The investigation into battle born failure modes takes a dramatic turn as an autopsy performed on 15 dead Battle Born LFP batteries reveals critical flaws in their design and construction.
DIY solar power enthusiast Will Prowse, known for his in-depth battery testing, obtained a collection of failed Battle Born batteries from a viewer to expand his data set beyond his own experiences. The batteries exhibited a range of symptoms, including refusal to charge, overheating terminals, complete lack of life, and non-responsive Battery Management Systems (BMS). Prowse emphasizes the importance of testing batteries with both a load and a charger to accurately assess their functionality.
While some batteries were set aside for load testing, the majority were dissected. The autopsy revealed common issues, such as molten plastic around the terminals, indicating excessive heat. More concerning were the numerous loose connections within the internal wiring. One battery also showed signs of corrosion, potentially caused by moisture intrusion or electrolyte leakage from a compromised cell.
Widespread Issues in Battle Born Batteries
The alarming aspect of this batch of Battle Born LFP batteries is the wide range of manufacturing dates, with some dating back to 2018. This suggests that the problems are not limited to a specific production run. While not every battery is guaranteed to fail within its expected 8-year lifespan, the longevity and reliability appear highly dependent on charging and load conditions. Prowse aims to further investigate these factors with upcoming load tests, using equipment he recently acquired.
His previous testing revealed a counterintuitive result: lower currents actually exacerbated the melting problem. This highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for thorough investigation.
“The worrying thing about this latest batch of Battle Born LFP batteries is that they span quite a few years, with one being from 2018.”
Violent Failure During Testing
Adding to the concerns, Prowse also acquired a troubled 300A-rated industrial Battle Born battery. During testing, this unit experienced a catastrophic failure, with a cell venting and the loose BMS rattling within the case. This incident underscores the potential safety risks associated with these batteries.
Implications for Battery Users
These findings raise serious questions about the quality control and long-term reliability of Battle Born LFP batteries. Consumers relying on these batteries for critical power applications should be aware of the potential risks and carefully monitor their performance. Further testing and analysis are needed to fully understand the root causes of these failures and to identify potential solutions. It’s recommended for owners to regularly inspect their batteries for signs of overheating, corrosion, or other anomalies.
Consider exploring other options for reliable power solutions. You can find related Industries news on alternative battery technologies and manufacturers.
The ongoing investigation into battle born failure is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of LFP batteries in the market. These batteries, when functioning correctly, offer significant advantages in terms of lifespan and energy density, but these advantages are negated by potential safety hazards and premature failures. The battle born failure issues need to be addressed promptly. Battle born failure could also lead to financial losses for consumers. The battle born failure rate is concerning.
Source: Hackaday
