Study on early warning system for thermal runaway of lithium batteries in energy storage cabinets due to smoke and gas diffusion

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2024.0778

Abstract

Abstract:

Through investigation of thermal runaway processes in lithium batteries and the timely issuance of early warnings are crucial for ensuring the safe operation of energy storage systems. However, most current research on thermal runaway smoke and gas warnings for lithium batteries remains theoretical, with limited exploration into the practicality and reliability of these methods in real-world scenarios. In this study, the relationship between temperature changes during overcharging and thermal runaway of lithium iron phosphate batteries in energy storage cabinets and battery packs, and the subsequent changes in smoke and gas concentrations is examined. This was achieved by building experimental platforms to explore these scenarios. The study also compare the effectiveness of various industrial smoke and gas sensors within energy storage cabinets in warning of lithium battery thermal runaway. The experimental results indicate that, by placing the sensor at the top of the energy storage cabinet and the vent hole of the waterproof-breathable valve aligned with the sensor, the smoke and gas sensors detect the values sequentially after the safety valve opens. The smoke sensor is the most sensitive response, capable of issuing an early warning signal immediately after the safety valve opens. Hydrocarbon gas sensors provide a precise indication of the moment of thermal runaway in lithium batteries. Subsequently, Ansys Fluent was employed to simulate the dispersion of gas and smoke within the energy storage cabinet following the activation of the lithium battery's safety valve in the battery pack. The simulation results reveal that the diffusion of smoke and gas was primarily influenced by the momentum of the gas and the positioning of ventilation holes on the waterproof, breathable valve housing. The top of the energy storage cabinet allows for timely and accurate detection of escaping gas and smoke. The findings of this study offer guidance for thermal runaway warning strategies in energy storage cabinets for lithium batteries and the placement of gas and smoke sensors.

Key words: lithium iron phosphate battery, thermal runaway, energy storage cabinet, smoke and gas diffusion, early warning, simulation

CLC Number:

TM 911.3

Pengjie ZHU, Wei LI, Chu ZHANG, Hao SONG, Beibei LI, Xiumei LIU, Lili LIU. Study on early warning system for thermal runaway of lithium batteries in energy storage cabinets due to smoke and gas diffusion[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2025, 14(2): 624-635.

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性能参数	传感器类型
性能参数	烟雾	H₂	CO	VOC	烃类气体
分辨率	1 ppm	1 ppm	1 ppm	1 ppm	1%LEL
最大负载	10000 ppm	900 ppm	1600 ppm	700 ppm	100%LEL
零点漂移	<2 ppm	±5 ppm	±2 ppm	≤2 ppm	≤2 ppm
响应时间	<2 s	<60 s	<25 s	<60 s	<30 s

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