14 Questions
What can cause a Lithium-Ion Battery (LIB) to rupture and disperse toxic flammable gases?
Any of thermal conditions, physical impact, electrical over-charging, or drying after being wet
What should be done with a LIB that has been submerged in saltwater?
Discard it immediately
What can happen to a LIB that has entered thermal runaway?
It may explode violently and produce toxic gases
Why should water not be used to extinguish a LIB fire?
Water can conduct electricity and make the situation worse
What can happen to a LIB after a fire has been extinguished?
It may re-ignite with no warning
What is true about the gases produced by a LIB in thermal runaway?
They can combine to form a flammable, explosive, and toxic atmosphere
What is the primary risk related to Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs)?
Thermal Runaway
What is the main concern for firefighter safety regarding LIBs?
The increased risk of fire due to thermal runaway
What is an example of an Energy Storage System (ESS)?
A battery or group of batteries assembled
What is the main reason for the increase in fires involving LIBs?
The increased use of LIBs in consumer products
What is an example of a type of Energy Storage System (ESS)?
A walk-in container system
What is the result of thermal runaway in a lithium-ion cell?
Dispersion of gases, ejection of shrapnel and or particulates, and fire
What is the definition of an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
An automobile, e-scooter, e-bike, or other vehicle having an electric motor
What is the trend of fires involving LIBs?
Increasing at an alarming rate
Study Notes
Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
- A battery or group of batteries assembled to store energy for later electrical energy supply
- Types of ESS: walk-in container system, outdoor cabinet, indoor facility (residential, commercial, public utility), large and small vehicle batteries
Electric Vehicle (EV)
- An automobile, e-scooter, e-bike, or other vehicle with an electric motor fully or partially powered by batteries
Thermal Runaway
- A phenomenon where a lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state
- Risks associated with thermal runaway: dispersion of gases, ejection of shrapnel and/or particulates, fire
Background
- Increased use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) adds concerns for firefighter safety and incident mitigation
- LIBs are used in various consumer products, from small devices to large-scale power grid support
- Fires involving LIBs are increasing, resulting in fatalities, and can intensify existing fires
Hazards
- LIBs may rupture and disperse toxic, flammable gases, and/or explode violently due to:
- Thermal conditions (hot or cold, temperature changes)
- Physical damage (impact, crush, pierce)
- Electrical issues (over-charging, forced discharge, internal defects, internal short circuiting)
- Drying after being submerged in water (especially saltwater)
Safety Precautions
- Discard LIBs submerged in saltwater immediately
- Be cautious of re-ignition, which can occur minutes, hours, or even days after visible fire has been extinguished
- Never compromise the container to allow water to enter the case
This quiz covers the definitions and types of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Electric Vehicles (EV). Learn about the different categories of ESS, including walk-in containers and outdoor cabinets, and the various types of EVs, including automobiles and e-bikes.
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