Pure Lithium metal is extremely sensitive to even tiny amounts of moisture in the air, and leads to reduced performance and reliability over the battery lifecycle. When lithium gets in contact with water, lithium hydroxide is formed, which is a highly flammable hydrogen, i.e. (Li + H2O) = (LiOH + H2).
With the latest LI chemistries, lithium salts are used to keep the electrolytes stable. In some chemistries moisture leads to the generation of hydrogen fluoride as an undesired by-product, which leads to gassing and bloating up of Prismatic and Pouch batteries, thereby reducing performance and life expectancy.
Lithium Ion batteries are affected by uncontrolled temperature and humidity during manufacturing stages of cell manufacture, in particular Electrolyte filling and then battery assembly leading to quality issues around:
- Reduced performance (charging capacity)
- Reduced product lifetime
- Safety issues, including chances of explosion
Lithium ion battery production, takes place in controlled environment rooms now commonly referred to as a Dry Cleanrooms which are hermetically sealed with ultra-low humidity control.
Battery Cleanrooms are Dry Cleanrooms requiring extremely low humidity (moisture) levels and high levels of cleanliness for LI battery manufacturing processing to ensure product quality in terms of yield and reliability, as well as safety. Energy management and smart design is critical to manage costs.
When there are people present comfort conditions must be maintained. And the average person releases 1500 to 2000 grains per hour through breathing and perspiration must be addressed by the HVAC system. Therefore modern Giga Battery Dry Cleanrooms use high levels of robotics and automation.
