Suppression of Li-ion Battery Fires

Abstract

This thesis presents a systematic literature review of fixed fire suppression systems and extinguishing agents for lithium-ion battery (LIB) fires. The review identifies 85 relevant sources published between 2013 and March 2023, and categorises different research experiments into cell-level, module-level, electric vehicle (EV) pack-level, battery energy storage system (BESS) rack-level and warehouse storage experiments, according to LIB configurations. It was found that about 67% of the publications focused on small-scale cell-level and 9% on module-level experiments. However, large-scale EV pack-level and BESS rack-level experiments are lacking. More than twenty (20) different extinguishing agents (water-based, gas-based, powder-based and novel combinations of agents) and two (2) dispersion modes (total flooding and direct internal injection) are evaluated systematically. The advantages and drawbacks of each type of extinguishing agent are compared and discussed based on dispersion modes and LIB configurations. Lastly, suggestions on how to apply the findings from the small-scale experiments onto large-scale experiments and key findings of potential applications of extinguishing agents in EV and BESS are presented.

Abstract (Chinese)

本文系统地对锂电池相关火灾固定抑制系统和灭火剂的文献进行了综述。该综述包含了2013年至2023年3月间发表的85个相关文献，并根据锂电池的不同配置将收集到的研究实验分为单体级、模块级、电动汽车包级、电池储能系统机架级和仓储实验。发现约67%的文献集中在小尺度单体级实验上，而仅有9%的文献集中在模块级实验上。然而，大规模的电动汽车包级和电池储能系统机架级实验还明显不足。本文系统地评估了20多种灭火剂（水基、气体、粉末和新型组合灭火剂）和2种应用方式（全面覆盖和直接内部喷射）。根据应用方式和电池配置的不同，比较和讨论了每种灭火剂的优缺点。最后，提出了如何将小尺度实验的研究成果应用于大规模实验的一些建议以及总结了灭火剂在电动汽车和电池储能系统中潜在应用的关键发现。

Popular Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are widely used nowadays as a green energy carrier and play an important role in reducing global carbon emissions. However, the inherent thermal runaway remains a main problem affecting the fire safety of LIB in their field applications, particularly on electric vehicles (EV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The thermal runaway phenomenon is commonly caused by electrical, mechanical or thermal abuses as well as the battery’s internal short-circuit, which lead to a rapid temperature increment within the batteries resulting in fire, smoke and explosion. The LIB fires are difficult to be extinguished due to its self-sustained nature and the possibility of re-ignition.

This thesis presents a systematic and thorough literature review of fixed fire suppression systems and extinguishing agents for lithium-ion battery fires. The review covered various relevant publications from the earliest research in 2013 to the latest in Mar 2023. The research experiments were classified based on different LIB configurations, from small-scale experiments (batteries in cells and modules) to large-scale experiments (batteries in EV packs and BESS racks). More than twenty (20) extinguishing agents ranging from water-based, gas-based, powder-based and combined agents were tested in these research with two (2) typical dispersion modes (total flooding and direct injection).

In the total flooding dispersion mode, the extinguishing agents could not reach the battery cells and the seat of the fire due to the hindrance by the battery module/pack boxes or rack cabinets. In the direct injection dispersion mode, the extinguishing agents reached the exposed battery cells or modules and the seat of the fire, which could suppress the fire and cool the LIBs more effectively than in the total flooding dispersion mode.

Among different extinguishing agents, water-based agents have a better cooling effect of mitigating thermal runaway, particularly water mist with additives. Gas-based and very fine powder-based agents have a quicker flame extinguishment capability but are less effective in cooling. A water-based suppression system was recommended as a backup if the gas-based or very fine powder-based suppression system is adopted as a primary means of LIB fire suppression.

The thesis recommends carrying out further research of the novel extinguishing agents that have been tested in the small-scale experiments onto the large-scale experiments to verify their effectiveness before an actual filed application. Direct injection mode is also worthwhile to be explored and verified in large-scale rack experiments. Last but not least, future research is necessary to optimize the carrying capacity of appropriate extinguishing agents and maximize their effectiveness onboard electric vehicles, as well as special consideration of extreme operating temperatures of extinguishing agents due to different climate conditions when electric vehicles travel on roads.

• author: Cai, Linfan
• supervisor: Marcus Runefors; Petra Andersson
• organization: Division of Fire Safety Engineering
• course: VBRM05 20231
• year: 2023
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: Lithium-ion Battery, Fire Suppression System, Extinguishing Agent, Thermal Runaway, Battery Energy Storage System, Electric Vehicle
• report number: 5690
• other publication id: LUTVDG/TVBB—5690--SE
• language: English
• id: 9117771
• date added to LUP: 2023-06-01 11:48:28
• date last changed: 2023-06-01 11:48:28