From equipment at Antarctic research stations to solar energy storage systems in the Sahara Desert, the stability of lithium batteries is directly related to the success or failure of missions in extreme environments. But can lithium batteries work properly in extremely cold -40°C or extremely hot 50°C? How will their performance change? Is there a risk of explosion? Based on battery chemistry principles and cutting-edge technology cases, this article will analyze the true performance of lithium batteries at extreme temperatures and explore how to break through the constraints of natural laws.
I. Lithium batteries at low temperatures (-40°C): the challenge of freezing
a. How does low temperature "seal" lithium batteries?
- Electrolyte solidification: The viscosity of conventional lithium battery electrolytes increases sharply below -20°C, lithium ion migration is hindered, and internal resistance soars.
- Capacity drop: At -40°C, the capacity of ordinary lithium batteries may only be 10%-20% (data source: Argonne National Laboratory, USA).
- Charging failure: Forced charging at low temperatures may cause lithium metal precipitation (lithium dendrites), piercing the diaphragm and causing a short circuit.
b. Survival rules of polar equipment
- Self-heating technology:
- Principle: Self-heating through built-in electric heating film or pulse current to increase the internal temperature of the battery (such as CATL's all-weather battery).
- Case: Tesla 4680 battery supports -30°C startup and restores 80% capacity after preheating.
- External insulation:
- Arctic scientific research equipment often uses vacuum insulation layer + phase change material (such as paraffin) to maintain battery temperature.
- Alternative solutions:
- Solid-state battery: higher ion conductivity at low temperature (such as QuantumScape solid-state battery can work at -30°C).
- Sodium-ion battery: -40°C can still maintain 70% capacity (such as China Science and Technology Sea Sodium Energy Storage System).
II. Lithium batteries at high temperature (50°C): critical point of combustion
a. How does high temperature destroy lithium batteries?
- Electrolyte decomposition: When the temperature is greater than 60°C, the electrolyte begins to gasify, and the internal pressure increases, causing bulging.
- SEI membrane collapse: the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the surface of the negative electrode decomposes, accelerating side reactions.
- Thermal runaway chain reaction: local short circuit → temperature surge → electrolyte combustion → explosion (such as electric car spontaneous combustion accidents in summer).
b. Cooling black technology in the desert
- Liquid cooling system:
- Principle: The coolant circulates to take away the heat and maintain the battery at 25°C-35°C (such as Tesla's battery thermal management system).
- Case: The lithium battery pack of the Dubai solar power station copes with 50°C high temperature through liquid cooling + awning.
- Material innovation:
- High temperature resistant electrolyte: Add flame retardants (such as phosphates) to increase the flash point (such as BYD blade battery).
- Ceramic coating diaphragm: Prevent diaphragm shrinkage at high temperature (such as SK Innovation's diaphragm technology).
III. Application cases in extreme environments
a. Polar expedition: extreme testing of lithium batteries
- Challenge: The average temperature in Antarctica is -60°C in winter, and the equipment needs to work continuously for several months.
- Solution:
- The Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany uses self-heating lithium batteries with a diesel generator to preheat the cabin.
- The battery cabin is covered with aerogel insulation to reduce heat loss.
b. Desert energy storage: a battle for survival under high temperatures
- Challenge: The temperature of the Saudi Arabian desert power station exceeds 50°C during the day and the temperature difference reaches 30°C at night.
- Solution:
- Huawei's intelligent energy storage system uses zoned temperature control to adjust the liquid cooling flow in real time.
- Silicone heat pads are filled between battery modules to avoid heat accumulation.
c. Space exploration: the dual test of vacuum and radiation
- Case: NASA Perseverance Mars Rover
- Temperature: -100°C at night on Mars and 20°C during the day.
- Technology:
- Radioisotope heaters (RHU) maintain battery temperature.
- The battery shell uses multi-layer insulation foil (MLI) to reflect radiation.
IV. User Guide: Battery Care in Extreme Environments
a. Recommendations for Low-Temperature Use
- Preheating: Preheat the battery to above 0°C with an external power source before charging or using.
- Slow charging: Use a low current to charge at low temperatures (e.g., 0.1C rate).
- Insulation kit: Use an electric heating insulation kit (e.g., DJI drone battery heater).
b. Taboos for High-Temperature Use
- Store away from light: Keep away from direct sunlight. Use a sunshade or cellar in the desert.
- Power-limited operation: Reduce the load of the device at high temperatures (e.g., switch an electric vehicle to "energy-saving mode").
- Real-time monitoring: Use a Bluetooth temperature control sensor (e.g., Govee smart thermometer) to warn of overheating.
c. Emergency handling
- Freezing at low temperatures: Do not force charging! Move to a 15°C environment to naturally warm up.
- High-temperature bulge: Disconnect the power immediately, cover with sand, and contact a professional.
V. Future Technology: Breaking the Temperature Shackles
1. All-solid-state battery
- Advantages: No liquid electrolyte, temperature range -50°C~150°C (Toyota plans to mass produce in 2027).
- Bottleneck: Large interface impedance, high mass production cost.
2. Lithium-sulfur battery
- Low temperature resistance: Sulfur cathode has excellent low temperature performance (such as -60°C test by OXIS Energy in the UK).
- Defects: Polysulfide dissolution at high temperature leads to capacity decay.
3. Bionic electrolyte
- Technology: Imitate the antifreeze protein of Arctic fish and develop electrolyte that does not solidify at -100°C (research progress at the University of California).
Conclusion: Finding balance in extremes
Lithium batteries are not completely "strike" in extreme cold of -40°C or scorching heat of 50°C, but they need to rely on material innovation and the support of precise temperature control systems. Whether it is self-heating technology, liquid cooling, or future breakthroughs in solid-state batteries, humans are constantly expanding the temperature boundaries of lithium batteries.
Remember: In extreme environments, safety is always the first principle. Only by choosing certified heat-resistant batteries and strictly following the usage specifications can technology truly conquer the extremes of nature.
