The increasing prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, solar systems, and many electronic devices brings not only technological advancements but also new challenges in fire safety.
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries pose unique risks, as conventional fire extinguishers designed for standard fire types are often not adequately effective.
This can delay extinguishment and significantly increase the extent of damage and danger. In response to this issue, “FlameBlock Lithium Black” is introduced as an innovative safety solution specifically developed for lithium-ion battery fires.
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FABRIC-SHIELD
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Rescue
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Defense
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Energy
Business sector for products related to mobile power supply
Vogt-CTE Fire Retardants
Business sector for fire protection and fire safety products
Why Energy Storage Needs Special Protection
Energy storage systems based on lithium-ion batteries are now central components in industry, commerce, and increasingly in residential buildings. They buffer fluctuating inputs from solar and wind power, optimize peak loads, or provide emergency power. However, they also pose specific demands regarding safety and fire protection:
Because energy storage systems burn differently than traditional construction materials, they require a tailored protection concept – both in the planning phase and during ongoing operations.
What is the FIRELAB System?
FIRELAB follows a holistic fire protection approach specially designed for battery energy storage systems. It combines preventive technologies, thermal barriers, early detection, and active firefighting measures to minimize the risk of fires and control their impact:
1. Early Detection
Modern sensors monitor temperature, voltage, and anomalies in the battery field, reporting deviations before critical conditions are reached. The earlier a problem is identified, the quicker intervention can occur.
2. Thermal Isolation
Special barriers and heat-resistant materials prevent a localized fire from spreading unchecked to neighboring modules. This buys time and reduces the risk of escalation.
3. Controlled Ventilation and Smoke Management
Managing airflow helps to safely divert smoke gases from the danger zone and protects critical components and individuals from harmful fumes.
4. Specialized Extinguishing Systems
Customized extinguishing concepts intervene chemically and thermally where conventional systems often fail: directly within the battery chemistry and at the interruption of the chain reaction.
Why This is Economically Important
Fire damage in an energy storage system can have enormous consequences. In addition to direct repair costs, the following often occurs:
An integrated protection system like FIRELAB not only reduces the risk of a fire but also limits its impact before significant damage occurs. This not only enhances safety but also increases plant availability and operational continuity.
| Hazard Area | What happens technically? | Concrete Danger | Possible Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal Runaway | A cell overheats and triggers a chain reaction throughout the module | Rapid fire spread in the storage unit | Full combustion of the storage, extreme heat generation |
| Very High Temperatures | Temperatures can reach well over 800–1000 °C | Fire transmission to buildings | Penetration of ceilings, wiring, installations |
| Smoke Gas Development | Release of dense, toxic smoke gases | Acute life danger | Smoke poisoning, especially in basement areas |
| Toxic Gases | Formation of, among others, hydrofluoric acid and other aggressive gases | Health and corrosion danger | Respiratory burns, massive damage to electronics |
| Pressure Build-Up / Explosion | Gas formation in the casing, possible sudden release | Explosive pressure wave | Structural and building damage |
| Re-ignition | Residual energy remains in the system | Fire flares up again | Extended operational duration, complicated fire fighting |
| Smoke Distribution in the Building | Smoke rises through shafts and staircases | Rapid spread throughout the house | Uninhabitability, extensive contamination |
| Corrosive Residues | Smoke gases settle on surfaces | Long-term damage | Destruction of electrical systems, machinery, IT |
| Firefighting Water Issues | Large amounts of water needed for cooling | Secondary damage | Water damage, contaminated firefighting water |
| Electrical and High Voltage Risk | System is under high voltage | Danger for emergency services | Electric shock |
| Operational Disruption (in Commercial Sector) | Storage is part of the energy supply | Production failure | Significant economic damage |
| Insurance & Liability | Large losses due to fire and smoke | Increased insurance premiums | Premium increases, recourse risks |
| Measure | What does it achieve? | How does it limit damage? |
|---|---|---|
| Early Detection (Smoke, Heat, Gas Detection) | Identifies critical conditions early | Faster response, reduced spread of fire |
| Battery Management System (BMS) | Monitors temperature, voltage, cell condition | Prevents overcharging and reduces risk of thermal runaway |
| Fire Compartments (F30/F90) | Spatial separation of the storage | Prevents fire spread to other parts of the building |
| Fire-Resistant Door to the Technical Room | Sealing in case of fire | Reduces smoke spread and heat transfer |
| Non-Combustible Environment (no storage in the room) | Minimizes fire load | Prevents secondary fires |
| Special Extinguishing Agents for Lithium Fires | Cooling and reaction interruption | Prevents re-ignition |
| Fire Blankets for Battery Systems | Covering and thermal containment | Limits flame and smoke development |
| Automatic Fire Extinguishing System (e.g., Water Mist) | Early fire fighting | Reduces temperature and spread |
| Technical Ventilation / Smoke Extraction | Removal of smoke gases | Protects adjacent areas from contamination |
| Temperature Monitoring with Alarm Forwarding | Immediate notification of deviations | Faster intervention |
| Safety Distance from Other Systems | Reduces heat transfer | Limits chain reactions |
| Fire Department Information Plan | Clear information for responders | Faster, targeted firefighting |
| Regular Maintenance | Early detection of technical defects | Prevents fire initiation |
| Coordination with Insurance | Compliance with requirements | Ensures coverage in case of damage |
| Smoke Gas Protection for Sensitive Equipment | Minimizes corrosion damage | Reduces follow-up costs and downtime |
| Emergency and Evacuation Plan | Structured response | Minimizes personal injuries |
WE DELIVER INNOVATIVE FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
At Vogt-CTE, we provide our European trading partners access to unique innovations in fire extinguishing technology. Our solutions facilitate firefighting efforts, making them faster, safer, and less resource-intensive. The products we represent are highly specialized, field-tested, and make a real difference – saving lives every day. We don’t just bring products to market; we deliver progress. Together with our partners, we ensure these innovations reach those who need them most: those on the front lines conducting rescue operations.