SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT
SAFETY WITHOUT COMPROMISE
In the development of alternative drives for mining and construction equipment, lithium- ion batteries take centre stage. Alexander Usselmann explains how his company assists this development with a safety-relevant solution
L
ithium-ion batteries play an essential role in the vision of electromobility. T ey off er impressive benefi ts such as
emission-free drives, high effi ciency and low self-discharge. But their design also requires special fi re protection measures during their use.
THERMAL RUNAWAY Lithium-ion batteries are chemical energy storage systems that release the stored charge through a chemical reaction. When a certain operating temperature is reached, there is a so-called thermal runaway in the battery, which means that it heats up on its own to the point of destruction. T e reason is that lithium-ion batteries, unlike lead or nickel versions, must rely on fl ammable components. An electronic malfunction or
mechanical damage can cause the lithium ions to withdraw the oxygen stored in the cathode, which may result in oxidation of the electrolyte. T is creates gases and vapours. T e pressure and temperature increase. At temperatures between 120 and 300°C, the separator melts and the electrolyte stars to burn. T is causes a short circuit and thermal decomposition of the cathode. T e oxygen released in this process, combined with the thermal energy, ignites the other battery components and produces temperatures of over 1,000°C.
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DANGER FROM THE OUTSIDE
Lithium-ion batteries are classifi ed as dangerous goods in transport or storage. T ey respond to their environment with great sensitivity. In any event, the energy sources should never be directly or permanently exposed to higher temperatures. T anks to T ermamax’s extensive experience with high-temperature insulations, it can contribute to the operational safety of battery systems. T e Tmax-Battery Housing protects the environment against the eff ects of thermal runaway and the battery against the risks of high ambient temperatures. To protect lithium-ion batteries against
fi re, it is not enough to just develop high-temperature insulation. Instead the temperature must be monitored permanently. T is is why the Tmax-Battery Housing has thermal management with high-performance cooling. T e insulated housing reliably protects
the battery from external infl uences, such as water, extreme temperatures, dust or vibrations. If there is a strong increase in pressure, the burst valve opens and thus
The Tmax-Battery Housing for lithium-ion systems helps to keep the temperature under control and to ensure safety for both people and machines.
prevents a possible explosion. T e valve automatically closes when the pressure drops. Its features include a modular and scalable design and an easy to maintain assembly. It is pressured balanced and resistant to high temperature. It also off ers protection against water spray as well as being highly resistant to stone impact. T e key benefi ts the solution delivers are: maximum safety in case of accident; entended battery range and longer lifecycle; and greater operational safety.
Alexander Usselmann is with Thermamax.
wwww.thermamax.com
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