Experimental evaluation of the efficiency of functional materials containing microencapsulated perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) to ensure fire safety of lithium-ion batteries of electrical vehicle

Introduction. The increasing demand for electric vehicles requires new methods for fire protection of lithium-ion batteries (LIB). Flammable electrolyte solvents and unstable cathode and anode materials are the reason for their fire hazard and thermal runaway. Currently, only passive protection systems are used to suppress LIB fires at the initial stage. Methods of active fire extinguishing are not used. The development of new methods that allow the use of active fire extinguishing at the initial stage of a fire is a pressing task.

Aims and purposes. To evaluate the effectiveness of functional materials containing microencapsulated fire extinguishing agent perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) (microcapsules with FK 5-1-12) for LIB fire suppression. To evaluate the effectiveness of functional materials containing microencapsulated gas extinguishing agent (GEA) perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) (microcapsules with FC 5-1-12) for LIA fire suppression.

Materials and methods. The fire of the LIB was suppressed using functional materials containing 50 wt. % microcapsules with FK 5-1-12. Assemblies of NMC cells (30Ah) in quantities 2 and 6 cells were selected for testing. Thermal runaway and ignition of the LIB were initiated by external heating.

Results and discussion. An experimental evaluation of the use of functional materials containing microcapsules with FK 5-1-12 to ensure fire safety of LIB was carried out. It was found that combustion was not detected for the 2 cells LIB assembly even when external ignition sources were used. The fire extinguishing agent was preventively released from the material and inhibited fire. There was a non-flammable atmosphere inside and outside the assembly. No combustion or significant temperature increase were also observed during the experiment for the 6 cells LIB assembly protected by fire-extinguishing sheets. A slowdown in thermal runaway (from 15 sec to 1.5 minutes) was noted without the use of standard cooling systems.

Conclusions. Functional material containing microcapsules with FK 5-1-12 suppress the combustion of LIB. They did not allow open fire, significantly slowed down heat transfer and the rate thermal runaway from cell to cell due to the absence of radiant heat exchange and partial heat removal.

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