There are those articles and even more. Unfortunately it appeared that all testing stopped back in 2012-2013 with no conclusions or viable directives given due to the cost of the batteries needed to do proper testing.
Also the testing was for storage, not for an energized array which poses a somewhat different challenge. I'm curious how some of the major Insurance players direct their insureds regarding protection of these kinds of hazards. I would assume they have some criteria that they feel comfortable with which provides a level of protection against loss but I've neither seen nor heard of any such thing. FM Global Data Sheets addresses everything else by expressly excludes Li-On batteries in their commodity classification document. Ain't this business fun! Craig L. Prahl Fire Protection Group Lead CH2MHILL Lockwood Greene 1500 International Drive Spartanburg, SC 29303 Direct - 864.599.4102 Fax - 864.599.8439 CH2MHILL Extension 74102 [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Pat Thompson Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2015 6:00 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Lithium Ion energy storage plant As Mr. Prahl has pointed out there are common misconceptions about lithium vs lithium-ion. Here are some links to more detailed discussions from folks much brighter than me: http://magazine.sfpe.org/flashpoints/fire-hazards-associated-bulk-storage-lithium-ion-batteries http://magazine.sfpe.org/content/lithium-ion-battery-hazards Pat Thompson Fire Suppression Systems ATS Alaska Direct: 907-375-4176 [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2015 11:17 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Lithium Ion energy storage plant I would suspect they are classifying it as H-3 based on their assumption of lithium as a Flammable Solid as listed in IBC Table 307.1(1). If that's the case, you're in trouble because they are going down the wrong path. The only lithium related material in these batteries is a lithium salt that is mixed with an organic solvent that creates the electrolyte. There's no lithium metal in them. Also the occupancy H-3 has nothing to do with developing your FP design criteria which the EOR better do and not throw that off on the contractor to "Install sprinklers per NFPA 13". Li-On batteries have a two-fold hazard as related to fire control and suppression, the electrolyte and overheating are the two issues needing to be addressed. Thermal run-away caused by overheating leads to component failure which leads to electrolyte release which leads to fire which leads to adjacent batteries overheating which leads to thermal run-away, etc. , etc.................................. You can see the pattern here. You have to provide adequate cooling to prevent additional thermal run-away and control the existing thermal issue then also deal with the chemical fire issue of the ignited electrolyte. Also another consideration is the individual cell packaging whether it be Mylar, shrink wrap plastic, or impact resistant plastic or other. Not to sound ugly but that engineering team is getting paid to produce the design criteria so we're not going to do their job for them. This is not something you're gonna find in NFPA 13. One thing I will share, you better have a real robust water supply. Also AFFF is recognized for suppression of chemical fire from electrolyte. I would recommend that the design team contact the owner's insurance underwriter for some input to their expectations for fire protection of the area. The only testing has been very limited and was for storage occupancies but in the end was inconclusive. Good Luck! Craig L. Prahl Fire Protection Group Lead CH2MHILL Lockwood Greene 1500 International Drive Spartanburg, SC 29303 Direct - 864.599.4102 Fax - 864.599.8439 CH2MHILL Extension 74102 [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Morey, Mike Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2015 1:41 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Lithium Ion energy storage plant Anyone have experience designing a large energy storage plant? We're looking at a 20MW Lithium Ion storage building with 14,000 sq ft of batteries, they're just calling it out as an H-3 occupancy without any design info, but this is pretty early in the design phase I believe. Anyone have experience that can help guide us and the design team? Mike Morey, CFPS, SET Planner Scheduler/Designer BMWC Constructors, Inc. 1740 W. 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