Saturated Lithium Solution Fire Suppression Medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) pose fire hazards due to residual energy that can lead to uncontrolled fires and explosions, and conventional fire suppression methods may not effectively prevent reignition, as they can accelerate lithium oxidation reactions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for producing a saturated alkali metal solution, specifically a lithium solution, which is used to suppress, extinguish, or prevent lithium-based fires by dissolving lithium salts in a solvent and filtering to achieve a solution with a sufficient alkali metal content, thereby reducing further oxidation reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fire suppression methods (water or carbon dioxide) are used to extinguish lithium-based fires, then the initial fire can be extinguished, but the lithium oxidation reaction continues and reignition occurs hours or days later
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the fire suppression medium by using a saturated lithium salt solution (such as lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, or lithium chloride) instead of conventional water or carbon dioxide. This parameter change allows the suppression medium to directly counteract the lithium oxidation reaction by providing lithium ions that prevent further oxidation, thereby eliminating reignition and extending the duration of fire suppression effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful lithium oxidation reaction into a beneficial process by using lithium salt solutions that provide lithium ions to suppress the oxidation. The saturated lithium salt solution reacts with the lithium metal to form lithium compounds, transforming the harmful exothermic oxidation reaction into a controlled chemical reaction that prevents fire reignition and extends suppression effectiveness.
2Reliability
If conventional fire suppression methods are used, then the fire can be extinguished, but harmful reactions continue and toxic chemicals may be released
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful lithium oxidation reaction into a beneficial process by using lithium salt solutions that provide lithium ions to suppress the oxidation. The saturated lithium salt solution reacts with the lithium metal to form lithium compounds, transforming the harmful exothermic oxidation reaction into a controlled chemical reaction that prevents fire reignition and extends suppression effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert chemical environment by using a saturated lithium salt solution that depletes the reactive lithium metal through chemical reaction. The lithium ions in the solution form stable lithium compounds, effectively removing the reactive species that would otherwise continue to burn and release toxic chemicals, thereby creating a safer, more controlled environment.
3Reliability
If lithium salts are dissolved in solvent to create fire suppression medium, then fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but the process requires multiple steps including dissolving, filtering, and analyzing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of lithium salts in the solution to achieve saturation, which maximizes fire suppression effectiveness. By controlling the amount of lithium salt dissolved to reach saturation point, the system ensures optimal performance while managing the complexity of the dissolution process through clear, measurable criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates analysis steps to measure the lithium content in the solution and uses this feedback to determine when saturation is achieved. This feedback mechanism allows for precise control of the dissolution process, automatically stopping when the optimal concentration is reached, thereby managing process complexity through systematic monitoring and adjustment.
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
The saturated lithium solution effectively suppresses lithium-based fires and prevents reignition by reducing heat production and hydrogen gas release, providing a safer and more reliable fire suppression medium compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving the alkali metal or the salt of the alkali metal in the solvent to create an alkali metal solution
Implementation Method 2
filtering a sample of the alkali metal solution and analyzing the sample of the filtered alkali metal solution
Implementation Method 3
The saturated lithium solution effectively suppresses lithium-based fires and prevents reignition by reducing heat production and hydrogen gas release
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a method and a system of producing a fire suppression medium. The method includes introducing a solvent and an alkali metal or a salt of the alkali metal into the mixer and dissolving the alkali metal or the salt of the alkali metal in the solvent to create an alkali metal solution. The method also includes filtering and analyzing a sample of the alkali metal solution. If the filtered alkali metal solution does not have a sufficient alkali metal content, the method includes introducing and dissolving additional alkali metal or the salt of the alkali metal into the alkali metal solution. If the filtered alkali metal solution has the sufficient alkali metal content, the method includes filtering the alkali metal solution to remove residual alkali metal or residual salt of the alkali metal to create and collect a saturated alkali metal solution.