Session: 11-03-01: Heat Transfer in Batteries and Energy Storage Technologies

Paper Number: 96973

96973 - Comparison of Fire Suppression Techniques on Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Fires 

As an important alternative to fossil fuels, Li-ion batteries have seen their growing applications, from consumer electronic products to large electrical vehicles. In the mining industry, Li-ion battery powered electric vehicles (BEVs) are believed to be promising replacement for diesel powered vehicles whose emission of diesel particulate matter (DMP) is a major concern to the safety and health of miners. The introduction of BEVs into mining industry has not been trouble-free, the potential use of Li-ion BEVs in gassy underground mines escalate the fire and explosion risks. Methane-air mixtures are found in many types of mines, and the energy released by a Li-ion battery during thermal runaway or fire accidents can be the ignition source for such mixtures. A safer and more reliable use of Li-ion BEVs could help reduce the risk and minimize the impact of fire and explosion accidents underground.

While preventing the fire and explosion of Li-ion batteries from occurring is only one side of the story, suppression of such incidents when they happened is as vital. In a mining environment where fire suppression resources are limited, an effective battery fire suppression technique will be critical to the safety and health of miners. Li-ion battery pack fires pose great hazards to the safety and health of miners.

A detailed experimental study has been conducted in Pittsburgh Mining Research Division of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to investigate the effectiveness of different fire suppression system on the battery pack fire extinguishment. Tests were conducted in a well-ventilated container. Two type of Li-ion battery packs were used for the tests: 12V, 30Ah battery pack is composed of 36 NMC cylindrical 18650 batteries. 24V, 40Ah battery pack is composed of 72 NMC cylindrical 18650 batteries purchased from Aegis Battery. Two plate heaters are used to trigger the thermal runaway and fire for the battery pack. Water mist with different flow rate, dry chemical, class D fire extinguish agent, and water mist with F500 additives were used as the fire suppression agents. Multiple thermocouples were installed on the battery pack and test exit to measure the temperature evolution during tests. Results indicated that water mist with F500 additives are most effective among the agents tested. Dry chemicals and class D agent, however, does quench the fire for a moment, but cannot prevent the re-ignition of battery fire since it does not provide cooling to the fire. The findings of this paper can be used to develop a safe battery fire suppression technique in a mining environment.

Presenting Author: Wei Tang National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Wei Tang holds a Ph.D. degree in the department of Fire Protection Engineering from University of Maryland, College Park. He is currently a Fire Research Engineer at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. His research focuses on li-ion battery thermal safety and fire suppression.

Authors:

Wei Tang National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health