Fire Risks of Lithium-Ion Battery Storage
Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to risk related to something called thermal runway. Thermal runway occurs when a battery increases in temperature and leads to a release in energy and a further increase in temperature. The rapid increase in temperature can result in a fire or explosion which can be extremely dangerous and, in some cases, can reignite later due to thermal runway.
The following factors contribute to the fire risks relating to lithium-ion batteries:
Overheating: Extensive use, exposure to high temperatures, and overcharging can cause a battery to overheat and create thermal runway.
Internal Short Circuits: Internal short circuits can be caused by manufacturing defects which may lead to thermal runways.
Physical Damage: Storage and manufacturing of batteries may have external impact present which can damage the battery and lead to thermal runway.
Fire Protection for Lithium-ion battery storage
With so much risk of thermal runway coming from lithium-ion batteries it is important to have both the appropriate fire detection and protection systems.
Some key measures of protection include:
- Early Detection Systems: Early detection systems are used to detect fire threats in their early stages before costly damage is done. Detection systems such as VESDA smoke detections and Li-Ion Tamer off gas detection can be used for early recognition of lithium-ion fire hazards.
- Fire Suppression systems: With the fire risks that are present with thermal runway, special hazard fire suppression systems should be used for effective protection. Clean agent fire suppression, water mist systems, inert gas systems, and novec fire suppression systems are all options for special hazard protection from the unique risks that are present with lithium-ion battery storage and manufacturing.
- Regular inspections and maintenance: It is important that once you have the appropriate detection and suppression systems, they are also regularly inspected for effective use.
3S Fire Protection for Lithium-ion Battery Storage and Manufacturing
3S Incorporated can design and install fire protection systems for lithium-ion battery storage or manufacturing. At 3S we can work with complex and challenging applications to protect you and your building from risks presented by lithium-ion batteries. We will help you determine the best detection and suppression systems to fit your facility. Fire suppression systems that we work with include inert gas, Novec, water mist, and clean agent. Contact us today to learn more about our Lithium-ion battery storage and manufacturing fire protection.