Polymer Lithium Ion Battery and Ventilation Requirements

Ninja

Looking for Reality
Staff member
Super Moderator
#11
I don't know about published literature, but for automotive use, the ventilation of the batteries in high load is a very critical issue.

In the field, there is common reference to the "exploding Obama-mobile".

I make no comment on whether the references are valid or not, but when dealing with regulation and/or compliance to regulation, perception is a significant issue.

Again, I have no idea how this would relate to the medical field.
 
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Mikishots

Trusted Information Resource
#12
The standard specifically refers to accumulation and ignition, so it is fire that is the point.

The bursting of a sealed battery compartment is theoretical but unlikely to be an issue; most battery packs in medical devices are small compared to the volume of the enclosure so the increase in pressure from venting would not be significant; and an IPX4 enclosure would be unlikely to be tightly sealed to withstand a large amount of pressure.

This is a very old requirement (more than 25 years old), and written at a time when lead acid batteries would have been popular. The risk for lead acid batteries is well documented in literature, you can find many references to accumulation and ignition - exactly what the clause is referring to.

But I cannot find any literature indicating the same problem for modern batteries like Li-ion and NiMH. In fact I found one article that specifically states Li-ion does not require ventilation. For the recent fire problems for Boeing, ventilation is mentioned as an issue, but the literature states this is for temperature, not accumulation of gasses. These are large packs and were probably overheating.

For reference. Li-ion cells have three protection devices: a PTC device to limit current, a pressure operated CID (current interrupt device), and finally a safety vent. Since the CID is a pressure switch, for it to work the cell must have a intact sealed enclosure. The safety venting is a last resort. This implies that venting from Li-ion is a rare event.
It's contradictory. You've stated that that article states that Li-ion doesn't require ventilation, yet they include a ventilation feature as one of the protection devices. Makes no sense, the author of the article is misinformed.

Rare or not, obviously the manufacturer deemed it important enough to include in every Li-ion battery. The FDA won't be taking bets on rarity of occurrence. You seem to be making a lot of assumptions by using terms like "theoretical", "unlikely" "not significant" "probably overheating" "old requirement" and "rare event". I'm not attacking you, it's just that I'm having a hard time understanding why you seem to be basing all of this on perceived risk. The last thing we want is for the OP to become more confused and possibly end up with a noncompliant design.

My two cents, that's all for me. The OP needs to follow the requirements of the IEC, and I stand by my original response to the OP. If the IEC needs to be updated, fine. Until then, it's expected to be followed.
 
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Peter Selvey

Staff member
Super Moderator
#13
Hi Mikishot, it seems we have a very basic misunderstanding.

The clause in the standard (and the original question) is talking about ventilation in the equipment, not the cells in the battery pack. This means having holes in the external enclosure of the medical device, which of course impacts on an IP (water ingress) classification. The question was, if the outer enclosure of the medical device is sealed to ensure IPX4 classification, would it fail the clause related to ventilation for batteries.

Of course, the cells themselves will have safety vents. No argument there. It appears that we have been talking about different things.

The article I found with a direct reference not requiring ventilation for Li-ion cells can be found here.
 

Mikishots

Trusted Information Resource
#14
Hi Mikishot, it seems we have a very basic misunderstanding.

The clause in the standard (and the original question) is talking about ventilation in the equipment, not the cells in the battery pack. This means having holes in the external enclosure of the medical device, which of course impacts on an IP (water ingress) classification. The question was, if the outer enclosure of the medical device is sealed to ensure IPX4 classification, would it fail the clause related to ventilation for batteries.

Of course, the cells themselves will have safety vents. No argument there. It appears that we have been talking about different things.

The article I found with a direct reference not requiring ventilation for Li-ion cells can be found here.

Peter: Re-read my posts (highlights below). You can also verify who initiated the topic of battery vents.

"The intent of the ventilation detailed is to prevent the situation of an enclosed/sealed compartment that can burst"

"What it will mitigate is the risk of the battery's compartment (presumed to be part of the medical device) bursting."

As far as the article is concerned, the IEC does not make this type of concession for a specific battery chemistry. Does the IEC take direction from the authors of that group? I'll see your link and raise you with my own ;): http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/non_correctable_battery_problems

To answer your last question, if the outer enclosure of the medical device is sealed to ensure IPX4 classification, it will fail the clause related to ventilation for batteries UNLESS YOU PROVIDE A MEANS OF VENTILATION. That's what devices like check valves are for. VRLA batteries use them, Li-ion use them, many types of batteries use them. IP ratings remain intact while allowing the compartment to be ventilated, no matter the cause of the overpressure event.

I do see what you're trying to say, but I'm speaking from experience - I've been down this path before: A battery chamber (for a battery that can be charged) that is not ventilated is not acceptable for use in a medical device. If an IP rating is required, one can utilize a check valve or other suitable method of ventilation to preserve the ventilation requirement while maintaining the water/debris ingress protection needed. Li-ion batteries can (and have) vent hydrogen and electrolyte if something malfunctions in the charging circuit. Rare or not, the IEC doesn't care, nor does it cite anything about what chemistry has been designed for the product.
 
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N

nbarabino

#15
Hi Everybody

We have a similar problem here and would like to have your help.

It’s a handheld Medical Device for home use, therefore IEC 60601-1-11 applies, and according to this standard it needs IP22 ingress protection. We have selected and enclosure which provides IP54 protection, and plan to use two AA-size lithium non-rechargeable batteries (3000 mAh each). The batteries comply with IEC IEC60086-4 (required by the general standard).

Do we have to consider modifying the enclosure to allow for ventilation? This would eventually lead to losing the IP classification

Does the compliance with IEC IEC60086-4 imply protection for unventilated or poorly ventilated environments? (I’m sorry I don’t have the standard here)

Thank you for your help
N.
 
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