Energy Storage Systems

FirePro technology has successfully proven its efficiency and effectiveness in suppressing Li-Ion battery fires in more than 100 tests carried out over the past 7 years by accredited laboratories and prominent Li-Ion battery manufacturers.

Technological advancements in the chemistry, configuration, materials, and management systems of Li-Ion batteries, have contributed towards increased efficiency and safety.

Despite these advancements, Li-Ion batteries still pose a significant fire hazard. A single defective cell, or one that has been subjected to mechanical, electrical, or thermal abuse, may lead to an increase in its internal temperature, triggering a thermal runaway. The resulting fire will develop within minutes and can propagate to neighbouring cells if not suppressed and controlled on time.

Upon activation, the condensed aerosol forming compound transforms from a solid state into a rapidly expanding two-phased fire suppression agent; consisting of Potassium Carbonate solid particles K2CO3 (the active agent) suspended in a carrier gas. When the condensed aerosol reaches and reacts with the flame, the Potassium radicals (K*) are formed mainly from the dissociation of K2CO3. The K*s bind to other flame free radicals (hydroxyls OH-) forming stable products such as KOH. KOH then further reacts in the presence of CO2 and forms stable K2CO3.

In the event of a Li-Ion battery fire, both the active agent K2CO3 and the intermediate product KOH react with the electrolyte’s decomposition products, such as Hydrogen Fluoride (HF), forming stable products such as Potassium Fluoride (KF) and Potassium Bifluoride (KHF2). Thus, preventing the formation of highly flammable gases such as Hydrogen (H2). The resulting neutralizing action ultimately controls the fire and allows the temperature in the enclosure to drop below the threshold necessary (~120°C) for thermal runaway to sustain itself.

Test results have shown that FirePro can protect the enclosure against reignition for as long as the minimum required fire suppression density is maintained, allowing time for post-fire management of the battery.