lämpöpurkausten

Lämpöpurkaus, also known as thermal runaway, is a process where increasing temperature causes a feedback loop that further increases the temperature. This phenomenon can occur in various contexts, from chemical reactions to electronic devices.

In chemistry, a thermal runaway can happen when the heat generated by an exothermic reaction exceeds the rate at which heat is dissipated. This can lead to a rapid and uncontrolled increase in temperature, potentially causing a fire or explosion. Factors such as insufficient cooling, high reactant concentrations, or the presence of catalysts can contribute to thermal runaway.

In the context of batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, thermal runaway is a significant safety concern. If a battery overheats due to overcharging, internal short circuits, or physical damage, the internal temperature can rise rapidly. This can trigger a chain reaction of exothermic chemical reactions within the battery cells, releasing significant amounts of energy and potentially leading to smoke, fire, or even detonation. Battery manufacturers implement various safety mechanisms, such as thermal fuses, positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors, and robust battery management systems, to prevent or mitigate thermal runaway.

The concept of thermal runaway also applies to other areas, such as nuclear reactors, where uncontrolled chain reactions can lead to overheating, and in certain material processing techniques. Understanding the conditions that lead to thermal runaway is crucial for designing safe and reliable systems and for preventing hazardous incidents.