Aerosol fire suppression systems for Lithium-ion batteries

Fire safety risk: Thermal Runaway

Lithium-ion batteries, which are used extensively in various devices and vehicles, pose particular fire risks due to their inherent properties and the chemical reactions that take place in them. Here are some of the specific fire risks associated with storing and transporting lithium-ion batteries:

• Thermal Runaway: When a lithium-ion battery overheats or is mechanically damaged, it can go into a state known as thermal runaway. This results in an internal chemical reaction, which leads to a rapid increase in temperature. This heat can cause the battery to break apart and emit flammable materials that can catch fire.
• Combustible electrolytes: The electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable. If the battery is damaged or during a thermal runaway, these electrolytes can escape and become inflamed.
• High energy density: Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a relatively small space. This means that when damaged or improperly stored, they have a high potential for energetic release in the form of heat and flame.
• Spontaneous combustion: When lithium comes into contact with water or humidity, it can self-ignite. Therefore, when transporting and storing lithium-ion batteries, especially if they are damaged, there is a risk of spontaneous combustion.
• chain reaction: Another risk when storing and transporting lithium-ion batteries is that a fire or thermal runaway on a battery can trigger a chain reaction in the surrounding batteries, resulting in a larger fire.

Because of these risks, transporting and storing lithium-ion batteries requires particular care and special fire protection measures, as can be ensured by installing aerosol extinguishing systems in transport and storage boxes.

The fire protection solution from Wetrax GmbH

At Wetrax GmbH, we understand the serious challenges that lithium-ion batteries can pose during transportation and storage. To meet these challenges, we offer specially adapted aerosol extinguishing systems for transport and storage boxes for lithium-ion batteries. These extinguishing systems are installed in certified aluminum boxes, which are optionally fitted with a fireproof rock wool lining. They can be effectively integrated into various types of transport and storage crates to provide increased safety and fire protection.

• Quick and lasting deletion success: Our aerosol extinguishing systems are able to quickly and effectively extinguish gas flames from defective lithium cells and burning packaging material. The aerosol is known for being distributed quickly and homogeneously in the area to be protected in order to reliably extinguish even hidden sources of fire.
• Avoiding dangerous cross-reactions and property damage: Our aerosol is not electrically conductive and helps to slow down the thermal runaway and reduce the temperature level of neighboring cells. This helps stop the spread of a fire without causing additional damage.
• Easy installation and minimal maintenance: Our aerosol extinguishing systems can be retrofitted and require only minimal maintenance. They are robust and durable, with a lifespan of 10 years.
• Flexibility and adaptability: The aerosol extinguishing systems can be integrated into a variety of transport and storage boxes with volumes of 29 to 156 liters. They can also be installed in UN-coded transport and storage boxes for road or air transport. Special sizes and requirements can be accommodated upon request.

With our aerosol extinguishing systems in your transport and storage boxes, you can be sure that you have the best possible firefighting technology at hand to safely handle, transport and store lithium-ion batteries. Wetrax GmbH is proud to help you maximize the protection of your assets while minimizing risks.

This is how aerosol extinguishing systems from Wetrax GmbH work

An aerosol extinguishing system is specifically designed to combat fires quickly, effectively and safely, particularly in enclosed spaces such as transport and storage boxes. Here is a basic description of how such a system works:

• Fire detection: The aerosol extinguishing system is connected to sensors that can quickly detect a fire. These sensors can be various types of fire detectors, such as smoke, heat or flame sensors. As soon as a fire is detected, the aerosol extinguishing system is activated.
• Activate the extinguishing system: As soon as the system is activated, the generator starts to produce an aerosol. The aerosol consists of fine particles and gas that spread throughout the room.
• firefighting: The aerosol helps to suffocate the flames by diluting the oxygen in the room and absorbing the heat from the fire. This interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire and causes it to go out.
• Lasting effect: One of the main strengths of an aerosol extinguishing system is the long-lasting effect of the aerosol. After the extinguisher is triggered, the aerosol remains in the room for a certain period of time and helps to permanently suppress emerging flames.
• No secondary damage: In contrast to many traditional extinguishing agents, the aerosol leaves no residue and does not cause water damage or corrosion. It is therefore particularly suitable for use in sensitive environments or with valuable goods, such as lithium-ion batteries.

It is important to note that each system is individually tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the space to be protected in order to ensure optimal performance. In a professional installation, the installer will consider the specific characteristics of the environment, including the size and shape of the transport or storage box, as well as the specific fire risks associated with the lithium-ion batteries stored in it.