In case of thermal runaway of a Lithium-Ionen-Battery short-circuits often occur inside of the battery cell.
This short-circuit leads to electric arc discharges and heat. By this phenomenom the electrolyte inside of the battery turns into vaporization. These vapour/gases are highly flammable and lead to the presence of a ignition source to a fire or explosion. Those reactions depents highly on the charge level (so called Status of Charge “SOC”) of the battery. The higher the SOC the stronger and faster the reaction proceed.
The fire and explosion hazards of energy storage systems like Lithium-Ionen-Batteries has ot be considered as critial.
Especially large storage systems with high energy density which have to be controlled thermical and electrical.
The arrangement of the storage modules and the correct placing of protection concepts requires sophisticated know-how. RTC conducted a series of thermal runaway tests and is able to recommend which safety measures are needed. This applies both stationary plants as well as mobile concepts for rail, truck or automotive industries.
