Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Protection Systems

Self-Activating Fire Protection for Lithium-Ion Battery Systems

FOT FIRE CONTROL is a manufacturer of advanced Thermo Response® Temperature-Sensing Automatic Fire Suppression Systems, engineered to provide rapid detection and suppression of fire and thermal events within lithium-ion battery enclosures, battery cabinets, energy storage systems, and other high-risk battery applications.

The Thermo Response® system utilizes a heat-sensitive flexible detection tube that continuously monitors the protected enclosure. When the tube is exposed to a predetermined activation temperature, the section subjected to the highest heat ruptures, initiating the suppression system and releasing the extinguishing agent rapidly at or near the source of the fire.

The system is designed for automatic, self-activating operation and does not require external electrical or pneumatic power for detection and activation. This makes it particularly suitable for critical battery installations where rapid intervention is essential to help control developing fire events and limit fire propagation.

 

DIRECT THERMO RESPONSE® SYSTEM

In the Direct Thermo Response® configuration, the heat-sensitive flexible tube performs both the detection and suppression-agent discharge functions.

When the tube is exposed to intense heat and reaches its activation temperature, it ruptures at the point of highest temperature. The resulting opening allows the suppression agent to discharge directly onto the fire source.

The direct configuration is particularly suitable for localized lithium-ion battery hazards, including:

  • Battery cabinets
  • Battery compartments
  • Battery modules
  • UPS battery enclosures
  • Electrical battery cabinets
  • Compact energy storage equipment
  • Other localized enclosed battery hazards

The direct discharge arrangement provides rapid application of the suppression agent at the point where excessive heat or fire is detected.

INDIRECT THERMO RESPONSE® SYSTEM

In the Indirect Thermo Response® configuration, the heat-sensitive tube functions primarily as the fire detection and activation mechanism.

When the tube ruptures following exposure to excessive heat, the resulting pressure change activates the system valve. The suppression agent is then discharged through dedicated pipework and strategically positioned discharge nozzles within the protected enclosure.

The indirect configuration is particularly suitable for:

  • Large lithium-ion battery cabinets
  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
  • Containerized energy storage systems
  • Large UPS battery installations
  • Battery storage rooms and enclosures
  • Complex battery compartments
  • Applications requiring multiple discharge points

This configuration allows the suppression agent to be distributed through multiple nozzles to provide more comprehensive protection throughout the protected enclosure.

FOT FIRE CONTROL offers Thermo Response® systems that can be configured with suitable suppression agents selected according to the battery technology, enclosure configuration, energy capacity, fire scenario, and system design requirements.

F-500 Encapsulator Agent

F-500 is an aqueous encapsulating agent used for fire suppression and cooling applications involving challenging fire hazards, including selected lithium-ion battery applications.

Its application can provide both fire suppression and cooling, which is an important consideration when addressing thermal events involving lithium-ion battery systems.

Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD)

Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) is a water-based suppression medium developed for applications involving lithium-ion battery fires.

AVD forms a protective layer over the burning material and can assist in flame suppression, heat reduction, and limiting the potential for fire propagation.

Agent Selection

The appropriate suppression agent should be selected based on a detailed assessment of:

  • Battery chemistry
  • Battery capacity and energy density
  • Enclosure volume
  • Battery module configuration
  • Thermal runaway characteristics
  • Ventilation and enclosure design
  • Fire scenario
  • Required cooling performance
  • Applicable standards and protection requirements

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

FOT FIRE CONTROL Thermo Response® systems are suitable for protecting a wide range of lithium-ion battery installations, including:

  • Lithium-ion battery cabinets
  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
  • Containerized battery energy storage systems
  • UPS battery systems
  • Battery storage cabinets
  • Battery charging and storage equipment
  • Lithium-ion battery enclosures
  • Energy storage equipment
  • Industrial battery systems
  • Telecom battery systems
  • Electrical and control equipment associated with battery systems
  • Specialized lithium-ion battery installations
  • Other enclosed high-risk battery applications

EARLY DETECTION AND SOURCE-LEVEL SUPPRESSION

Lithium-ion batteries can experience abnormal heating and thermal runaway, potentially resulting in rapid fire development and propagation between adjacent cells or modules.

The Thermo Response® detection tube is strategically positioned within the protected enclosure to provide rapid response to excessive heat.

When the tube reaches its activation temperature, the system initiates suppression at the affected location. This provides localized, source-level fire intervention intended to help control a developing fire and reduce the potential for propagation to adjacent battery modules, equipment, and surrounding facilities.

For larger battery energy storage systems, Thermo Response® can be engineered with multiple detection and discharge points according to the specific enclosure and hazard configuration.

KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS

  • 24/7 automatic fire protection
  • Rapid temperature-based fire detection
  • Fast automatic suppression activation
  • Self-activating operation
  • No external electrical power required for activation
  • No pneumatic power required for activation
  • Direct and indirect system configurations
  • Flexible heat-sensitive detection tubing
  • Rapid response at the fire source
  • Compact system architecture
  • Flexible installation options
  • Low maintenance requirements
  • Multiple suppression-agent options
  • Suitable for enclosed lithium-ion battery hazards
  • Can be integrated with selected fire alarm and monitoring systems
  • Helps limit fire escalation and propagation
  • Helps protect critical battery assets
  • Helps reduce equipment damage and operational downtime