Experimental study on a novel safety strategy of lithium-ion battery integrating fire suppression and rapid cooling

Author: Liu, Y. J., Duan, Q. L., Xu, J. J., Li, H., Sun, J. H., Wang, Q. S.

Journal: Journal of Energy Storage

DOI:  10.1016/j.est.2019.101185

Keywords: Lithium ion battery safety, Thermal runaway, C6F12O, Water mist, Fire suppression, extinguishing agent, efficiency, performance, separator, Energy & Fuels

Abstract: 

The prompt and effective suppression of lithium-ion battery (LIB) fires presently remains a challenge. In the present work, apparatus is constructed to investigate the extinguishment and cooling effectiveness of a single LIB dodecafluoro-2-methylpentan-3-one (C6F12O) suppression and rapid water mist cooling system. Tests indicated effective cooling by combining of the C6F12O and water mist, with significant reductions in the cell's peak temperature and high-temperature duration compared to C6F12O only and without suppression. The cooling rate was influenced by the delay period between application of C6F12O and water mist, with a longer delay period giving a reduced cooling effect. Water mist cooling at various working pressures (1, 2, and 3 MPa) demonstrated a reduction in peak battery temperature with increased working pressure. The cooling and suppression effects were also improved by using water mist containing KHCO3 and K2C2O4 center dot H2O. These results have implications in the design of LIB fire suppression systems.