Precautions and Safety

Corvus Energy batteries are among the safest power sources in the world. Even with such a safe and reliable battery however, it pays to dot your i’s and cross your t's. Below you will find all of the data you need to help you design the safest battery system in the world.

Precautions when using Corvus Lithium Ion Battery Packs
Corvus battery packs contain both lithium ion cells and battery protection circuits. Both items are sealed in a special water tight container made of a non-flammable material. The pack has no serviceable parts and should never be opened or disassembled. Doing so will void the warranty of the battery pack.

1. Charging the Battery
The “constant current/constant voltage” method is used to charge Corvus batteries.

Figure 1 - Charge: CC-CV, 0.5C→1.0C, 4.2V, 2.0A cut-off @ 23°C ±3°C

1. Charge voltage – The maximum charge voltage is 4.2 volts times the number of series connected cells (please refer to individual operating manuals for the specific voltage required.) The internal battery management system will automatically disconnect the battery from charging if this voltage is exceeded.

2. Charge current - We recommend a charge rate of 1C or less. Please contact Corvus if a higher rate is required.

3. Charge temperature – The battery should be charged at temperatures between +10°C and +45°C.

4. Reverse polarity charging – Do not reverse the polarity of the battery while charging as this will cause the battery to become discharged.

2. Discharging the Battery

1. Discharge current – The discharge current should be at a rate of 1C or less. If higher rates are required please consult Corvus.

2. Discharge temperature – The battery should be discharged at -20°C and +60°C. Please consult Corvus if you require discharge temperatures outside of these parameters.

3. Do not discharge the batteries to less than 2.7 volts per cell. The internal battery management system will automatically disconnect the battery from discharging if this voltage is exceeded.

Figure 2 - Discharge: CC, 0.5C→5.0C, 2.7V cut-off @ 23°C ±3

3. Equipment Design

1. Installing the battery – To avoid damage to the battery pack, make sure that the battery pack is positioned away from heat sources or the battery charger.

2. Securing the battery – Make sure the battery has a method to secure it in place to prevent damage from motion.

3. Short circuits and reversal conditions – Use an insulated terminal structure that prevents shorting of the terminals by outside metallic objects. Ensure the battery pack is connected in the correct polarity.

4. Corrosion prevention – Ensure the terminals are adequately protected from external corrosion potential.

4. Storing the batteries
The batteries should be stored at room temperature at a 50% state of charge.

5. The chemical reaction
Corvus batteries are based on particular chemical reactions and their performance will very slowly deteriorate over time. The various usage conditions such as charging, discharging, ambient temperature, etc. all have an effect on cycle life. If eventually the batteries cannot maintain an adequate charge then this may indicate it is time to change the battery.

SAFETY When using Corvus lithium ion battery packs

WARNING!

1. When Using the Battery

1. Misusing the battery may cause it to get hot , rupture or ignite and cause serious damage and/or injury.

2. Do not place the battery in fire or near a heat source.

3. Do not install the battery backward so that the polarity is reversed.

4. Do not short circuit the terminals of the battery.

5. Do not store the battery with metallic objects that may cause a short circuit.

6. Do not pierce the battery with any metallic object, strike the battery with any instruments, step on the battery or otherwise subject it to strong impacts or shocks.

7. Do not solder or weld directly onto the battery.

8. Do not disassemble or modify the battery. The battery contains safety and protection circuitry which, if damaged, may cause the battery to generate heat, rupture or ignite.

9. Immediately discontinue use of the battery if the battery emits an unusual smell, feels hot, changes colour, changes shape or appears abnormal in any way. Contact Corvus immediately if any of these problems occur.

WARNING!

1. While Charging
Be sure to follow the rules listed below while charging the battery. Failure to do so may cause the battery to get hot, rupture or ignite and cause serious damage or injury.

1. When charging the battery, use a specified battery charger or otherwise ensure that the battery charging conditions specified by Corvus are met.

2. Do not place the battery in or near fire or a heat source. If the battery becomes hot during charging the internal safety electronics will disconnect the battery from the charger.

3. Do not continue charging the battery if it does not recharge within its’ specified charging time. Please contact Corvus if this occurs.

CAUTION!

The temperature range over which the battery can be charged is +10°C to +45°C. Charging the battery at temperatures outside of this range may harm the battery performance and reduce its’ cycle life.

WARNING!

2. While Discharging
Do not discharge the battery using any device except for its intended use. If the battery is used for purposes aside from the specified use, it may damage the performance of the battery or reduce its life cycle. In addition, excess current may cause the battery to overheat, rupture, ignite or cause serious injury.

CAUTION!

The temperature range over which the battery can discharged is -20°C to +60°C. Use of the battery outside of this range may damage the performance of the battery and reduce its’ cycle life.

If you have any precautionary or safety concerns regarding Corvus batteries, please contact us at tech@corvus-energy.com and we will be happy to help.