Fire protection Lithium-ion for energy storage systems (ESS) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) applications
Fire management system for Lithium-ion
AF-X Fireblocker Condensed Aerosol Fire Fighting is a Fire protection Lithium-ion solution for energy storage systems (ESS) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) applications. This includes applications in buildings, containers and in cabinets.
Due to technological developments in recent years, the demand for lithium-ion batteries has increased enormously. The demand for lithium-ion batteries will therefore only increase. Consider more and more electronic devices that use a (lithium-ion) battery for longer and longer.
A major disadvantage in this development is the fire risk of a lithium-ion battery. This has already had a significant impact on the transport and storage of lithium-ion batteries. IATA (International Air Transport Association), among others, is struggling with a major transport problem.
What is a lithium-ion battery?
A lithium ion battery or li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge and back during charging. How lithium-ion battery (LiBs) works The cells that are electrically interconnected in the LiBs are made up of four components:
Anode
The active anode material contains carbon in the form of graphite. This is applied to copper foil. There are three types of anode materials: (artificial and natural) graphite, (hard and soft) carbon and alloys.
Cathode
Cathode materials use lithium transition metal oxides. Herein lithium and the metals are the positive ions and the oxide the negative ion.
Electrolyte
An electrolyte is a mixture of lithium salts, organic solvents and additives. The electrolyte serves as a transport medium for the lithium ions. During the charging process, lithium ions leave the cathode and travel trough the electrolyte to the anode. In doing so, they pass the separator. During discharge, the ions return to the cathode. The ion transport makes the electric current possible.
Separator
The separator is a porous membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene that separates the cathode from the anode and thus prevents short circuits. It is placed in the electrolyte solution.
High fire risk
The bursting of cells due to heating and ignition of the liquid electrolyte is the greatest risk of starting a fire. Too fast release of the stored chemical energy, due to a technical defect, also causes the release of thermal energy, which can cause a short circuit or the emission of electrolytes. The battery can then thermally runaway (thermal runaway), which is caused by, for example, this internal short circuit.
Because lithium in combination with water produces a highly explosive gas, conventional extinguishing systems that use water are not suitable for fighting a lithium fire.
Fire Suppression effect of an aerosol extinguishing system on Lithium-ion
Once activated, the aerosol fire extinguisher initiate a reaction in which the released aerosol binds the free radicals.
The dry compound used in AF-X Nano generators is Potassium based (K). The aerosol compound binds quicker with the unstable free radicals O (oxygen) & H (hydrogen) than a fire reaction. Forming stable products such as KOH (making unstable radicals, stable).
Test results of the AF-X Fireblocker suppressing Lithium-ion fires
The AF-X Fireblocker is been tested for effectiveness in suppressing Li-ion battery fires. As it turned out, the AF-X Fireblocker was able to successfully suppress battery fires by successfully blocking the thermal runaway proces. This proofs that AF-X Fireblocker fire protection Lithium-ion is a suitable solution.
These tests have been successfully performed and documented in collaboration with the Peutz fire laboratory. The extensive Peutz test report can be requested from us.
As stated by KIWA:
“In general Condensed aerosol technology, has the ability to control Li-ion battery fires were other well-known technologies fail to do so under standard conditions.”
The Secret of Success
So why are our AF-X Fireblocker Aerosol Fire Suppression Systems the unique answer to BESS & ESS safety concerns?
Extra protection time after activation
The fire extinguishing systems of AF-X ensures that the aerosol floats homogeneously in the protected area for at least 60 minutes (extendable to 2 hours). With AF-X Fireblocker fire protection you do not have to worry that re-ignition may occur.
It doesn’t requires special conditions
We have different sizes non-pressurized aerosol fire suppression generators that can mounted in the protected area. No separate space for gas bottles, drip trays or water storage. All these additional costs are eliminated when choosing an AF-X Fireblocker aerosol installation.
Easy installation & low maintenance ensures low costs
The fire extinguishing system with AF-X Fireblocker are easy to install and requires only visual maintenance. The generators are being activated by an electrical ignitor. Meaning no piping and only electrical wiring to make a system. (E-Installer)
The AF-X Fireblocker has a lifespan of 15 years and therefore has a low TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).
Fire protection at the source in individual electrical or HVAC compartments
Because the aerosol is a solid, we can produce the AF-X Fireblocker in any desired format. This makes the AF-X Fireblocker also suitable for “source” fire protection. For example, the AF-X Fireblocker can be placed in control cabinets, distribution boxes or HVAC compartments
A few things we’re great at with fire protection Lithium-ion
The fight against fire has been fundamentally improved by the use of the aerosol fire extinguishing systems. The dry aerosol is a solid that, once activated, blocks the fire in its origin.
Environmentally Friendly
– Zero Ozone Depletion Potential
– Zero Global Warming Potential
– Negligible Atmospheric Lifetime
– No gas
–So pressureless
– It doesn’t use water
– nor affects oxygen levels
Financially Interesting
– 15 year life-span
– Investment costs are lower
(No structural adjustments)
– It’s easier to maintain than traditional systems
– Simplicity, Plug & Play, Compact
– Fully Certified
More Easy to Install
– It’s easier and faster to install
(E-Installer)
– It doesn’t requires special conditions:
– No water-pressure, No water-access or water-storage
– No seperated room for gas-cylinders, No piping