Lithium batteries: Water is suitable in case of fire
Fires caused by lithium batteries have "established themselves as a typical cause of damage". Together with other experts, VdS has now developed solution approaches for extinguishing systems for this young technology. The conclusion: water is the preferred extinguishing agent.
The current social megatrends of digitization, networking and electromobility are necessitating the use of more and more lithium batteries. These can be found in cell phones and notebooks, among other things. Their energy content is many times greater than that of conventional battery technologies - which maximizes the potential for destruction in the event of a fire. Added to this is the risk of spontaneous combustion. The Kiel Institute for Loss Research (IFS) therefore warns: "Fires caused by lithium batteries have virtually established themselves as a typical cause of loss."
Sprinkler technology also suitable here
For this reason, a project group consisting of VdS experts, insurers and experts compiled the current international state of knowledge and derived proposed solutions. One key finding: water is also a suitable extinguishing agent in the event of a lithium fire.
"The good news first: According to current knowledge, the proven sprinkler technology can also be relied on in this new environment," emphasizes Frank Bieber, Head of Product Management at the VdS Technical Test Center. "Essential in case of fire is strong cooling, among other things because an external extinguishing success does not automatically stop the chemical processes inside the batteries." According to Bieber, the bulletin provides precise classification categories for storage - by energy content, since weight can vary widely due to different enclosures. "We have also analyzed the fire hazards in production areas or underground garages, for example, and developed risk-related protection concepts based on the proven standard of VdS CEA 4001," Bieber says.
The new Leaflet VdS 3856, "Sprinkler Protection of Lithium Batteries," with important background information, hazard classifications and, most importantly, suggested fire protection solutions is available for download free of charge.
The high energy content of lithium batteries can cause spontaneous combustion in the device. (Image: depositphotos, weerapat)
See also SF article "Lithium batteries: tips against fire risk".
