As the second element of the FOGTEC protection concept for battery storage systems (BESS), we would like to take a closer look at ventilation.
The Detection was covered in the previous newsletter, along with the need for ventilation. In the event of a malfunction, lithium batteries leak gases that are flammable and therefore explosive. These can escape before and with the thermal runaway. In some cases, these gases do not ignite directly and can create a dangerous gas-air mixture. Above a certain concentration, this mixture can ignite explosively. All it needs is a small ignition source such as a spark or another faulty battery cell.
Following an alarm signal from the FOGTEC gas sensor system (see last newsletter), the container is automatically vented in conjunction with active ventilation. The supply of fresh air and the associated dilution of the flammable gases drastically reduce the risk of an explosive mixture.
The combination of detection and ventilation ensures a rapid response in the early stages of a battery malfunction and can prevent the gases from igniting. The FOGTEC system therefore makes an important contribution to the safe operation of the BESS.
In the next newsletter, we will look at firefighting as the final step in the FOGTEC protection concept.
