TECHNOLOGY

Do electronic devices explode in the heat? The answer from the Polytechnic University of Milan

In the heat of this summer, even our electronic devices, objects we take with us wherever we go, suffer damage. For example, if a modern phone is left in the heat for too long, or in direct sunlight, it will crash, and cannot be used until the temperature has dropped.

Some people also fear that high temperatures can cause the battery of mobile phones in our hands to explode. This, as explained by a professor from the Milan Polytechnic, one of the best technical schools in the world, cannot happen.

However, it is undeniable that heat and direct exposure to the sun causes damage, even if not 'lethal', to our devices.

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Heat and device battery, is there a risk?
In the heat of this summer, even our electronic devices, objects we take with us wherever we go, suffer damage. For example, if a modern phone is left in the heat for too long, or in direct sunlight, it will crash, and cannot be used until the temperature has dropped. Some people also fear that high temperatures can cause the battery of mobile phones in our hands to explode. This, as explained by a professor at the Milan Polytechnic, one of the best technical schools in the world, cannot happen, but the heat does prematurely age the battery and its components.
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Professor Luigi Piegari
Luigi Piegari, professor of electrical converters, machines and drives at the Milan Polytechnic, spoke about this topic, which is very dear to young people and not only, and was reported by the online edition of 'SkyTG24'.
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There is no risk of expolosion
If, until a few years ago, one heard the occasional news story of an electronic device exploding due to too much, too hot, today this is something that can no longer happen because, says the professor, smartphones in particular have a built-in self-protection system that switches them off automatically, thus preventing the risk of a sudden burst.
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Lithium batteries
These types of batteries are now used in all the devices we have today, from iPhones to tablets to PCs. The risk of a 'flare-up', as of today, only remains for 'mechanical shocks' or for temperatures that are above 95°C, which is really not possible (in this case we speak of 'thermal runaway').
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The risk of aging, on the other hand, exists
Instead, it has been proven that the heat that devices have to endure ages the battery and components. The professor speaks of Arrhenius' law: ageing roughly doubles every 10 degrees. So, if a device is subjected to temperatures of 50 degrees for seven consecutive days, it is the same as if it had been used for two months.
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What to pay attention to
If we feel the device hot, it means that it has exceeded 37°C, which is our body temperature. Also, if we notice the device slowing down a lot or working strangely, it is likely that it is too hot at the moment, so it is better not to use it. Also, avoid leaving it in direct sunlight. If you are at the beach, it is better to put it inside a protective case and leave it under a parasol or in your backpack, always in the shade.
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