Tips On Safe Storage Of Custom Lithium-Ion Battery Packs For Golf Carts

Tips On Safe Storage Of Custom Lithium-Ion Battery Packs For Golf Carts
Proper storage is a big part of maximising the efficiency and performance of any battery, be it the traditional lead acids or the widely-used lithium-ion formulations.

Lithium-ion batteries have become the preferred power option today for smaller electric vehicles, power tools and electric appliances such as smartphones and laptops. While they are more stable chemically and thermally compared to other battery chemistries, following a few storage tips that extend their life and prevent any untoward incidents.

Maintain the Right Room Temperature
Creating a safe battery storage environment starts with proper temperature regulation.

Whether the lithium-ion battery is in use or sitting idle, it should not be subjected to extreme temperatures. This includes high heat and low temperatures.

Keep the battery in a sheltered place, away from hot sun, or a heat source. This applies especially for lithium-ion golf batteries that could unknowingly be parked in the sun. Battering overheating is severely damaging as it shortens battery life, could burn or explode or could function poorly. Higher temperatures also speed up self discharge.

Room temperature is the ideal temperature for storing a lithium-ion battery. However, the best advice would be to read the product labels for proper storage instructions. Larger storage facilities must consider ways for temperature control. It should be a well-ventilated area.

Avoid charging the battery at very low temperatures too.

Battery Charge Status
Custom Made Lithium Ion Battery Pack Suppliers often advise against storing a battery at 100% charge or no charge.

Lithium-ion batteries tend to self discharge over time, around 3%-5% per month. Therefore, storing a battery at no charge can cause total depletion of power. A fully-discharged battery could become non-rechargeable and completely useless.

A partial discharge, 50% to 80% charge is an optional battery charge status for storage. One must also recharge the battery from time to time to keep it from dropping below the cut-off voltage. However, at the same time, depending on your battery design, you should let the battery completely discharge after a certain number of charge cycles.

As a safety precaution, avoid charging a battery that has been stored in a completely discharged state for long.

Fast charges come very handy when you need a quick powerup. However, frequent use must be avoided as it shortens battery life.

Physical State of the Battery
Especially for long-term storage, it is important to examine the structure of the battery regularly. The battery should disposed properly if:

❏ You notice a fluid leak
❏ The battery swells
❏ The battery emits a strange smell
❏ There is any discoloration

Do not mishandle the battery such as hit or kick it or place heavy weight on it.

Keep Away from Water
Lithium-ion batteries need to be stored in a cool, dry place. Any dampness could cause the batteries to rust or corrode.

❏ Do not put the battery in water.
❏ Ensure the battery doesn’t get wet.

Handling batteries is serious business because of their inflammable nature. Hence, they must be handled with care.

You must ensure that battery fluids do not make contact with the body, especially the eyes. Wash your hands immediately.