Solution for early detection and extinguishing of lithium-ion battery fires
Country of application:
Germany
Scope of innovation
☐ Office work
☒ Production / Service supply process
Sector-specific
☐ Yes / please, specify sector(s):
☒ No (relevant for all sectors)
Description of the needs
Today’s energy infrastructure is undergoing a radical transformation. As overall demand for energy increases in our modern world – so does the use of renewable sources like wind and solar. Energy storage systems often get developed to stock these resources and lithium-ion battery energy storage systems have proven the most efficient type of such systems. These energy storage systems have multiple applications – solar and wind generation facilities, as an integrated solution in UPS devices for data centers, hospitals, clean rooms, telecommunication facilities, etc. They are also used in demand management applications where load balancing is needed such as industrial plants, warehouses, transport facilities, metro stations.
Lithium-ion storage facilities are built up of many high energy batteries containing extremely flammable electrolytes. In addition, they are prone to quick ignition and violent explosions in a worst-case scenario. Such fires can have significant financial impact on organizations and create a deadly hazard for those on site. Therefore, reliable fire safety solutions are vital when using lithium-ion battery energy storage systems.
Description of the solution
Siemens has developed and launched a state-of-the-art solution for early detection and extinguishing of fires, caused by ignition of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems. The Vds-certified solution consists of an Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) and Sinorix NXN N2 extinguishing system with natural agents.
After performing series of experiments and tests on li-ion batteries, Siemens has developed and launched a state-of-the-art solution for early detection and extinguishing of fires, caused by lithium-ion battery energy storage systems. The Vds-certified solution has been on the market since 2019. It consists of an Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) and Sinorix NXN N2 extinguishing system with natural agents.
Siemens FDA241 Aspirating smoke detector (ASD) continuously draws air samples from the areas requiring protection and evaluates them for the presence of particles of combustion such as smoke and heat. The FDA241 detects lithium-ion electrolyte vapor (also known as off-gas particles) early, as much as five times faster than competitive detection technologies, and reliably thanks to its patented dual-wavelength optical detection technology.
Early detection gets combined with Sinorix NXN N2 efficient extinguishing system for a complete protection of customer’s facilities. The Sinorix NXN N2 pre-engineered nitrogen suppression system is the latest generation of inert gas extinguishing technology from Siemens. This solution combines high pressure nitrogen gas with an easy-to-deploy system. Nitrogen is a proven extinguishing agent for fires, caused by by ignition of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems. The natural agent is harmless for people, assets, and the environment. In a nitrogen rich environment, a battery cell undergoing thermal runaway experiences a torch effect, burning out the combustible within in a controlled setting, preventing the thermal runaway condition from spreading to other nearby cells and/or modules.
Description of the effect
The FDA241 detects electrolyte vapor early and reliably thanks to its patented dual-wavelength optical detection technology. In accordance with normative requirements, two independent FDA241s are required to trigger the activation of the automated extinguishing system. The FDA241 is the ideal solution for early detection of electrical fires. In addition to controlling the automated extinguishing system, the fire protection system triggers all other necessary control functions.
Sinorix N2 extinguishing systems extinguish electrical fires, contain initial thermal runaway, stop propagation of thermal runaway and reliably prevent the spread of secondary fires. Fire extinguishing and suppression systems for this risk are to be designed as total flooding systems with remaining oxygen concentration below 11.3 % [remaining oxygen concentration of 11.3 % corresponds to 45.2 % extinguishing agent concentration, the EN15004 agent concentration for nitrogen for class high hazard risks] [depending on the electrolyte used, higher extinguishing concentrations may be necessary*]. A holding time of 30 minutes not only allows the fire brigade time to react, but also deters possible delayed runaways.
Company/companies that developed/implemented/offer the innovation
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power.
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Werner-von-Siemens-Straße 1
80333 Munich, Germany
contact@siemens.com
Тел. +49 (89) 3803 5491
9. Additional information
Video Fire protection for lithium-ion battery energy storage