Lithium-ion battery fires
Thermal runaway
“Hydrogel is a thermal runaway blocker”
The unique characteristics of Hydrogel makes it the perfect agent to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires. By many experts, Lithium-ion battery fires are considered to be a life threatening risk arising as an unintended, but dangerous side effect of the energy transition of last 10 years. Every day, dangerous fires are caused by lithium ion batteries. Hydrogel is capable to extinguish these fires very effectively.
Lithium-ion batteries, used in e-bikes, mobile phones, laptops, game consoles, etc. can catch instantaneous fire by means of a malfunction. These malfunctions can be caused by:
- Overcharge
- Too rapid charging
- Damage by physical impact/shock
- Heat
- Internal short circuit
- Manufacturing defect
A malfunctioning lithium-ion battery can lead to an internal chain reaction, which is called a thermal runaway. The malfunction causes the temperature inside the battery to increase to a point that a chemical reaction is started inside the battery. This chemical reaction produces even more heat, which drives the temperature higher, causing further chemical reactions that create more heat. This chain reaction is called a thermal runaway.
Understanding thermal runaway
Thermal runaway is a chain reaction inside a lithium-ion battery caused by overheating, internal damage or internal short circuits. As temperatures rise, the battery begins generating heat faster than it can dissipate, leading to gas formation, pressure build-up, fire and potentially explosion.
The process develops in multiple stages, starting with self-heating and separator failure, followed by internal short circuits and the release of flammable and toxic gases. Once thermal runaway progresses, the reaction can rapidly spread to adjacent battery cells.
Download the complete Thermal Runaway Explained document.
How Hydrogel prevents thermal runaway
Hydrogel rapidly cools overheated battery cells and forms a thermal barrier that helps prevent heat transfer to adjacent cells. By reducing surface temperatures and suppressing flames, Hydrogel limits the progression of thermal runaway and helps prevent fire propagation within battery packs.
Its adhesive cooling properties allow the extinguishing agent to remain attached to hot surfaces longer than water alone, providing sustained localized cooling and reducing the risk of re-ignition.
