Ensuring the fire extinguishing efficiency of lithium battery fire extinguishing devices in confined spaces requires a comprehensive approach encompassing rapid response, precise detection, efficient fire suppression, system linkage, anti-reignition design, environmental compatibility, and customized solutions to address the complex fire scenarios caused by lithium battery thermal runaway.
A rapid response mechanism is fundamental to ensuring fire suppression efficiency. Lithium battery fires are characterized by their sudden onset and rapid spread, especially in confined spaces where heat and flammable gases easily accumulate, exacerbating the risk of uncontrolled fire. Therefore, lithium battery fire extinguishing devices must be equipped with highly sensitive detectors, such as infrared thermal imagers, distributed fiber optic temperature measurement systems, or hydrogen/VOC detectors, capable of immediately triggering alarms and initiating fire suppression procedures when battery temperature abnormally rises or gas concentrations reach thresholds. This "early warning + immediate response" model can seize the golden time for fire suppression and prevent the fire from escalating.
Precise detection and multi-parameter fusion are key to improving fire suppression efficiency. During lithium battery thermal runaway, there is a sudden rise in temperature, release of flammable gases, and smoke generation; single detection methods are easily interfered with or delayed. By combining smoke, heat, and gas detectors and utilizing intelligent algorithms to fuse and analyze multi-source data, the stage and location of a fire can be more accurately determined, guiding the precise delivery of extinguishing agents by lithium battery fire extinguishing devices. For example, in energy storage power stations, infrared thermal imagers have detected abnormal temperature rises in battery modules in advance, buying crucial time for fire suppression.
The selection and release technology of highly efficient extinguishing agents directly affect the fire suppression effect. Considering the characteristics of lithium battery fires, extinguishing agents must possess a dual function of "physical asphyxiation + chemical inhibition." Perfluorohexanone, due to its rapid vaporization and heat absorption, oxygen isolation, and excellent environmental friendliness, is the preferred solution for confined spaces. Thermal aerosol lithium battery fire extinguishing devices, by generating a large number of tiny particles and inert gases, achieve rapid cooling and interruption of chemical chain reactions, making them particularly suitable for precise suppression of localized fires. Furthermore, the release method of the extinguishing agent needs to be optimized, such as using fine water mist technology to enhance penetration, or using directional nozzles to ensure that the extinguishing agent covers the core area of the fire source, avoiding reignition due to uneven distribution.
System linkage and intelligent control are key to improving overall efficiency. Lithium battery fire extinguishing devices need to be integrated with the battery management system (BMS), fire alarm system, and ventilation equipment to form a closed loop of "monitoring-early warning-fire extinguishing-smoke extraction." For example, when the BMS detects a battery abnormality, it can automatically cut off the power and activate the lithium battery fire extinguishing device; simultaneously, the ventilation system adjusts the exhaust volume to prevent the accumulation of combustible gas. Intelligent control algorithms can also dynamically adjust the amount of extinguishing agent added based on the fire scale, avoiding resource waste or insufficient extinguishing.
Anti-reignition design is crucial for ensuring long-term safety. Lithium battery fires are prone to reignition due to residual heat or ongoing chemical reactions inside the battery; therefore, the lithium battery fire extinguishing device must have continuous suppression capabilities. For example, passivation anti-reignition technology can be used, forming a protective film inside the battery or increasing internal resistance to prevent residue from reigniting; or long-lasting cooling materials can be used to ensure that the battery temperature remains within a safe range for a long time after extinguishing the fire. Furthermore, the lithium battery fire extinguishing device requires regular self-inspection and maintenance to ensure it is always in optimal working condition.
Environmental friendliness and safety are paramount in enclosed spaces. Within these spaces, the environmental friendliness and human safety of fire extinguishing agents are crucial. Perfluorohexanone (PFH), due to its low GWP and non-corrosiveness, is the preferred choice for data centers and medical equipment environments. Thermal aerosol devices require optimized formulations to minimize harmful gases produced during high-temperature decomposition. Simultaneously, lithium battery fire extinguishing devices must be equipped with pressure relief devices to prevent structural damage caused by sudden pressure increases within enclosed spaces.
Customized solutions are essential for addressing complex scenarios. Different enclosed spaces (such as energy storage compartments, electric vehicle battery boxes, and data center server rooms) present varying fire risks and protection requirements, necessitating customized fire extinguishing solutions based on space size, battery type, and layout. For example, large energy storage power stations can employ a zoned protection strategy, with independent lithium battery fire extinguishing devices installed in each battery compartment. Electric vehicles require integrated lightweight, fast-response fire extinguishing modules that are deeply integrated with the vehicle's safety system.
