The release of toxic and/or combustible or explosive substances during a fire can evolve forming an explosive mixture. The electrolyte fire will generate substantial amount of HCl, HF, CO, HCN, and potentially SO2 and H2S, depending on the battery technology and the electrolyte technology. ![]() The battery shall be cooled down to 40⁰C to interrupt the runaway sequence, however the remaining power stored in the damaged battery poses an additional potential threat. Through tests performed, it is reported that 120⁰C is the critical temperature since the electrolyte will start to gasify. ![]() Experience shows that batteries react for hours after the first incident, even when they are apparently under control. The fire will involve in sequence the battery cells and the runaway may last for hours. When subject to heating - thermal runaway - the battery cells’ burst suddenly. Solarfire Systems also offer a detection system that senses these vapours, you can find our blog post on the off gas system here. These vapors, when in contact with the atmosphere, burn (flash fire) at a very high temperature (in excess of 800⁰C). It will generate a heavy increase in the battery’s temperature, which will cause the electrolyte gasification and a subsequent rupture of the cells’ metal casing, or in case of lithium-polymers the rupture of the plastic pouch releasing the electrolyte gas. The battery thermal runaway is a consequence of the battery being subjected to “adverse effects”. Some technologies are promoted as safer, but experience demonstrated that all the Lithium-ion batteries show the same behaviour/sensitivity versus the adverse effects or battery mismanagement that may lead to a runaway. Today there are a number of different Lithium-ion battery technologies in the market. The battery runaway may result in serious fires and explosions that may lead to a catastrophe, if the accident is not contained/controlled and the consequent fire is allowed to spread. This innovative technology poses specific potential threats represented by the battery’s thermal “runaway” as a consequence of battery mismanagement / battery abuse and /or defects in battery manufacturing. ![]() The use of Lithium-ion batteries is expanding rapidly in commercial and industrial applications which up until today used more traditional rechargeable batteries. 13 January 2021 Suppressing Lithium-ion Battery Fires
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