Flame hazard of thermal runaway of lithium iron phosphate battery

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2025.0375

Abstract

Abstract:

Driven by the national dual-carbon goals, the rapid development of new energy industries has led to the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries in energy storage systems. However, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries release large volumes of flammable gases during thermal runaway, which are highly prone to ignition and can lead to fires or explosions. This necessitates a comprehensive investigation into the thermal runaway fire characteristics of LFP batteries. This study experimentally examines the fire hazards associated with thermal runaway in LFP batteries. Thermal runaway was initiated under different external heating power levels. Key parameters such as battery surface temperature, flame morphology, flame temperature, heat flux density, and heat release rate were analyzed to assess fire risk levels. Results demonstrate that thermal runaway flames exhibit two distinct stages: jet flame phase and stable combustion phase, with a maximum flame area of 0.44 m². Hazard parameters increased rapidly over time, reaching a fire hazard index (FED) of 100 within 72 s after flame emergence. The peak heat release rate reached 304.4 kW, and the total heat release was measured (20.51±1.04) MJ. Thermal runaway flames exhibited a noticeable lifting phenomenon, with fire hazards primarily arising from intense thermal radiation and substantial heat release due to the combustion of electrolytes and flammable gases. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of thermal runaway fire behaviors in 280 Ah LFP battery, offering theoretical support and practical guidance for fire prevention, suppression, and emergency response planning in energy storage facilities.

Key words: lithium iron phosphate battery, thermal runaway, flame morphology, heat flux density, heat release rate

CLC Number:

TM 911

Laifeng SONG, Xuqing LANG, Luna NIU, Jinqing JIAO, Sining QU, Ripeng ZHANG, Qingsong WANG. Flame hazard of thermal runaway of lithium iron phosphate battery[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2025, 14(10): 3923-3933.

Figures/Tables 10

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实验序号	荷电状态	加热功率/W	是否点火
1	100%	500	是
2	100%	1000	是

物理参数	500 W	1000 W
热失控触发时间/s	2295±127	514±23
热失控触发温度/℃	107.7±5.2	63.1±4.1
热失控最高温度/℃	431.7±11.5	396.6±19.3
热失控温升速率峰值/(℃/s)	3.82±0.39	3.67±0.26
热失控火焰持续时间/s	446±66	626±81
质量损失/g	1223.4±9.1	1192.9±29.3
质量损失速率峰值Ⅰ/(g/s)	15.33±2.88	21.72±6.56
质量损失速率峰值Ⅱ/(g/s)	13.11±1.17	8.64±0.08
质量损失速率峰值Ⅲ/(g/s)	10.99±0.36	7.04±1.41
质量损失速率峰值Ⅳ/(g/s)	7.90±1.85	7.32±1.17