Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Suppression to Stop Thermal Runaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire extinguishing agents for lithium ion batteries are incapable of terminating thermal runaway and preventing reignition after extinguishing flames.
Innovation Solution
A system using dodecafluoro-2-methylpentan-3-one (FK-5-1-12) as a thermal runaway termination agent, delivered through a temperature-sensitive tube and control valve, to extinguish flames and terminate thermal runaway by maintaining a specific concentration, discharge time, and hold time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fire extinguishing agents are used, then flames can be extinguished, but thermal runaway cannot be terminated and reignition occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the fire extinguishing agent by using dodecafluoro-2-methylpentan-3-one (FK-5-1-12) instead of conventional agents. This specific chemical compound with its unique molecular structure and properties enables both flame extinguishment and thermal runaway termination, preventing reignition that occurs with traditional agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replicates the successful fire suppression mechanism of FK-5-1-12 from other applications specifically for lithium ion battery protection. By adapting this proven agent and its delivery parameters (concentration ≥13% v/v, discharge time 18-180 seconds, hold time 10-60 minutes) to battery protection, it achieves reliable thermal runaway termination and reignition prevention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fire extinguishing is achieved, then flames are suppressed, but thermal runaway continues and reignition occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous protective action by maintaining FK-5-1-12 in the enclosure for an extended hold time of 10-60 minutes after discharge. This continuous presence of the agent prevents reignition by continuously suppressing any potential re-ignition of thermal runaway, rather than providing only transient flame suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by rapidly discharging the FK-5-1-12 agent (within 18-180 seconds) to extinguish flames and initiate thermal runaway termination before the harmful effects can fully develop. This rapid initial response creates a protective state that prevents subsequent reignition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively extinguishes flames and terminates thermal runaway, preventing reignition by delivering FK-5-1-12 at a concentration of at least 13% v/v, with discharge times ranging from 18 seconds to 180 seconds and hold times from 10 to 60 minutes.
Implementation Method 1
the tube is located within the enclosure and comprises a temperature sensor for detection of a threshold temperature
Implementation Method 2
causing release of the inert gas or thermal runaway termination agent within the temperature sensitive tube through the heat stimulus-created opening in the temperature sensitive tube and into the enclosure, resulting in a pressure drop within the temperature sensitive tube
Implementation Method 3
thereby extinguishing the flame and terminating thermal runaway
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A method for extinguishing a flame and terminating thermal runaway in a device powered by a lithium ion battery. The disclosure also provides a system for extinguishing fires generated by lithium ion batteries exhibiting thermal runaway.