Moisture Control in Lithium Batteries

Moisture Control in Lithium Batteries

The most important factor governing the manufacturing of Lithium-ion batteries is the fact that they must be produced in a Dry Room with very stringent humidity conditions as low as 1% to 10% RH.

Lithium battery application is fast growing across diversified industries like Electronics, Automotive, Solar, Telecom, Power, Defence, Healthcare etc. There is large scale production of lithium batteries and moisture acts as a major deterrent leading to the growth of this industry.

Effects of Uncontrolled Humidity

Lithium batteries are affected by uncontrolled temperature and humidity. If the lithium battery is exposed to moisture during production, it may lead to impairing quality, thus:

• Reduced product life
• Reduced performance (charging capacity)
• Raise safety concerns including chances of explosion

Cause of Uncontrolled Humidity

Pure Lithium metal is extremely sensitive to even tiny amounts of moisture in the air. Hence, slightest of exposure to moisture leads to reduced performance and reduced product life of Lithium-ion batteries.

General Recommendations

• Moisture level in Lithium-ion battery processing areas should have less than (-) 35°C (-31°F) dew-point and/or moisture content of 14 grams per kg of dry air
• Room temperature should be maintained at recommended levels, around 25°C (77°F), with tolerance of +/(-) 2°C (36°F) along with dew points in the range of (-) 35°C (-31°F) to (-) 45°C (-49°F). (0.14 to 0.04 g/kg).
• The air change rate in the production room should be more than 50 air changes per hour with maintenance of minimum fresh air introduction for positive room pressure and ventilation for workers