CALB cells leaking

bill von novak
bill von novak Solar Expert Posts: 891 ✭✭✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1

I just got 16 CALB cells to replace my previous CALB bank. When I got them they all smelled very strongly of electrolyte. They have been in the battery box for a week now and they still smell. There's no visible leaking from the case, vents or terminals. The smell seems to be coming from the vents on about half the cells. (My nose isn't good enough to make sure if it's all of them.)

I did a resting voltage and discharge test and they are all within about 10%.

Obviously if they keep leaking the batteries will eventually dry out and fail. But since I can't point to a physical leak the seller is leery about taking them back. I haven't forced the issue yet.

Has anyone else experienced something like this?

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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2

    Are these lithium or FLA ?

    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • bill von novak
    bill von novak Solar Expert Posts: 891 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    https://forum.solar-electric.com/discussion/comment/396115#Comment_396115

    Sorry, 180ah LiFePO4 CALB cells.

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  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #4

    Had a similar concern when I purchased, not CALB cells, bur it appears the smell is actually coming from the plastic case itself, seven months have passed since, there is still a faint odor, but nothing like when they were new.

    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #5

    I'd always though Li cells were sealed, and didn't think they leaked , and if the emit smell from the electrolyte, it's often masking hydrofluoric acid, which kills you slowly for a couple days.


    Please look up hydrofluoric acid & Li batteries

    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • Ampster
    Ampster Registered Users Posts: 174 ✭✭✭
    #6

    The smell resembled Ether in the case of one over discharged Headway cell that happened to me on an Electric bike I built 7 years ago.

    8 kW Enphase micros AC coupled to a SolArk 12K
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  • bill von novak
    bill von novak Solar Expert Posts: 891 ✭✭✭✭
    #7
    https://forum.solar-electric.com/discussion/comment/396152#Comment_396152

    Thanks, that's good to hear. I am going to balance and commission them and see how they do.

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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #8

    Here's some links to Li batteries, leaks, smells, hydrofluoric acid

    http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?141137-Inhaled-vapors-from-battery!!!
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5577247/


    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #9

    The first link regards a primary cell, which is not rechargeable, so not something used in solar applications, the rechargeable type have various different chemistries, even within a specific type there are variations in doping chemicals, so to blanket all types together is not really fair, for example not all aircraft are grounded because a single type has an inherent problem.

    With any energy storage there are risks, it's wise to understand these risks, even storage of gasoline in an attached garage presents a potential hazard, which many underestimate.

    Not attempting to downplay risks involved, just attempting to point out some misconceptions, word of mouth proliferation which seems all too common. It's always best to research what chemistry battery, and, or energy storage medium to be used, be it natural gas, propane gasoline etcetera, they all have the potential to ruin your day. Some useful information about lithium ion in general can be found on reputable sites such as https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/safety_concerns_with_li_ion

    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #10


    https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/safety_concerns_with_li_ion


    The gas released by a venting Li-ion cell is mainly carbon dioxide (CO2). Other gases that form through heating are vaporized electrolyte consisting of hydrogen fluoride (HF) from 20–200mg/Wh, and phosphoryl fluoride (POF3) from 15–22mg/Wh. Burning gases also include combustion products and organic solvents.


    The knowledge on the toxicity of burning electrolyte is limited and toxicity can be higher than with regular combustibles. Ventilate the room and vacate area if smoke and gases are present. Gas and smoke in a confined area such as an aircraft, submarine and mine shaft will present a potential health risk.



     ( Mikes note, both primary and secondary (rechargebale) Li batteries can emit HF gas. When inhaled, it combines with moisture in the lungs and becomes HF acid. )

    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • Battery_Man
    Battery_Man Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭✭
    #11
    bill von novak said:

    I just got 16 CALB cells to replace my previous CALB bank. When I got them they all smelled very strongly of electrolyte. They have been in the battery box for a week now and they still smell. There's no visible leaking from the case, vents or terminals. The smell seems to be coming from the vents on about half the cells. (My nose isn't good enough to make sure if it's all of them.)

    I did a resting voltage and discharge test and they are all within about 10%.

    Obviously if they keep leaking the batteries will eventually dry out and fail. But since I can't point to a physical leak the seller is leery about taking them back. I haven't forced the issue yet.

    Has anyone else experienced something like this?

    Dear, where did you buy the CALB cells? Sorry to hear you've got issue with the cell. Please make sure you buy from official channel so that you can be offered with after-sale service.
    Who am I?
    → Officially and exclusively authorized agent of CALB battery in China. CALB is a leading battery manufacturer in China and the leading brand in the world.
    Contact mail?
    → Alvinsun02@hotmail.com or Alvin@fj-calb.com

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