Russia has developed a technology for extinguishing lithium batteries used in electric vehicles, electric buses, scooters, electric bicycles, and energy storage systems. Such batteries are considered among the most challenging objects during fires: ordinary water and standard fire extinguishers are often unable to completely stop the fire and prevent re-ignition. Dmitry Vovk, Ph.D. in Chemistry and Technical Director of Elekhim, announced the development.
Recently, a large fire occurred in China at a BYD electric vehicle parking lot. According to the specialist, any parking lots with electric vehicles are at risk because standard fire extinguishing systems are not always able to cope with lithium battery fires, the expert warned.
As for the Russian development for extinguishing batteries, tests have already been conducted on devices of various sizes – from portable equipment to batteries of Moskvich 3, Chevrolet, and Nissan cars, as well as KAMAZ electric buses. The possibility of extinguishing electric bicycle and delivery robot batteries was separately checked.
The technology has already been applied in the design and equipping of fire extinguishing systems on electric vessels "Moscow 1.0", "Moscow 2.0", and "Sinichka". Tests of model foci of ship battery blocks were successful.
The extinguishing agent is a special liquid composition that can operate at temperatures from minus 40 to plus 50 degrees Celsius. During extinguishing, it not only fights fire but also helps absorb and neutralize toxic aerosols that appear when lithium batteries burn.
Lithium-ion batteries are highly fire and explosion hazardous. During a fire, they can heat up to very high temperatures and release toxic and corrosive gases.
Professor Sergey Tolkachev of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation noted that when such batteries burn, hydrogen fluoride, carbon oxides, and other dangerous substances can be released. In addition, gases can accumulate inside the battery case, creating a risk of explosion. According to the expert, ordinary water, foam, and powder compositions are often unable to completely stop such fires and block all internal sources of ignition.