Fire Suppression in EV Battery Systems
169 patents in this list
Updated:
Electric vehicle battery fires present unique challenges, with cells capable of reaching temperatures above 800°C during thermal runaway events. These fires can persist for hours, resist traditional water-based suppression methods, and reignite multiple times as thermal propagation moves through the pack's thousands of cells.
The fundamental challenge lies in simultaneously detecting thermal events early, containing cell-to-cell propagation, and safely managing the release of high-temperature gases and materials.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including integrated gas sensing and venting systems, dielectric immersion techniques, aerosol-based suppression methods, and intelligent cooling architectures. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation across various vehicle types while addressing both immediate containment and long-term thermal management needs.
1. Fire Suppression System for Li-ion Battery Packs with Dual-Source Suppressant Flow and Condition-Based Activation
Kidde Technologies Inc., 2024
Fire suppression system for Li-ion battery packs in vehicles that uses onboard and emergency fire suppressants to cool battery cells during overheating and fire events. The system has detectors to sense cell breakdown conditions, a controller to activate suppression procedures, and entry and exit points for suppressant flow. It uses onboard fire suppressant initially, then connects an external emergency source if needed. The system also alerts the operator and drains spent suppressant. This allows targeted cooling during cell failures without flooding the pack.
2. Battery Pack Fire Suppression System with Integrated Detectors and Dual Inlet-Outlet Configuration
Kidde Technologies Inc., 2024
Fire suppression system for batteries in vehicles like electric cars, aircraft, and boats. The system has detectors inside the battery packs to sense fire events caused by cell ruptures. If a cell rupture is detected, the system releases suppressant gases into the battery pack to cool and smother the fire. It uses separate dedicated inlets and outlets for emergency fire suppression versus normal cooling. This allows targeted cooling of ruptured cells without affecting the whole pack. The system also has a check valve to prevent backflow. The controller can automatically trigger the emergency suppression or manually as well. Spent suppressant is vented outside the pack.
3. Automated Fire Suppression System with Internal Battery Pack Sensors and Quick-Connect Isolation for Electric Vehicle Parking Spaces
YANTAI CHUNGWAY NEW ENERGY TECH CO LTD, YANTAI CHUNGWAY NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024
An automated fire extinguishing system for electric vehicle parking spaces that provides targeted fire prevention and suppression inside the battery packs of parked electric vehicles. The system monitors battery packs for thermal runaway and fires using internal sensors. If a fire is detected, a quick-connect system allows the battery pack to be isolated and sealed to prevent spread. Then, a delivery pipeline with a valve and nozzle inside the vehicle connects to an external fire suppression system. This allows targeted fire suppression inside the battery pack without exposing the vehicle to external firefighting agents. The system also has external sprinklers and isolation barriers to address exterior vehicle fires.
4. Hierarchical Fire Suppression System with Multi-Agent Extinguishing for Energy Storage Containers
CORNEX NEW ENERGY CO LTD, 2024
Fire suppression system for energy storage containers that uses multiple fire extinguishing agents to effectively extinguish battery fires. It combines water irrigation for individual battery boxes with submerged perfluorohexanone for the entire cabinet. This hierarchical approach provides early detection and targeted suppression of thermal runaway. It uses cluster-level, cabin-level, and container-level fire prevention and warning. The system employs specialized fire detection with sensors for smoke, temperature, CO, H2, and VOC gases. It also has a central fire control engine to manage suppression and ventilation. This comprehensive and layered fire protection mitigates the risks of battery fires in energy storage systems.
5. Electric Energy Storage Fire Protection System with Inert Gas and Liquid Suppressant Integration
RAUL - IOAN RISCO, RAUL IOAN RISCO, 2024
Fire protection system for electric energy storage (EES) systems that uses inert gas and liquid fire suppressant to quickly and effectively extinguish fires in EES modules. The system has compact reservoirs for inert gas and suppressant, connected circuits for prevention and extinguishing, and a switching mechanism. It uses sensors to trigger the system, a rod actuator for evacuation, and a smoke column for venting. The system aims to address deficiencies in current EES fire protection by providing targeted, controlled prevention and suppression using two substances.
6. Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Fire Suppression System with Sensor-Controlled Suppressant Injection and Dynamic Dispersion Mechanisms
Yong Taek MOON, 2024
Fire suppression system for electric vehicles that can quickly extinguish battery fires in EVs. The system uses sensors inside the battery pack to monitor temperature, pressure, gas leaks, etc. If thresholds are exceeded indicating a fire, the system injects fire suppressant into the battery pack through valves controlled by the sensor data. This allows targeted, rapid suppression without needing to access the enclosed battery cells. The system also has features like shut-off valves, moving spray heads, and circulating air/agent holes to optimize firefighting.
7. Electric Vehicle Battery Pack with Condition-Responsive Fire Suppressant Dispensing System
MOON YONG TAEK, 2024
Fire extinguishing system for electric vehicle battery packs that detects battery environmental conditions and selectively sprays fire suppressant to extinguish battery fires. The system includes sensors inside the battery pack to monitor conditions like temperature, pressure, gas generation, and shock. If dangerous levels are detected, a control unit activates valves in the battery pack to release fire suppressant into the affected area. The suppressant injection units protrude from the pack body when pressure is applied. This allows targeted extinguishment of battery fires without full pack flooding.
8. Electric Vehicle Battery Thermal Runaway Detection and Mitigation System with Outgassing Sensors
GM Cruise Holdings LLC, 2024
Early detection and mitigation of thermal runaway in electric vehicle (EV) batteries to prevent fires and damage. The system uses sensors to detect outgassing, a precursor to thermal runaway, and alerts the fleet management system. This allows proactive response like evacuating the vehicle or redirecting assignments. On-board cooling and fire suppression can also be triggered. In EV facilities, the system identifies nearby vehicles and takes actions to protect them if a battery is outgassing.
9. Enclosed Battery Pack System with Liquid Dielectric Fire Protection and Cooling Integration for Rail Vehicles
Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH, 2024
Safely packaging and cooling high-voltage battery packs in rail vehicles to prevent fires. The battery pack is enclosed in a separate fire protection cabinet filled with a liquid dielectric. The cabinet has a dielectric tank above it and a controllable valve to connect it. In normal operation, the tank provides cooling and maintains constant temperature. If a battery fault occurs, the valve opens to fill the cabinet with dielectric to extinguish fires. The compartment separates the battery from the driver's cabin for isolation. The tank is also connected to the battery cooling circuit as a compensating reservoir. A separate power converter cabinet has an aerosol cartridge for local fire suppression.
10. Hierarchical Power Battery Fire Suppression System with Localized and Secondary Extinguishing Units
China FAW Group Co., Ltd., CHINA FAW CO LTD, 2024
Power battery fire extinguishing system for electric vehicles that accurately detects and suppresses battery fires using a hierarchical approach. The system uses a combination of temperature and pressure sensors to monitor individual battery cells. If a cell reaches a thermal runaway condition, the system activates a localized fire extinguishing unit to suppress the fire. If the localized suppression fails, a secondary fire extinguishing unit for the entire battery is activated. This two-stage approach provides more efficient and precise fire suppression compared to a single fire extinguishing system.
11. Fire Suppression System with Targeted Activation for Electrochemical Storage Cabinets
SICHUAN QIANYE TECH CO LTD, SICHUAN QIANYE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024
Electrochemical energy storage cabinet fire suppression system that can effectively extinguish fires in battery packs without flooding the entire cabinet. The system uses individual fire detection devices in each pack that trigger targeted fire suppression when they detect high carbon monoxide and temperature levels. This prevents the need to flood the entire cabinet with extinguishing agent since it can precisely aim at the burning pack. The detection devices have probes inside the pack to monitor conditions accurately.
12. Energy Storage Battery Compartment Fire Protection System with Multi-Stage Gas Detection and Response Mechanism
GUO NENG LONG YUAN BLUE SKY ENERGY SAVING TECH CO LTD, GUO NENG LONG YUAN BLUE SKY ENERGY SAVING TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024
Fire protection system for energy storage battery compartments in energy storage power stations that provides early warning and effective extinguishing of battery fires. The system uses a flammable gas detector to monitor battery compartment for elevated gas concentration. If the concentration exceeds a threshold, it activates cooling and alarms. If concentration remains high, it cuts power and sprays water mist. If still high, it triggers a remote fire extinguisher. This sequence of progressive actions prevents fire spread versus immediate extinguishing which can cause battery damage.
13. Lithium-Ion Battery Storage Fire Control System with Integrated Detection, Isolation, and Suppression Mechanisms
Tianjin Fire Research Institute of the Ministry of Emergency Management, TIANJIN FIRE RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MEM, 2024
Fire prevention and control system for lithium-ion battery energy storage systems to mitigate and extinguish battery fires. The system includes fire detection devices in each battery box and cabinet, an alarm system, an air shutoff valve, and a fire suppression system. If a fire is detected, the air shutoff valve closes to isolate oxygen, the fire suppression system is activated, and suppressant is sprayed through ducts and nozzles in the box/cabinet. Separation devices between boxes/clusters prevent fire spread.
14. Battery Box Fire Suppression System with Liquid Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide Dispersal Mechanism
ANHUI CAS ZHONGHUAN INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT CO LTD, ANHUI CAS-ZHONGHUAN INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT CO LTD, 2024
Battery box fire suppression system using liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide to extinguish fires in battery packs. The system has a storage mechanism for the fire suppressants, precise one-to-one fire sprinklers in each battery box, and monitoring to detect abnormalities. When a box overheats, the monitoring sends a signal to the controller to open the corresponding sprinkler and release the fire suppressants. Liquid nitrogen cools nearby batteries to prevent heat spread, while carbon dioxide reduces oxygen levels to suppress the fire. A gas release alarm warns when suppressants are used.
15. Battery Thermal Runaway Detection and Suppression System for Electric Vehicles
SHAANXI HEAVY DUTY AUTOMOBILE CO LTD, 2024
Battery fire prevention system for electric vehicles that actively protects the vehicle after a battery thermal runaway to mitigate risks of battery fires and explosions. The system monitors battery parameters like temperature, gas, smoke, etc. to predict thermal runaway. It issues early warnings to the driver and can automatically or manually activate a fire suppression device to spray extinguishing agent into the battery pack. This prevents battery fires from spreading.
16. Composite Fire Suppression System with Sequential Perfluorohexanone and Water Mist Discharge for Electric Vehicle Battery Packs
JIANGYIN WEINONG BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024
Composite fire suppression system for electric vehicle batteries that uses both perfluorohexanone and water mist to effectively extinguish fires in lithium battery packs. The system has separate perfluorohexanone and water mist fire extinguishers connected to the battery pack. When a battery fire is detected, the perfluorohexanone extinguisher is activated first to quickly suppress the fire. After a certain time, the water mist extinguisher is activated to provide cooling and prevent re-ignition. This sequential activation helps prevent re-ignition and provides better fire suppression compared to using just one agent.
17. Battery Pack with Aligned Vent Gas Passageways and Inlet Ports for Thermal Event Mitigation
Ford Global Technologies, LLC, 2024
Battery pack for electrified vehicles with vent gas passageways to mitigate thermal events and protect the enclosure while reducing debris discharge. The battery pack has a vent gas passageway within the enclosure that aligns with the cell vents. This passageway has inlet ports at each cell vent location. When a cell vent releases gas during a thermal event, it enters the corresponding inlet port and flows through the passageway instead of directly into the enclosure. This prevents gas discharge into the vehicle while mitigating pressure and temperature spikes. The passageway can also have features like serpentine channels or frangible sections to further reduce risks.
18. Battery System with Thermal Runaway Gas Routing through Metal-Air Cells and Controlled Valve Mechanism
Tesla, Inc., 2024
Mitigating the hazards of battery thermal runaway in non-metal-air batteries by routing the hot gases generated during a thermal event through the metal-air batteries. This absorbs heat and prevents hot gases from escaping and igniting. Valves control air flow between the non-metal-air and metal-air batteries. They open when the non-metal-air battery temperature or pressure exceeds thresholds indicating runaway. This directs hot gases through the metal-air batteries instead of releasing them into the environment. The metal-air batteries' large thermal mass absorbs heat to lower the risk of ignition.
19. Integrated Fire Extinguishing System with Detection, Suppression, and Reburn Mitigation for Battery Packs
Yantai Chuangwa New Energy Technology Company Limited, 2024
Fire extinguishing system for battery packs that provides effective suppression of fires in battery packs and prevents reburns when the heat cannot be controlled. The system has a detection and control device, a fire suppression device, and a firefighting device connected together. The detection and control device detects battery parameters and sends signals to the fire suppression device. The fire suppression device extinguishes initial fires using media like aerosol, powder, or gases. The firefighting device connects inside the battery pack to fight reburns. An exhaust filter device discharges smoke and explosives. A latch mechanism locks the battery pack until the fire is out. This comprehensive system addresses late reburns and extreme heat issues in battery pack fires.
20. Battery Pack with Integrated Aerosol-Based Thermal Suppression System
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, 2024
Battery thermal suppression system for electric vehicle packs that mitigates thermal runaway propagation in battery cells during overcharge, overdischarge, overheating, short circuit events. The system uses aerosol devices integrated into the battery packs. The devices contain ignition and generating components that react to ignite when triggered. The aerosol particles disburse to cool the cells, preventing thermal cascading. The devices can be active or passive and implanted at battery array or pack level.
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