The Portable Lithium ion Boat Battery
The portable device lithium ion boat battery has advantages that include lighter weights than comparable battery types, they hold charge levels better and also have an ability to handle increased charge levels. They also have lower levels of self-discharge and also limited charge memory problems. The downsides are that they start to degrade shortly after manufacture.
The average life of a device lithium-ion battery is around 2-3 years from manufacture whether in use or not. Increased heat levels cause a more rapid break down and they are very sensitive to high temperatures. Battery storage is important and when not in use storage in a cool place is essential to reduce aging and battery quality. Manufacturers will define optimum storage temperatures so best read when buying. When batteries are completely (100%) discharged they generally become unusable and destroyed (Been there with my Ryobi drill battery).
The Portable Lithium ion Boat Battery
If the battery is damaged they can create an overheat and explosion risk. If you drop your drill and the battery gets cracked or damaged take it off the boat. If water manages to ingress to a cell a chemical reaction is possible with the lithium salt in the electrolyte which can release toxic hydrogen fluoride. Absolutely never charge a lithium-ion battery if the device is hot to touch. Allow the battery time to cool down before placing it in the charger. Example is when using an electric power tool, the discharge creates battery heat so give it time before charging. Also, and more boat specific, consider not leaving, using or charging a device or battery in direct sunlight, and boat decks can get very hot and so does anything black. Want more information on your systems? Get a copy of my book The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible 4th Edition.
The Portable Lithium ion Boat Battery
On a boat water ingress is important, and this particularly relates to salt water. Never charge a device or lithium ion battery pack anywhere that water has the potential to penetrate. Another really important safety measure is to never place a device or tool on charge unattended. In particular if you have people on board overnight sleeping in cabins. Given the risk I have started to place my charger and battery pack in my dried stainless-steel galley sink when charging and absolutely never at night. Absolutely never attempt to modify battery packs to increases capacity as some people regularly do and shoreside such things have caused many fires.
The fire extinguishers used on any boat are typically dry powder. The downside is they are not effective in extinguishing Lithium-ion battery fires. There are no extinguishers available that can do so. Larger lithium-ion battery powered power tools and devices incorporate a number of battery cells (for example those Ryobi 18V packs) and these are sealed. Using water or any other extinguishing medium on the outside casing is unlikely to reduce internal heat.
Portable Lithium ion Boat Battery
Fires
There is always the potential for re-ignition after lithium-ion battery fires. If you think you managed to save yourself from disaster and extinguish a small fire be very aware that the residual heat within the cells can and often do re-ignite several minutes, hours or even the following day. This is a very real risk so consult your fire department and REMOVE the battery pack off the boat somewhere where it cannot cause harm. Be aware that another risk to all on board are the toxic fumes that get generated and these may be clear and not showing up as visible smoke. In confined below deck spaces these can be severely damaging or lethal. Ensure you evacuate everyone.
Portable Lithium ion Boat Battery
Caution
When you have guest or crew on board make sure when you do your onboard safety briefing that you identify what every person has brought aboard and the rules for charging. Also check whether they are cheap and nasty chargers or manufacturers specific ones. This is an important part of your boat safety risk assessment. The chemistry of Lithium-ion batteries is such that fires rapidly escalate. When battery overheating commences there is often an audible crackling noise, smoke odors, and battery casings start to deform or bulge. If this is the case immediately switch off the charger and if possible. get the battery off the boat (not in the water though!). Smoke means rapid evacuation from the boat and call 911 or whatever your local emergency number is. 000 in Australia, 111 in New Zealand, 999 in the UK. Fighting a Lithium-ion by yourself is challenging. I am amazed at how few people have a smoke detector on board, they are cheap to buy so get one and install near galley or wherever you think is practical.
What Safety
Measures to Take?
1. The easiest and simplest safety measure is to never leave your devices on extended charge. When they are charged remove them from the charger.
2. Never leave devices on charge when your boat is unattended or at night.
3. Don’t start charging immediately after using the device and if the battery pack is warm after discharge during use. This is common on portable power tools.
4. Consider a timer on the device charger power supply set to 3 hours maximum.
5. Do regular inspections of your battery packs. Inspect for signs of overheating, swelling of the battery case or physical damage to the case. If there are any signs of damage DON’T start charging.
6. Don’t use third party non-OEM battery chargers
7. Install a smoke detector on your boat
8. Perform an audit of all your devices and keep a reference list
Make sure you are using your portable devices correctly and recharging the batteries properly in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. In particular this applies to scooters and bikes which seem to have the highest rate of fires. Portable Lithium ion boat battery devices are on every boat, be safe with using them.