discharged.
11.Each fireproof zone of the battery and cell warehouse shall not exceed 250 square meters.
12.A sufficient number of spherical dry powder automatic fire extinguishers or sprinklers should be hung in the battery and cell warehouses.
13.The battery and cell warehouses should be equipped with 2 fire blankets each, and 1 special bucket for handling accident batteries.
PS:
1.Explosion-proof electrical equipment should be used in battery warehouses and aging rooms.
2.Faulty batteries and waste batteries must be placed in special treatment cabinets for isolation and disposal, and the use of explosion-proof sand buckets to deal with accident batteries is advocated.
Storage Measures For Daily Lithium Battery Users
1. For Lithium-ion batteries which need to be stored for a long time and not used, they should be kept in a state of 50%-60% charge. They should be recharged every 3 months and recharged every half a year.
2.Attention should be paid to moisture-proof and moisture-proof, to prevent squeezing, collision, etc., to avoid battery damage.
3. It is forbidden to use or place the battery at high temperatures (in hot sunlight or in very hot cars), otherwise it may cause the battery to overheat, catch fire or fail in function, and shorten its life.
4. It is forbidden to store in places with strong static electricity and strong magnetic fields, otherwise it will easily destroy the battery safety protection device and bring unsafe hidden dangers.
5.If the battery emits an odor, fever, discoloration, deformation, or any abnormality during use, storage, or charging, immediately remove the battery from the device or charger and disable it.
Daily fire extunguish equipment and materials needed: dry powder fire extinguishers, sprinklers (water), fire blankets(for warehouses)
==========================================================================
FAQ about lithium battery storage
For lithium-ion batteries, studies have shown that it is possible to lose 3 to 5 percent of charge per month, and that self-discharge is temperature and battery performance and its design dependent. In general, self-discharge is higher as the temperature increases.
A fully discharged battery is understood to be “squeezed out” until it doesn’t produce any more of this current at all. In this case, the voltage drops to 0 volts. If this state is maintained, the electrodes in the battery will chemically react, rendering it partially to completely unusable. The result is that the capacity of the battery is greatly reduced and may not be recharged. Therefore, the battery should not be discharged below the final cut-off voltage associated with the type and should be recharged as soon as possible. Therefore, lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries should essentially not be discharged to the point of being completely unusable.
As a rule of thumb, lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery packs are recommended to be charged at about 10 to 20 percent of remaining capacity. Good lithium ion rechargeable batteries generally have extensive protection and/or monitoring circuitry within the battery pack to prevent full discharge/overcharge and explosion.
3. in what temperature range should the lithium battery be used?
Lithium-ion batteries can be used in a temperature range of -20°C to +55°C.However, charging can usually only take place at temperatures of +0°C to +45°C.
4. How long is the battery life?
Lithium-ion batteries can be charged up to 1,000 times (depending on capacity). However, these values can only be achieved under optimal conditions. Depending on the handling and maintenance of the battery, the number of cycles may be reduced. During the service life, the capacity will decrease. Generally speaking, when the nominal capacity of the battery is less than 70%, it is called worn-out.
5. What is the memory effect (using NiCd technology) and/or the lazy battery effect?
The battery keeps track of its intensity of use. If the battery is not fully discharged before charging, small crystals will form on the electrodes and they will be less likely to accept an electrical charge. Thus, if the battery is not fully discharged one at a time, the operating time of the battery becomes shorter and shorter.
In the case of NiMH technology, a battery inertia effect (lazy battery effect) comparable to the classical memory effect occurs. Lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries can and may be recharged at any time. These batteries do not have a memory effect and should only be recharged at frequent short intervals. In addition, full charging in several stages, with or without partial discharge in between, will not cause any damage.
However, lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries should not be fully discharged.
According to the experiment, if there is about 10% to 20% of the remaining capacity of the lithium ion polymer battery, charge it. Note that disconnecting a fully charged battery pack and reconnecting it to the charging unit will not result in a higher charge. This procedure will impair the performance capability of the battery.
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37 Comments
DaveMarch 23, 2022 at 6:12 pm - Reply
Is it ok to charge lithium ion battery to full 100% for maximum usage on a fishing trip where I have no access to charge it again until returning.
DNK POWERAugust 30, 2022 at 1:45 am - Reply
yes, it’s good to go with that
SamanthAugust 30, 2022 at 1:34 am - Reply
I’m hoping for a bit of education from a battery expert. I’m specifically interested in battery lifespan and health before active use. For portable consumer electronics with Lithium-Ion batteries, what kind of lifespan are you looking at between manufacture date, to the date of first use by an end user before the battery would discharge completely and “die”- be unable to carry of hold a charge. When it comes to overdischarge protection safety features, etc., what is a reasonable timeline for when a li-ion battery will discharge completely and be dead on arrival so to speak? Specific use case for 300 to 1200 mAh single-cell li-ion batteries used in portable electronic devices such as wireless headphones, earbuds, speakers, etc.
I realize this might be an unusual request for information, but I’d really appreciate some guidance on this because I’m getting frustratingly mixed answers ranging from a battery with IC overdischarge support still needing to be charged (first-use) 6 to 8 months from manufacture… all the way up to lasting 2 years. Needing a product to be in the hands of an end user and charged within 6 months seems like a ridiculous timeline that doesn’t account for any reasonable storage time.
How long can a product sit in storage before the single cell li-ion battery would discharge beyond safe recovery/use? I am trying to establish a reasonable timeline between the months of shipping and storage at a distribution center, until a product is put on a retailer’s shelf and eventually into the hands of a consumer/end user.
Any help or guidance would be much appreciated.
DNK POWERAugust 30, 2022 at 1:40 am - Reply
we think the saying of 6 months or 2 years are all correct, we stock cells and after 4 years, they are still good to go.
what the vendor may trying to do is avoid possible risk of warranty and some may bold enough to accept long warranty.
JakeSeptember 6, 2022 at 8:32 am - Reply
I’m aware that OEM’s face insurance issues when attempting to store large quantities of batteries and often need to set up multiple storage sites as they can’t have too many Li-ion cells in one place, especially with regards to EV battery packs. I’m wondering whether there are any specifics or guidance documents that define the quantity of cells allowed within a certain area or what specific clearances are needed between battery packs?
Not sure if I’ve laid that out particularly clearly but any help would be much appreciated!DNK POWERSeptember 6, 2022 at 1:32 pm - Reply
we didn’t see such requirement or studies, but below are some important tips that may be of help to you
The battery warehouse should be an independent fire compartment, and should be separated from other areas by a fire wall and a floor with a fire resistance time of not less than 1.5h
Fire partitions should be set between the layers of the shelves and adjacent cargo spaces, and the fire resistance time of the fire partitions should not be less than 0.5 h;
A K PaulSeptember 20, 2022 at 10:02 am - Reply
can you provide me any standard procedure for storing a LFP battery for 12 months?
DNK POWERSeptember 20, 2022 at 10:23 am - Reply
As a consumer, we can pay attention to 2 things
1 charge the battery to about 30-50% capacity
2 keep the temperature around 20-30 degree
JayOctober 31, 2022 at 5:23 pm - Reply
I know computers are items use with lithium batteries. since their in computers, how would storage of computers be handled. and what is the capacity in one location?
DNK POWERNovember 2, 2022 at 9:56 am - Reply
they are primary batteries
MarkNovember 4, 2022 at 9:31 pm - Reply
It is best, I’ve heard, that lead acid batteries rest after charging… But what about Li-ion batteries Should they rest as well? If so how long?
DNK POWERNovember 8, 2022 at 4:05 am - Reply
for single use, there is no need to rest, for further parralel or series, it’s suggested to rest for 12-24 hours.
Terry O'NeilNovember 11, 2022 at 7:01 pm - Reply
I have a 24 volt lithium-ion battery for my golf cart. Golf is over . How should I store my battery for the winter?
Should I keep it plugged in for 6 months or can I put it away fully charged and unplugged from the charger?DNK POWERNovember 14, 2022 at 3:06 am - Reply
you can recharge them every 3 months
MehebubNovember 14, 2022 at 3:08 am - Reply
I am Mehebub from Bangladesh
Working as an R&I Engineer at Walton. Walton is one of the biggest cellphone manufacturer in Bangladesh.
We manufacture both featurephone and smartphone
For featurephone we usually using Li-ion battery
We import SKD materials of Battery and assembly by ourself
Currently our inventory holding time become higher and we are facing battery bloating issue severly
Can you please help me to find a way to protect batteries from bloatingDNK POWERNovember 14, 2022 at 3:11 am - Reply
2 quick tips for you
1 keep good enviroment as stated in the post
2 recharge the batteries at least 3 months or 6 months to keep battery materiel alive
RoseNovember 14, 2022 at 3:13 am - Reply
I have extra li ion batteries for my olympus camera & just want to know best way to store them at home & when I travel.
DNK POWERNovember 14, 2022 at 3:22 am - Reply
don’t short circuit the battery or you can buy safety pouch for your camera battery
SebastienDecember 28, 2022 at 8:44 am - Reply
Hi. I have Pylontech US2000C batteries stores in the box. I need to charge them as I won’t be able to have the full system setup before months (and they already spend many months in the box).
Some said “recharge every 3 months” but how ?
Are they some specific battery chargers for those like for car batteries ?
Or is it from the MPPT plugged into grid ?
ThanksDNK POWERDecember 28, 2022 at 8:51 am - Reply
Hi Sebastien,
the US2000C batteries should have manual on how to charge it, whether by AC charger or solar charger
JohnJanuary 12, 2023 at 2:02 am - Reply
I am looking for a safe way to transport my e-bike batteries in my camper van also home storage.
Large metal ammo can?
I know metal conducts but also fire block, what do you thinkDNK POWERJanuary 12, 2023 at 2:29 am - Reply
there are 2 easy solutions for your reference
1 don’t short circuit the contacts of battery output(input also as well), ie:put a cover on the positve and negative contacts
2 use anti-explosion box for battery
TeriFebruary 2, 2023 at 10:30 pm - Reply
I have multiple lithium batteries for my outdoor tools. What can I safely store the batteries in?
DNK POWERFebruary 3, 2023 at 1:29 am - Reply
store them in cool place, take care of the charging. see post https://www.dnkpower.com/why-18650-battery-explode/
nickFebruary 3, 2023 at 1:24 am - Reply
for lithium batteries packaged with or preinstalled… (watches, headphones, lights, etc) can these be stored temporality on the ground in their packaging form the vendor…. under a case roller like a belt in a distribution center
DNK POWERFebruary 3, 2023 at 1:27 am - Reply
Hi Nick,for temporaly storage, you can use the case roller to store the watches headphones that contains batteries.
Philip VollrathMay 22, 2023 at 6:20 pm - Reply
I have Lithbium Ion batteries for my lawn and garden equipment. Can I store these in my garage during the summer?
DNK POWERMay 23, 2023 at 1:59 am - Reply
normally there is no risk to store the batteries in garage, however it’s suggested to store them at about 25 degree. Or remember to charge the lithium batteries at about 50% power every month during summer.
Margaret WrightJuly 12, 2023 at 7:13 am - Reply
I have a battery from my e bike it seems impossible to send back home – I can get same battery battery back home so will leave this one here in UK. Any recommendations other than those already mentioned?
DNK POWERJuly 12, 2023 at 10:33 am - Reply
sorry, please explain on detailed question?
DNK POWERAugust 7, 2023 at 2:30 am - Reply
not sure what you need, please explain. basically here is some tips for your ebike disposal:
1 Proper Disposal: Ensure that you dispose of the battery responsibly and in accordance with local regulations. Contact local waste management authorities or recycling centers to find out the correct procedure for disposing of your ebike lithium-ion batteries.
2 Battery Recycling Centers: Look for nearby battery recycling centers or drop-off locations where you can safely dispose of the battery. These centers specialize in handling and recycling different types of batteries, including ebike lithium-ion batteries.
3 E-Waste Collection Points: Check if there are any designated e-waste collection points or events in your area. These locations often accept electronic waste, including ebike batteries, for safe disposal or recycling.
HELENAugust 11, 2023 at 2:50 am - Reply
Hi, I have an ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED K513EQ laptop, which I bought Used from Amazon Warehouse, 8 MONTHS ago. It was bought as a spare laptop, and I have never used it yet. It is still in the box it came in. I am wondering if I need to be concerned that the battery (1 Lithium Ion with Number Of Lithium Ion Cells 3, Lithium Battery Energy Content 42 Watt Hours ) could swell and/or explode/catch fire, as it has not been charged for 8 months. The battery is inside the laptop.
Is this possible, under the circ*mstances, or could it become possible, the longer the battery remains uncharged? I hope you can advise.DNK POWERAugust 11, 2023 at 2:56 am - Reply
we suggest you to charge the battery(better charge and discharge to make the battery active) as long as you plan to use it and not return to ASUS.
JeffreyAugust 11, 2023 at 2:51 am - Reply
we bought a solar generator (12v lithium iron phosphate battery with a 2nd 12v lifepo. It says to store them at 100% soc and charge every 3-6 months. Everything we read is store at 50% soc.
Also we plan to store in a fireproof sealed bag, but most sites say store in a well-ventilated area. Is it ok to store in a sealed bag? The battery is encased in the generator casing.DNK POWERAugust 11, 2023 at 2:55 am - Reply
store in sealed bag is of course OK
DaveNovember 14, 2023 at 7:02 am - Reply
How would you store the batteries, so its easy to transport? Rn we are using wood pallets, to store them on and move them around on. Is that safe? what are the alternatives?
How many battery packs is ok to store on top of each other? does that deppent on the casing strenght or is there some regualitons or tips?Toke LahtiNovember 26, 2023 at 5:43 pm - Reply
Lets say I store my battiries always at 25°C.
Is this “Storage SOC permanent loss of capacity” phenomem LINEAR by TIME and also by SOC?If linear, then 20% per year, if 100% SOC, meaning 0,055% PER EVERY DAY?
How much there is loss, if SOC is 50%?
If linear, then maybe 10% PER YEAR?
As an enthusiast and expert in battery technology and safety measures, I've amassed substantial knowledge through hands-on experience, research, and comprehensive study in the field of lithium-ion batteries. I've closely followed the advancements, guidelines, and best practices in handling and storing these batteries to ensure both optimal performance and safety.
The article highlights crucial information about the storage and maintenance of lithium-ion batteries. Here are the key concepts covered in the provided content:
Storage Guidelines for Lithium-ion Batteries:
Optimal Storage Conditions:
- Temperature and Charge Level: Storing at low temperatures (preferably between 5°C to 15°C) at 40% to 50% capacity is recommended.
- Recharging: Recharge every 12 months to prevent excessive self-discharge.
Short-term and Long-term Storage:
- Short-term: Store in a dry place between -20°C to 35°C, avoiding extreme temperatures that might cause rusting or leakage.
- Long-term: Maintain temperature between 10°C to 30°C, performing charge/discharge cycles every 3 months to sustain activity.
Impact of Storage Conditions:
- Temperature vs. Permanent Loss of Capacity: Lower temperatures sustain capacity better; higher temperatures lead to quicker capacity loss.
Prohibitions and Safety Measures:
- Detailed lists of prohibited actions to prevent damage or hazards when handling lithium batteries, covering aspects from charging precautions to storage environment.
Additional Information and FAQ on Lithium-ion Batteries:
- Self-Discharge: Lithium-ion batteries experience self-discharge, which varies with temperature and design. The general rate ranges from 3 to 5 percent per month.
- Discharge Threshold: Avoid fully discharging lithium-ion batteries as it can render them unusable, causing a significant reduction in capacity.
- Charging Recommendations: Aim to charge lithium-ion batteries at around 10% to 20% of remaining capacity for optimal performance and longevity.
FAQ on Battery Life and Usage:
- Temperature Range for Use: Lithium-ion batteries can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +55°C.
- Battery Life: Lithium-ion batteries can typically endure up to 1,000 charge cycles, after which their capacity decreases.
- Memory Effect: Unlike NiCd batteries, lithium-ion batteries don't suffer from memory effect; they can be recharged at any time without affecting their capacity.
The provided FAQs offer insights into various scenarios involving lithium-ion batteries, addressing concerns related to their storage, usage, and lifespan across diverse applications.
This comprehensive knowledge underscores the significance of proper storage, maintenance, and handling practices to ensure the longevity and safety of lithium-ion batteries in various settings, from consumer electronics to industrial applications.
