What is Thermal Runaway in Lithium-ion Batteries?
Lithium battery thermal runaway is a dangerous and potentially catastrophic event that occurs when a lithium-ion battery's temperature rises uncontrollably, leading to a series of exothermic (heat-generating) chemical reactions within the battery. This can cause the battery to overheat, catch fire, or even explode.

Key causes of thermal runaway include:
Overcharging: Charging a lithium-ion battery beyond its recommended voltage can cause excessive heat, triggering thermal runaway.
External Heating: Exposure to high temperatures from external sources can initiate the process.
Internal Short Circuit: Damage or defects within the battery can cause a short circuit, leading to rapid heat generation.
Mechanical Damage: Physical damage to the battery, such as puncturing or crushing, can lead to internal short circuits.
Overdischarge: Discharging the battery beyond its safe limits can destabilize the chemical structure, increasing the risk.

Consequences:
The heat from thermal runaway can cause adjacent battery cells to overheat, leading to a chain reaction.
The release of flammable gases during the process can cause fires or explosions.
It poses significant safety risks in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and other applications where lithium-ion batteries are used.

Understanding and mitigating the risks associated with thermal runaway is crucial for the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in various applications.

What should we do?
The thermal runaway sensor is a specialized device designed to detect early signs of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. These sensors are crucial for enhancing the safety of battery systems, particularly in high-risk applications like electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and portable electronics.

• PN: RB1000-3

  3 in 1 Thermal Runaway sensor module (Smoke + CO + temperature);

  
  

• PN: RB1000-4

  4 in 1 Thermal Runaway sensor module (H2 + smoke + CO + temperature);

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  PN: RB1000-5

  5 in 1 Thermal Runaway sensor module (C0 +H2 +TVOC +smoke + temperature)

Key Features and Functions of Thermal Runaway Sensors:

1. Early Detection:
Gas Detection: Some sensors can detect the release of specific gases, such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and other volatile organic compounds, which are emitted before or during the onset of thermal runaway.
Temperature Monitoring: They continuously monitor the battery's temperature to detect abnormal rises that could indicate the start of thermal runaway.
Pressure Monitoring: Detecting increases in internal pressure can also be an early sign of thermal runaway.

2. Real-Time Alerts:
The sensors can provide real-time data and send alerts to battery management systems (BMS) or other control units. This allows for immediate actions like shutting down the system, disconnecting the battery, or activating cooling systems to prevent escalation.

3. Integration with Battery Management Systems (BMS):
Thermal runaway sensors are often integrated with the BMS, which can take preventive actions based on the sensor’s input, such as regulating the charge/discharge cycles or isolating the affected cell.

4. Compact and Robust Design:
These sensors are designed to be small and durable, making them suitable for integration into compact and high-performance battery packs.

Applications:
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Ensuring the safety of battery packs in cars, preventing fires or explosions.
Energy Storage Systems (ESS): Protecting large-scale battery installations in renewable energy systems.
Consumer Electronics: Preventing thermal runaway in smartphones, laptops, and other portable devices.
Aerospace and Aviation: Critical for ensuring battery safety in high-stakes environments.

Thermal runaway sensors are an essential component in modern lithium-ion battery systems, contributing to the overall safety and reliability of devices that depend on these energy sources.