Lithium-ion batteries have emerged as the power source of choice for an ever-increasing array of devices, ranging from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems.
With a wide-ranging potential for applications stemming from their high energy density and long life spans, lithium-ion batteries show no signs of being dethroned in terms of market dominance anytime soon.
But with such broad acceptance, there come attendant risks, most conspicuously thermal runaway, a chain reaction posing risks of fire as well as explosions.
The imposition of proper fire suppression systems for lithium-ion batteries is not merely a fire safety protocol, but also a fundamental way of protecting business interests, ensuring continued operation, and safeguarding personnel for any companies that deal in, manufacture, or transport lithium-ion batteries.
Given the different qualities of lithium-ion battery fires, it becomes imperative to develop and employ fire suppression systems for lithium ion batteries that are atypical of those applied to conventional Class A, B, or C fires.
In contrast to fires involving other combustibles or flammable liquids, lithium-ion battery fires can produce their own supply of oxygen in the very process of thermal runaway; consequently, traditional suppression tactics are thus rendered ineffective.
Furthermore, in some cases, combustion produces toxic fumes, which is a hazard to firefighters and anyone in the vicinity. Even long after suppression efforts have ended, the extreme heat associated with lithium-ion battery fires can lead to the ignition of other materials.
Companies must therefore progress beyond the classic fire extinguishers and think about fire suppression systems for lithium ion batteries alternatives that incorporate the specific risks inherent in their operations. This translates into a multi-tiered approach encompassing prevention, detection, and active suppression.
Prevention: The first line of attack in stopping lithium-ion battery-induced fires must be some proactive measures designed to decrease the chance of thermal runaway happening. Lithium-ion battery handling, storage, and charging should be well documented with strict protocols.
Companies must purchase higher quality batteries and chargers, fully certified, to be compatible with manufacturer instructions. Restricted temperature control for when batteries are being stored or charged is very important because very high temperatures can lead to the failure of lithium-ion batteries.
In addition, batteries should typically be inspected for damage, swelling, and degradation. Above all, an ideal prevention strategy starts with the education of the employees about the hazards associated with lithium ion batteries and their safe handling.
Detection: Early detection of thermal runaway is essential to intervening in time to minimize the potential of a full-blown fire. Companies working with appreciable amounts of lithium-ion batteries in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and electric vehicle service centers should consider advanced fire detection systems that can pick up warning signs of early battery malfunction.
Such systems could include special smoke detectors sensitive to trace amounts of unique off-gases produced during thermal runaway trace gas, thermal cameras pick up on hotspots localized in nature that indicate areas of possible concern.
Linking the detection systems to a building management system could facilitate early automation triggering alerts and activation of fire suppression for lithium ion batteries protocols.
Active Suppression: When a lithium-ion battery fire does occur, the Fire Suppression for Lithium-ion Batteries systems in place provide all-important value.
Water-based extinguishers are traditional and provide some cooling effect, but such extinguishers are probably not able to bring any real extinguishing value against such fires but may, in fact, further the problem by flushing conductive electrolytes around.
The specialized extinguishing agents that are on the horizon including Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) and F-500 Encapsulator Agent are showing more promise.
The AVD mechanism envelops the battery in a non-flammable coating, cools battery systems down, and prevents re-ignition. F-500 EA cools down the battery very quickly, interrupts thermal runaway, and encapsulates any flammable electrolytes.
For large-scale operations, such as battery storage rooms or electric vehicle charging stations, fixed fire suppression for lithium ion batteries systems would probably be necessary, possibly including specialized types of sprinkler systems that deliver the extinguishing agent correctly to the fire.
Containment options, including fire-resistant battery enclosures and blankets, play a key part in stopping the spread of fire and toxic fumes.
Over and above being an expense, perfecting fire suppression for lithium-ion batteries is a strategic investment for the protection of valuable assets, assurance of continuity, and protection of employee health and safety in the surrounding environment.
The costs associated with lithium-ion battery fire damages, including property damage, business interruption, legal liability, and reputational damage, are far greater than the investment in any effective fire safety.
With the approach of prevention, early detection, and specialized suppression technologies, industries can manage the ever-growing reliance on lithium-ion batteries, together with the risks it introduces, to ensure a safer and more secure future.
