Class society ABS has developed advanced simulation modeling of thermal runaway in lithium-ion battery fires in a bid to support safety improvements around the carriage of electric vehicles onboard vessels.
Thermal runaway is a failure mode for lithium-ion batteries where a chemical reaction which brings a rapid increase in temperature, releasing toxic gases which can ignite. Heat stress, electrical stress such as over- and under-charging, and mechanical stress can lead to thermal runaway.
ABS says its model replicates the thermal runaway profile at the battery cell level, unlocking detailed insight into the total heat released and guiding the appropriate firefighting response. Cells are the individual components of a battery; EVs contain between hundreds and thousands of cells, depending on the battery technology.
The release of large volumes of toxic gas, the rapid increase in temperature, and the risk of reignition associated with lithium-ion battery fires make firefighting a difficult and dangerous task.
“Runaway electric vehicle fires can reach temperatures of 1,200°F (650°C) or higher and present unprecedented safety challenges to the shipping industry, which connects manufactured vehicles to global markets. ABS is at the forefront of the industry’s response to this, which requires a blend of advanced technology, safety excellence and shipping insight. Developing the ability to accurately predict the behavior of these fires is a perfect example of this and will be a foundation of the ultimate solution,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS chairman and CEO.
ABS provides enhanced fire protection notation EFP-C(EV) which lays out criteria for additional fire protection arrangements in ro-ro cargo spaces intended to carry EVs, detailed in ABS Enhanced Fire Protection Arrangements. The class society has published further information in Best Practices for the Transport of Electric Vehicles Advisory.
The ABS Guide for Enhanced Fire Protection Arrangements is available to download here. The advisory Best Practices for the Transport of Electric Vehicles On Board Vessels is available to download here.
