Next-Generation Fire Suppression: Protecting Lithium-Ion Batteries with Aerosol Technology

In recent years, lithium-ion battery fire incidents have gained global attention. A few years ago, a fire broke out in the energy storage system of a solar power plant in South Korea, and its lithium battery supplier was LG. According to statistics, out of the 27 energy storage system fire accidents in South Korea, 17 involved lithium batteries produced by LG.

Not only energy storage systems, but LG's power batteries also have safety risks. Hyundai Motor once announced a global recall of 81,701 electric vehicles due to safety risks in the LG power battery system components. According to fire department statistics, thermal runaway in electric vehicle lithium-ion battery systems is the primary cause of vehicle fires. The combustion characteristics of lithium batteries, such as rapid burning, high-intensity flames, and the release of large amounts of toxic and harmful smoke, pose significant challenges to EV battery fire protection and emergency response.

Characteristics and Risks of Lithium Battery Fires

Lithium batteries may undergo irreversible side reactions due to manufacturing defects or external factors such as temperature fluctuations, mechanical impact, or abnormal charging. These reactions, including SEI film decomposition, cathode material breakdown, and electrolyte decomposition, generate excessive heat and small molecular gases, leading to a rapid increase in internal temperature and pressure. Eventually, thermal runaway occurs, resulting in fire or even explosion.

1. Extremely High Combustion Temperature and Rapid Burning

Taking ternary lithium batteries as an example, research shows that during combustion, the positive electrode copper foil partially melts, indicating that local temperatures can exceed the melting point of copper (1083℃). Infrared thermal imaging detection shows that the peak combustion temperature of ternary lithium batteries typically reaches 800-1000℃. Experimental observations reveal that from the appearance of an open flame to complete combustion extinction, it takes only 6-9 seconds, demonstrating an extremely fast burning rate.

2. Significant Differences in Combustion Characteristics of Different Lithium Battery Types

Different lithium battery chemistries produce varying side reactions during thermal runaway, leading to distinct combustion behaviors. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries generate lower internal temperatures and are less likely to self-ignite, requiring an external ignition source to catch fire. In contrast, ternary lithium batteries have higher internal temperatures, and the released flammable gases can self-ignite, forming jet-like flames.

3. Complex and Highly Toxic Gas Emissions

During thermal runaway, lithium batteries release large amounts of flammable and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrofluoric acid (HF), hydrogen (H₂), and methane (CH₄). These gases spread quickly and can cause mass poisoning in densely populated areas. Therefore, in lithium-ion battery fire suppression, firefighters must be fully equipped to ensure safety.

Fire Suppression Strategies for Lithium Battery Fires

Lithium battery fires are fundamentally caused by thermal runaway, which is an irreversible chemical reaction. Even if the visible flames are extinguished, the internal thermal runaway reaction may continue. In enclosed environments, this can even lead to explosions, making the risk of re-ignition much higher than traditional fires.

Weiken Technology recommends the following measures for extinguishing lithium battery fires:

Rapidly extinguish open flames to prevent fire spread.
Reduce the thermal runaway reaction rate to allow orderly heat dissipation within the lithium battery.
Continuously cool the battery to prevent re-ignition and further fire spread.

Application of Aerosol Fire Suppression Systems in Lithium Battery Fires

To address the challenges posed by lithium battery fires, aerosol fire suppression systems have emerged as an ideal firefighting solution in the new energy sector. Weiken Technology has developed an advanced automatic fire suppression system that quickly responds to lithium battery fires, providing safety for energy storage systems and new energy vehicles.

1. Advantages of Aerosol Fire Suppression Systems

Highly Efficient Fire Suppression: Aerosol suppression utilizes ultra-fine particle extinguishing mechanisms that rapidly cover the fire source, reduce oxygen concentration, and inhibit flames.
Suitable for Enclosed Spaces: Ideal for power battery compartments, data centers, and other enclosed environments.
Non-Toxic and Harmless: Unlike traditional dry powder extinguishers, aerosols do not damage electronic equipment or harm the environment.
Easy Installation: Suitable for energy storage power stations, battery storage facilities, etc.

2. Application of Aerosol Fire Suppression Systems in the New Energy Industry

In new energy vehicles and energy storage systems, aerosol fire suppression systems can:

Be activated via electrical or thermal detection triggers.
Rapidly release sub-nanometer solid-phase particles and inert gas mixtures for total flooding suppression.
Suppress fires through chemical inhibition, physical cooling, and oxygen dilution while remaining safe for the environment and personnel.

Global Market Trends and the Advantages of Weiken Technology

With the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market, the global demand for lithium battery safety and automatic fire suppression systems is increasing. Weiken Technology, with years of technical expertise, extensive real-world testing, and precise solution design, provides the most efficient aerosol fire suppression systems to ensure the safety of the new energy industry.

Weiken Technology remains committed to technological innovation, delivering high-standard, high-quality products to safeguard the new energy sector. In the future, the company will continue to refine its aerosol fire suppression technology, providing professional lithium battery fire protection solutions for customers worldwide.

Created on：2025-03-11 09:47

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