Ensuring Safety in the modern era of Lithium-Ion Batteries

The growth of new portable devices driven by lithium-ion batteries has seen a great increase in the last few years. Which, of course, contributes to a bunch of advantages due to digital development in the world. But also creates new demands on the whole production, not least when it comes to handling batteries.

👉 "The risks associated with lithium-ion batteries have skyrocketed, especially when it comes to recycling and the safe disposal of used #batteries. We've witnessed dramatic incidents involving lithium-ion fires within battery enclosures, electric vehicles aboard shipping ferries, and even household blazes ignited by charging cycle batteries. What unites these incidents is their stubborn resistance to extinguishment, occasionally reigniting days after the initial flames were subdued”, says Melker Lang , fire protection expert at GPBM Nordic .

“Lithium-ion also carries the potential of thermal runaway owing to mechanical or thermal breakdowns, which can cause it to catch fire. Operating within the temperature range of -20°C to 60°C is crucial. Stepping outside this boundary could result in diminished performance, enduring damage like lithium plating, and the onset of thermal runaway”, Melker continues.

Differences between lithium batteries

Few people are aware that different chemistries behave differently in the case of a fire. LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries emit significantly fewer flammable gases than NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxides) batteries. In the event of an NMC battery fire, the process is faster, with more reactive gases as a result.

👉“Some battery suppliers design battery cells that fit far too closely together and have far too few flow openings for extinguishing liquids in case of fire in the battery modules. Unfortunately, this raises the possibility of heat transfer, resulting in larger fires," Melker explains.

What is required to reduce the risk of lithium-ion fires?

 💥“We yearn for a deeper comprehension of heat dynamics within battery modules. Battery suppliers must engineer bespoke systems to thwart the spread of heat. However, we also require knowledge of how to manage emissions—those flammable gases that emerge from battery boundaries. Potassium aerosols currently show immense promise and I anticipate that more businesses will be interested in incorporating the technology into their operations, says Melker.

How does GPBM Nordic contribute to the development?

“There were no fire extinguishers that could manage lithium-ion fires until recently. After challenging experiments and heated debates, we announced a solution: the AVD fire extinguisher, a protector against infernos sparked by lithium-ion batteries. Our path included developing portable extinguishers with AVD, ending in the optimal solution praised by businesses across Scandinavia. It's about staying tuned in to societal rhythms and quickly conjuring solutions that truly turn challenges into victories," Melker declares.

Conclusion:

In a world rapidly transformed by portable devices and lithium-ion batteries, the pursuit of safety remains paramount. The insights and solutions presented by experts like Melker Lang remind us that alongside the boundless potential of technological progress, our responsibility to ensure safety and sustainability must remain unwavering. Only with such care can we keep gaining the benefits of digital progress while mitigating the hazards that come with it.