Lithium vs Lithium-Ion Battery – The Need for Better Battery Regulation

As lithium and lithium-ion batteries power more electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, and energy storage systems, the safety concerns around these high-energy devices increase. Despite their widespread use, current regulations are not enough, leaving dangerous gaps in protection.

A recent NFPA case study analyzed a massive battery factory fire in South Korea on June 24, 2024 that killed 23 people and injured 9. Following this event, 10 individuals passed away due to the toxic smoke inhalation from the fires. This led to fire protection professionals looking to HCT for a solution that could protect their infrastructure, highlighting the need for enhanced safety regulations across all battery technologies.

Key Differences and Safety Concerns of Lithium vs Lithium-Ion Batteries

All types of batteries consist of one positive electrode (anode), one negative electrode (cathode), and an electrolyte. In lithium and lithium-ion batteries, positively charged lithium ions are essential to the battery’s chemical reactions.

Although the terms “lithium battery” and “lithium-ion battery” have been used interchangeably, there are major differences between these two batteries in terms of battery chemistry, risks, safety features, and applications.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are single-use, non-rechargeable batteries that use lithium metal as the active material.

• Energy Density: High, with a longer battery and shelf life
• Typical Applications: Low-drain, single-use devices like pacemakers and watches
• Key Feature: Designed for longevity and stability in low-power settings

Lithium-ion Batteries

On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries are secondary rechargeable batteries that store and release electrical energy by moving lithium ions within a liquid electrolyte.

• Energy Density: Higher energy density, with thermal stability that supports multiple discharge cycles.
• Typical Applications: Consumer electronics (cell phones, laptops, digital cameras, other portable devices), medical devices, electric cars, solar panels, and hybrid vehicles.
• Key Feature: Ideal for sustained, high-energy applications due to their durability and rechargeability.

Safety Challenges

Both lithium and lithium-ion batteries come with distinct safety concerns, primarily due to their potential for thermal runaway. This risk is especially prevalent in li-ion batteries, where improper charging, damaged cells, or exposure to high temperatures can trigger a fire or explosion.

Lithium-based batteries also pose environmental hazards due to their chemical reaction and limited disposal options. They both contain reactive chemicals that can release toxic substances if not properly disposed of.

Lithium metal batteries have an added fire hazard due to combustible metals and toxic gas release, which can make these fires extremely difficult to extinguish. These environmental and safety challenges highlight the critical need for enhanced regulations and responsible disposal practices as lithium-ion technology continues to power more facets of modern life.

Regulatory Gaps Exposed by NFPA Case History

The South Korea battery factory fire highlights the need for improved safety regulations in battery manufacturing, storage, and disposal. This incident, which led to 23 fatalities and significant property damage, revealed that the existing standards for lithium battery safety are insufficient to mitigate risks in large-scale battery operations.

Without enforced guidelines on the safe handling of these materials, battery facilities worldwide continue to face the heightened risks of fire and explosion – especially when dealing with high-energy storage devices prone to thermal runaway.

Addressing Real-World Lithium Battery Incidents with F-500 EA

Our experience with lithium battery fire suppression demonstrates how effective safety measures can help control catastrophic fires involving these batteries.

Aricell Manufacturer in South Korea:

The Aricell fire in South Korea stands as one of the most destructive lithium battery fires in recent years. This incident prompted a full-scale electric vehicle fire test at the Fire Protection Testing and Research Institute under the Korea Fire Insurance Association, where HCT’s F-500 EA was tested for its ability to contain thermal runaway. The test reported that the F-500 extinguished the electric vehicle fire in 8 minutes.

F-500 EA successfully halted cell-to-cell ignition and prevented further propagation of the fire, a crucial capability that most traditional agents cannot match.

Lithium Battery Truck Fire in Las Vegas:

Another recent example involved a semi-truck fire near Las Vegas that hauled 31,000 pounds of lithium-ion batteries. The volatile nature of such a high volume of batteries required advanced measures – F-500 EA, which helped control the fire using only 5,500 gallons of water.

These cases demonstrate the powerful role that advanced fire suppression agents, like F-500 EA, can play in managing lithium-battery-related fires.

NFPA Standards and Regulation

The NFPA develops standards to guide safe practices for battery storage, handling, and disposal, but uniform global regulations are lacking. While NFPA standards provide a foundation for best practices, their implementation varies by region, leaving significant gaps in the levels of protection.

That’s where F-500 EA comes into play. Encapsulator Technology is recognized in NFPA 18A Annex 4.3 for extensive lithium-ion battery fire testing. It exceeds these standards as industries worldwide are relying more on lithium battery technologies and require robust fire protection systems.

Encapsulator Technology as the Solution for Battery Safety

Encapsulator Technology is specifically designed to combat the unique challenges of battery fires. Unlike traditional agents that work by smothering the fire, F-500 EA targets the root cause of the fire’s intensity. By cooling the battery cells, encapsulating flammable vapors, and interrupting the chemical reactions that fuel thermal runaway, F-500 EA effectively minimizes the risk of cell-to-cell ignition.

Key Advantages of Encapsulator Technology

• Enhanced Thermal Stability: Testing has shown our ability to halt the propagation of cell-to-cell ignition.
• Minimized Environmental Impact: Reduces the concentration of carcinogenic and toxic substances present in smoke and soot.
• Compatibility with Industrial Safety Standards: Recognized by NFPA standards, delivering targeted solutions that go beyond traditional suppression methods.

The Future of Lithium-Ion Battery Safety with Hazard Control Technologies

As the use of lithium and lithium-ion batteries continues to expand, so do the associated safety risks. Current regulations aren’t sufficient with these advancements, leaving significant gaps in safety standards.

At Hazard Control Technologies, we bridge these gaps with reliable, advanced, and environmentally friendly solutions. Our Encapsulator Technology offers a proven method for mitigating the dangers associated with lithium-ion battery fires and represents a forward-looking approach to battery safety, combining rapid fire suppression with environmental responsibility.

Renowned organizations like Duracell, Tesla, BMW, and conEdison trust F-500 EA for reliable lithium-ion battery fire suppression. We provide comprehensive, multi-class protection for various fire classes in many different industries.

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With F-500 EA, companies can proactively safeguard their facilities, filling critical safety gaps and reducing the risks that come with lithium-ion batteries.

Request a quote today for a consultation with our expert team!