My cell phone battery is swollen: what can I do about it?

Lithium-ion battery: performance comes at a price

The lithium-ion battery is a tried and tested option for today’s industrial and consumer electronics. From mass 4680 the batteries utilized in Tesla’s electric vehicles, to the sunshine, slim and sturdy batteries in your phone and wireless headphones, there are many them.

Lithium-ion batteries cannot address all this despite their quite a few benefits, i.e. high density and sturdiness. Because the battery ages, the energy production process may change into disrupted and produce gas, which can cause the battery to swell. Moreover, poor management and patterns could also be a contributing factor to the issue.

What causes batteries to swell?

The essential situation of an over-enlarged battery is that it’s an overcrowded playground with no safety strategies in place. Moreover, disturbing particles within the battery layers react with moisture in the skin air and cause the battery body to swell. Taken together, these elements often explain the issue.

Natural aging. Electrical appliances have a lifespan, similar to lithium-ion batteries. Over time, the chemical response within the battery will now not function because it did when it was created. Moreover, the inner layers don’t maintain the right segregation condition of the battery. A typical lithium-ion battery will last two to 3 years of use.

The cooling hole becomes blocked (normally happens in laptops). If the battery filler cap vent is blocked, gas will begin to build up since the charging time could also be too long or the charging voltage could also be too high. This could cause pressure to accumulate within the battery box, which can eventually cause it to swell.

The battery is overcharged. That is essentially the most incessantly cited reason behind swelling battery. If the charging current is simply too large or the charging time is simply too long, a major amount of gas is produced. Moreover, too long a charging time or a considerable amount of current causes a rapid increase within the electrolyte temperature. This will cause the battery to overheat.

The discharge is exhausting. Lithium-ion batteries can bloat resulting from depth of discharge or a faulty BMS (battery management system).

Symptoms of a swollen battery

What are you able to do to discover a bulging battery? The very best option to spot a swollen battery is to take a look at the device’s casing. For instance, in case your laptop keyboard begins to look unnatural “curves”; The phone’s metal frame is liable to warping and it can’t be placed evenly on a desk.

What can I do a couple of swollen battery?

Is a swollen battery dangerous?

(an elderly man scratched a very swollen battery that caught fire at a mobile phone repair station)

Yes, absolutely. There may be a risk of injury to your complete device since the bulges within the batteries generate heat. Not to say that the changing shape could cause the casing product of the metal container to crack, causing a brief circuit and even a fireplace. As well as, a harmful, flammable product from a lithium-ion battery can pose a threat to pets, house order, and human life.

Does it help shrink a swollen battery by freezing it?

NO. Placing the battery within the refrigerator is not going to reduce the quantity of oxygen within the battery. It also won’t solve the unique problem of a faulty lithium-ion battery. Ultimately, freezing exceeds the battery’s temperature range. Due to this fact, the battery will probably not give you the option to operate properly.

The right way to safely remove a swollen battery?

It’s at all times a very good decision to search for a government accredited technical repair facility as they’ve a full range of tools and highly trained technicians to care for your problem. Nonetheless, in case you determine to remove the swollen battery yourself, follow the instructions.

Step one is to show off your device and never charge it.

1. Wear protective equipment akin to insulated gloves and, if crucial, masks and goggles to guard your hands, eyes and face from 2. fire and battery-related chemicals.
3. Use long, blunt pliers to remove the battery from the housing.
4. Discover a cool and well-ventilated place and prepare a fireproof container with soft, dry sand.

5. When removing the battery, remember never to press or tear it.
6. When the battery is removed, then you definately can put it back in until you discover an appropriate place to do away with it.

Where to throw away a swollen battery?

A swollen battery may pose a hazard if not removed properly. Please go to your nearest authorized recycling facility. If there isn’t any such device in your area, please contact the device manufacturer and its customer support to resolve the battery bulge issue. Don’t throw away batteries with regular garbage.

The right way to prevent a swollen battery?

It is often the case that the battery provides enough space to stop contact with the components because the battery grows in size. Last 12 months, Apple filed two patents to handle this inevitable physical phenomenon.

The unique patent was intended to incorporate an unconnected metal casing on the skin of the battery. Due to this fact, there shall be no short circuits even when near other components resulting from expansion. Alternatively, it could reduce the space between it and the weather surrounding it, increasing the battery capability.

One other patent states that by adding sensors that examine and monitor battery expansion through an appropriate processor, the answer could limit expansion by changing discharge and charge rates.

Please keep these guidelines in mind when using the devices. This is very important and can help them live longer.

1. Don’t overcharge your devices. Although some smart devices stop charging when the battery is fully charged, it is suggested to unplug the charger every so often. time.
2. Watch out to make use of it in harsh environments. For instance, whether you switch it off or on, your device is just not intended to be used in environments where humidity and temperature may negatively affect battery products (e.g., in a closed automotive).
3. Use an appropriate charging device. At all times use the charger and cable provided together with your device. Avoid accessories purchased from third parties. If the charger is sold at a reduced price, this will likely also affect its reliability.
4. If problems occur, replace the battery. For instance, in case you notice that the battery has a sudden lack of energy or visible damage, you could replace it with a brand new one or immediately transfer it to a different device.

Now you already know

An overfilled battery is dangerous and shouldn’t be used for long periods of time. Please concentrate on potential battery bulge and be certain that you employ the battery appropriately. No matter whether your battery has swollen or not, it will be important to eliminate it quickly when it gets old.