Have you ever noticed that the battery of your phone, laptop or other electronic device suddenly swelled up? This "swelling" phenomenon not only makes people worry about the safety of the device, but may also cause greater hidden dangers. Many people may ask: Can a swollen battery be repaired by yourself? Today we will explore this issue in depth and tell you why you should never try to repair a swollen battery by yourself.
1. What is battery bloated?
Battery Bloated refers to the gas generated by chemical reactions inside the battery, which causes the outer shell to expand and deform. This phenomenon is particularly common in lithium-ion polymer batteries (LiPo) because their packaging materials are relatively soft and are more likely to show bulging in appearance.
Causes of bloated
- Overcharge or over-discharge: The battery management system (BMS) fails, causing the battery voltage to exceed the safe range.
- High temperature environment: Long-term exposure to high temperatures (such as exposure in the sun in the car) accelerates the decomposition of the electrolyte.
- Physical damage: Dropping or squeezing causes internal short circuits and produces gas.
- Aging: The internal SEI film decomposes and releases gas when the battery is used for too long.
2. The dangers of bloated batteries
Bloated batteries are not just an appearance problem, they may bring serious safety hazards:
- Explosion risk: Internal gas accumulation may cause the battery shell to rupture, causing thermal runaway or even explosion.
- Equipment damage: Bloated batteries may squeeze the internal components of the device, causing permanent damage.
- Health threats: Chemicals leaked from the battery may be harmful to the human body.
Case warning: The "battery gate" incident of Samsung Note7 in 2016 is a typical accident caused by Bloated batteries, which eventually led to a global recall and billions of dollars in losses.
3. Can bloated batteries be repaired by themselves?
Absolutely not! Here are several key reasons:
(1) Irreversible chemical reaction
Bloated is caused by irreversible chemical reactions inside the battery (such as electrolyte decomposition), and these gases cannot be reabsorbed or discharged through external means.
(2) The extreme danger of puncture and exhaust
Some "tutorials" on the Internet recommend using a needle to puncture the battery to exhaust, which is extremely dangerous! Puncture may cause the battery to short-circuit, instantly release a large amount of heat, and cause fire or explosion.
(3) Limitations of professional equipment and technology
Even some repair shops do not have the ability to safely handle bulging batteries. The internal structure of the battery is complex, and non-professional operations are very likely to cause accidents.
4. The correct way to handle bloated batteries
If you find that the battery is Bloated, please take the following measures immediately:
(1) Stop using the device
- Immediately turn off the device and disconnect the power supply.
- Avoid applying any pressure (such as pressing or squeezing) to the battery.
(2) Safe storage
- Place the battery in a non-flammable container (such as a metal box) away from high temperature and humid environments.
- Avoid contact between the battery and other metal objects to prevent short circuits.
(3) Contact a professional recycling agency
- Do not discard swollen batteries at will, as they are hazardous waste.
- Contact a local e-waste recycling center or battery manufacturer for professional disposal.
5. How to prevent battery bloated?
Rather than dealing with it after the fact, it is better to prevent it in advance:
- Avoid overcharging and over-discharging: Try to keep the battery level between 20% and 80%.
- Keep away from high temperatures: Do not expose the device to sunlight or high temperature for a long time.
- Use the original charger: Poor quality chargers may cause voltage instability and damage the battery.
- Check regularly: Especially for old devices, pay attention to whether the battery is abnormally hot or swollen.
6. Conclusion: Safety first, don't take risks
A swollen battery is a clear warning sign that the battery is already in an unsafe state. Never try to fix it yourself, as this will not only fail to solve the problem, but may also pose a serious safety risk. The only way to properly handle a swollen battery is to stop using it and contact a professional.
Remember, battery safety is no small matter, and protecting yourself and others is the most important thing!
