Lithium battery manufacturing is a precise endeavour, demanding meticulous production controls due to the high-energy and longer-life nature of these batteries. They find applications across diverse sectors, from portable electronics to implanted medical devices, driving a significant increase in demand.
Central to lithium battery production is the need for precise humidity control. The manufacturing process necessitates the creation of extremely dry air, often requiring dew points as low as -60°C dp, equivalent to less than 0.5% relative humidity (RH) at 25°C. This stringent humidity control is vital to maintain the stability of lithium, the primary component of these batteries.
Several challenges plague the industry, including lithium material degradation, infiltration mitigation, managing moisture from both human presence and the production process, and enhancing existing installations.
The imperative for maintaining ultra-low humidity levels arises from lithium's adverse reaction with water vapour, resulting in the formation of lithium hydroxide, hydrogen, and heat. Such moisture exposure directly impacts battery quality, performance, and shelf life.
To meet these demands, specialised dry rooms are indispensable. These facilities require meticulous construction techniques and meticulous design considerations to control infiltration and accommodate personnel loads effectively.
DEHUM equipment, particularly DEHUM desiccant dehumidifiers, plays a pivotal role in this setup. These systems work in tandem with associated cooling and heating systems, ensuring precise control through high-volume airflow, often employing laminar flow across the room.
Moreover, DEHUM equipment undergoes redesigning to optimise efficiency and minimise operational costs. Each plant tailored for these challenging conditions is bespoke and developed in collaboration with specialist contractors and consultants.
Leveraging extensive expertise, we have consistently achieved and maintained dew points lower than -70°C, surpassing the capabilities of other suppliers and exceeding client expectations.
In summary, the importance of closely controlled humidity conditions in lithium battery manufacturing cannot be overstated. Incorporating dehumidification from the outset is not just a necessity but a strategic imperative to ensure the quality, performance, and longevity of lithium batteries across various applications.