Li-ion battery fires are unique fires to suppress as they involve a varying mixture of combustible solids, liquids and gases depending on the chemistry of the battery. Fires and accidents are possible when the chemically-stored energy in the batteries is released in an uncontrolled manner. This can be caused by structural defects, technical defects, or improper use – including mechanical damage to the protective casing, thermal strain caused by external heating, and overloading.
Thermal runaway – regardless of how it has been initiated – is the major fire risk related to Li-ion batteries. Battery manufacturers concentrate a lot of effort in preventing thermal runaway from occurring, but – despite all safety measures – it may still happen. When it does, an active fire protection system is needed to extinguish any resulting fires and prevent the fire damage from spreading to adjacent battery modules.
To download the white papers that Marioff has published click HERE!