Can a lithium battery fire be predicted?

The behaviour of a lithium battery fire can never be predicted. It heavily depends on the multiple parameters, such as the capacity (Wh), the state of charge, the chemistry of the cell, the shape and size of the battery and the type of casing.

What is a lithium ion battery?

Annex E of IEC/EN 60079-1 defines lithium-ion cells (according to IEC 61960) as used in flameproof enclosures, and describes various requirements such as temperature, monitoring equipment, charging, etc. The cell or battery is accommodated in a case, or enclosure, that is able to withstand the explosion of a combustible gas from within.

How hot can a lithium battery fire be?

Lithium battery fires can reach peak temperatures of 1400 °C. In order to prevent the construction from melting away, the application of high performing insulation materials is therefore necessary. Our box is in fact a box-in-box concept. The box has a double wall, bottom and lid.

Why is a lithium battery safety system important?

It heavily depends on the multiple parameters, such as the capacity (Wh), the state of charge, the chemistry of the cell, the shape and size of the battery and the type of casing. For this reason it is very important that lithium battery safety systems are tested intensively, much more than other conventional industrial fire protection systems.

Can SAFT Batteries be used in explosive environments?

Saft is offering a number of solutions for use in explosive atmospheres; either as a partially tested component or certified equipment. Saft batteries’ long lifetime is also an advantage to avoid replacement in remote or hard-to-reach locations.

Can lithium ion cells explode in a short circuit?

The standard warns that some types of lithium-ion cells may explode in the event of a short circuit. The standard also describes a short-circuit test with an external short-circuit resistance of just 3 mΩ. In this test, the cell must not be protected by external circuitry.