The excellent features of lithium-ion batteries have led to their widespread application in various fields, including portable electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage. Li-ion battery cells consists of combustible and high-energy materials (electrodes, separators, electrolytes, and organic solvents). If these cells are subjected to abuse that results in internal failure, they can initiate a fire. The potential threats formed by lithium-ion batteries demand a specific fire safety concept.
Fire Is Due To A Failure In The Battery Cell; Causes Include:
● Mechanical damage to the battery cells is due to cell penetration or excessive vibration.
● Exposure of the battery cells to heat.
● Overcharging batteries: charging batteries below freezing can also be an issue.
● Uncontrolled or a (too) fast discharge of stored chemical energy through a defect or incorrect treatment.
● Production issues related to the cell, such as polluted or poor-quality components.
Characteristics Of The Fire
A Li-ion fire is difficult to fight due to the chemical reaction continuously creating oxygen. The organic electrolytes in many lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable when heated. The fire can result in temperatures in excess of 1,200°C and also release hot and corrosive solid compounds. During the thermal runaway* process, it can generate quantities of toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride (HF), carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen chloride (HCl), and hydrogen (H2).
*Thermal runaway in batteries can be caused when the cell is in failure. Lithium-ion battery cells are a closed system. When the cell is in failure, an exothermic reaction occurs—the cell heats up. As the battery temperature rises, it triggers an increase in chemical reactions and generates more heat. Once the heat generation is greater than the heat loss, the battery system can arrive at a ‘temperature of no return’, then thermal runaway.
FirePro® Aerosol Total Flooding Technology
The FirePro® aerosol total flooding technology has successfully proven its efficiency and effectiveness in suppressing Li-ion battery fires in more than 70 tests carried out over the past 6 years by accredited laboratories such as KIWA (Netherlands) and Albarubens (Italy), as well as by prominent Li-ion battery manufacturers. Researchers constructed a specially designed spherical test chamber for conducting fire suppression tests, explosive tests, and off-gassing analyses.
How Does It Work?
In the event of a Li-ion battery fire, the FirePro active agent suppresses the ongoing fire and neutralizes the electrolyte’s decomposition products, such as hydrogen fluoride (HF), forming stable products such as Potassium fluoride (KF) and Potassium bifluoride (KHF2). This neutralizing action prevents the formation of highly flammable gases such as hydrogen (H2), ultimately allowing the temperature in the enclosure to drop below the threshold necessary for thermal runaway to sustain itself.
Energy Storage System Protection
Our pre-engineered box-type models provide protection for large volumes, such as battery energy storage systems often placed in containers. Upon activation of the condensed aerosol generators, the agent totally floods the enclosure, rapidly controlling and suppressing battery fires.
The traditional system usually consists of the following parts:
- Fire Alarm and Extinguishing Panel
- System Abort Switch
- Disconnect Switch
- Gas Release Sign
- 1st Stage Sounder (Bell)
- 2nd Stage Sounder/Beacon (Horn/Strobe)
- FirePro Condensed Aerosol Generators
- Sequential Activator
- Combination of different detection technologies
Zod Security is a top Lebanese security company with more than 45 years of experience in Lebanon. With its commitment to excellence, ZOD Security has established itself as the go-to provider for all your fire safety needs. The FirePro® aerosol total flooding technology offers a tested solution for suppressing and neutralizing battery fires, it also safeguards larger battery systems, providing comprehensive fire protection. Our proficient engineers can design and supply the most suitable solution for your premises. By partnering with ZOD Security, you can rest easy knowing that your fire safety requirements are in the hands of industry experts who put your safety first.
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