A blanket approach to battery fires
- December 6, 2023
- 9:47 am
Iain Hoey
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Why Li-Fire’s collaboration with Fireaway Inc. could pave the way for effect EV extinguishing
As the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to burgeon so too does the danger of lithium-ion battery fires.
These fires, deep-seated and stubborn, have traditionally demanded massive water quantities for suppression or been left to burn themselves out.
Neither solution is optimal, considering the environmental impact and potential danger to responders and bystanders.
Enter the recent partnership between Li-Fire Suppression Solutions and Fireaway Inc., crafting a trailblazing solution to this fiery problem.
Combining Li-Fire’s state-of-the-art fire blankets with Fireaway’s innovative Stat-X First Responder condensed aerosol fire suppression tool, this alliance promises a safer, more efficient approach to handling EV lithium-ion battery fires.
According to Bricen Miller, CEO of Li-Fire, the problem stems from various factors, including manufacturing defects, thermal runaway due to overcharging or overheating, and physical damage.
These fires have raised alarms about the safety of lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in e-bikes, smartphones, laptops, EVs, and energy storage systems.
The response from manufacturers, researchers, and regulatory bodies has been swift, focusing on improving battery safety through better manufacturing processes, enhanced safety features, and stricter testing standards.
The blanket approach
Miller introduces Li-Fire’s groundbreaking solution to this problem: a specialised fire blanket designed to combat lithium-ion battery fires in EVs.
The Li-Fire blanket can be deployed in two main ways.
Firstly, it can be used to cover a burning car directly.
Secondly, and crucially, it can isolate the surrounding area from a catastrophic fire in an EV.
“For example, if one car catches fire while charging, it’s very important to isolate as quickly as possible,” explains Miller.
This approach has shown very positive results, particularly in preventing the spread of fire to adjacent vehicles.
Li-Fire’s fire blanket is designed not just as a means of direct fire suppression, but as a critical tool in fire containment and prevention in scenarios involving lithium-ion battery fires.
Miller notes that Li-Fire’s fire blankets are tailored for a broad range of electric vehicles (EVs), from e-bikes to large vehicles such as 18-wheelers and city buses, emphasising Li-Fire’s commitment to quality and standards: “All of our blankets are manufactured to the highest standards and follow all ISO9001:2015 standards.”
This adherence to international standards ensures that the fire blankets are both versatile in terms of size and reliable and effective across various EV models.
Environment impact
Miller highlights the significant environmental impacts of traditional fire response methods for EV fires.
These methods, which can often involve the use of up to 10,000 gallons of water, foam, or dry chemical agents, are, he deems less effective and pose additional environmental risks.
Miller also points out that extinguished fires have re-ignited in towing yards up to a week later, leading to further property damage, air quality issues, and additional demands on fire services.
The current guidelines, including Tesla’s advice to “just let it burn out, or use enough water to cool,” underscore the challenges faced in controlling EV fires.
These traditional methods can negatively affect air quality and contribute to hazardous wastewater runoff, making them less sustainable.
Li-Fire’s fire blanket is designed to offer a more environmentally friendly solution that addresses these challenges, reducing the need for large volumes of water or chemical agents and mitigating the risk of re-ignition and subsequent environmental hazards.
The EV challenge
The rise in EV use has escalated the frequency and severity of lithium-ion battery fires, posing new challenges.
Traditional methods like extensive water use or allowing fires to burn out have significant downsides.
Li-Fire’s recently struck up a partnership with Fireaway Inc., was a bid to enhance lithium-ion battery fire safety solutions.
The collaboration merges Li-Fire’s innovative fire blankets with Fireaway’s Stat-X First Responder condensed aerosol fire suppression tool, addressing the growing concern of lithium-ion battery fires in EVs, creating a solution that is designed to provide professionals with a means to both contain and suppress lithium-ion battery fires in a wide range of vehicles.
The partnership’s solution reduces collateral damage, minimises water usage, and limits smoke and toxic gas production, enhancing fire scene safety and reducing environmental impact.
The Stat-X agent is environmentally friendly, effective in confined spaces, and complements Li-Fire’s blanket in suppressing fires safely.
This groundbreaking collaboration promises a significant impact across sectors, providing a much-needed solution for safely combating the increasing challenge of EV fires.
This combination, he says, has proven to be effective in drastically reducing temperatures during a fire incident.
“Our testing has shown a reduction of temperature inside the car from over 1000°C to less than 200°C in 3 seconds,” Miller tells.
This rapid cooling capability could prove pivotal in extinguishing fires quickly and reducing collateral damage and ensuring safety for surrounding areas and people.
When talking about the development process of this combined solution, Miller reflects on his extensive background in business development within novel battery technologies: “Through my exposure in this industry, I started to understand the major issues with Li-ion battery fires,” he says.
He believes deep understanding has been crucial in guiding the development of Li-Fire’s innovative solution, tailored to address the specific challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires.
Looking at the potential applications of Li-Fire’s product, Miller identifies a diverse range of sectors and industries where their fire blanket could be indispensable.
These include fire fighters, tow operators, parking garages, charging stations, junkyards, airports, military bases, cargo ships, and disaster relief operations.
The wide array of industries underscores the versatility and necessity of Li-Fire’s solution in various scenarios where lithium-ion battery fires pose a significant risk.
By targeting these sectors, Miller says that Li-Fire aims to provide a crucial tool in fire safety and prevention, potentially transforming the way such fires are handled across different industries.
