Humidity Control in Lithium Ion Battery Production

Q: What are the typical humidity requirements for lithium ion battery production?

Dry rooms are essential with very low humidity conditions. Typically <1% RH is needed for electrode coating and cell assembly. Some processes allow up to 5% RH, but lower is safer for lithium stability.

Q: How can dehumidification energy consumption be reduced?

The main way to reduce the energy needed to create the ultra-low humidity environments needed in battery production is to recover waste heat for the rotor regeneration process. This can come from other local manufacturing processes as well as from the dehumidifier's airstreams. Another strategy is to create localized dry zones rather than dehumidifying whole rooms. The smaller the area being treated, the lower the potential airflow and the less energy is needed. Likewise, better airflow design and improved insulation can also help mitigate energy use. Condair experts are always on hand to discuss energy saving strategies and work with clients to ensure the energy use meets a production's budget objectives.

Speak With a Condair Expert

Benefits

Highly accurate low humidity control is essential in lithium ion battery manufacturing.

Prevent Hygroscopic Reactions

Extremely dry environments are necessary to prevent reactions and safety hazards.

Maintain High Quality

Moisture can lead to impurities that degrade battery performance and reduce operating life.

Combat ESD

Humidity reduces static build-up and ESD outside of dry rooms for many applications.

Lithium Ion Battery Production

Top of page Benefits FAQs

Dehumidification for Lithium Ion Battery Production

Production of lithium ion batteries requires extremely low humidity conditions. Lithium reacts with water vapor and inaccurate humidity control in a battery production area can have severe consequences, as well as leading to a drop in product quality.

Due to the extreme requirement for moisture control, the energy required for this part of the manufacturing process is significant and therefore has a substantial impact on the profitability of any battery manufacturing operation.

Condair offers desiccant dehumidifier technology with energy saving features that make it ideal for battery cleanroom applications. The flexible design of Condair desiccant dehumidifiers allows the energy needed for regeneration to be taken from heat recovery systems, hot water, steam, gas or electric sources.

Condair's design team will work with a battery manufacturer to ensure that the proposed drying solution meets the required manufacturing conditions, as well as any energy consumption goals.

Humidification in Battery Production

Outside of dry rooms and areas of low humidity, humidification can still be required for manufacturing applications such as electrostatic management, maintaining moisture equilibrium during chemical processing and in packaging processes.

Different areas of battery component manufacturing and storage can require specific levels of humidity control. Static management strategies can include maintaining an ambient humidity level of around 50%RH alongside other activities such as anti-static coating, straps and paints. ESD prevention is particularly important in processes like battery separation film production.

Condair offers a comprehensive range of humidifiers alongside its range of dehumidifiers, enabling it to be a one-stop humidity control supplier for the battery manufacturing sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical humidity requirements for lithium ion battery production?

What types of dehumidifiers are used in lithium ion battery production?

Desiccant dehumidifiers are the only technology that can deliver the extremely low humidity conditions required in lithium ion battery production. Typically, multiple desiccant dehumidifiers are run in series to achieve the <1% RH needed. Energy consumption is high, so all possible strategies need to be explored to manage energy use in line with production objectives.

How can dehumidification energy consumption be reduced?

The main way to reduce the energy needed to create the ultra-low humidity environments needed in battery production is to recover waste heat for the rotor regeneration process. This can come from other local manufacturing processes as well as from the dehumidifier's airstreams.

Another strategy is to create localized dry zones rather than dehumidifying whole rooms. The smaller the area being treated, the lower the potential airflow and the less energy is needed. Likewise, better airflow design and improved insulation can also help mitigate energy use.

Condair experts are always on hand to discuss energy saving strategies and work with clients to ensure the energy use meets a production's budget objectives.

Get Free Expert Advice

If you want to explore your options for humidity control, a Condair's expert will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.

Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team is always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.

Connect With Your Local Condair Expert