Honeywell explains how early gas detection can provide valuable warning of developing lithium ion battery failure, supporting earlier intervention within battery energy storage systems.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) increasingly rely on lithium ion batteries because of characteristics including high energy density, fast charging and comparatively long service life. These characteristics also introduce fire safety considerations, particularly where a battery failure develops into thermal runaway.
Li-ion Tamer GEN3 is designed to provide an earlier indication of this process by monitoring for gases released during the initial stages of battery failure.
Why is off gas detection important in a BESS?
Lithium ion battery failure can develop through several stages. Following electrical, thermal or mechanical abuse, a cell can enter an initial venting stage. During this process, battery electrolyte converts to gas, increasing pressure inside the cell until vapours are released through a pressure relief vent or rupture.
Honeywell states that this initial off gas event is distinct from the gases subsequently released during thermal runaway and can occur several minutes beforehand. Detecting this stage therefore provides an opportunity to identify a developing problem before smoke, ignition or fully developed thermal runaway occurs.
What does Li-ion Tamer GEN3 detect?
Li-ion Tamer GEN3 uses sensors designed to detect lithium ion battery electrolyte solvent vapours. The system responds to volatile organic compounds associated with initial cell venting and can also monitor temperature and humidity within the protected space. Sensor readings are transmitted through CANbus to the system hub.
The technology is designed to operate across different lithium ion battery chemistries because electrolyte solvent vapours are common across these battery types. Honeywell specifically identifies compatibility with different battery form factors and chemistries, including LFP and NMC applications.
How can earlier detection support intervention?
The purpose of identifying an off gas event is to provide additional time for a BESS control or safety strategy to respond. Li-ion Tamer typically provides between two and 30 minutes of warning before thermal runaway, although the available period depends significantly on the type and severity of battery abuse.
Once abnormal off gassing is detected, the resulting signal can support measures such as component isolation, increased cooling, local or remote alarms and ventilation activation. The appropriate response depends on the design and operating requirements of the individual energy storage system.
How does GEN3 fit into BESS fire detection?
BESS layouts can create challenges for conventional detection because battery racks, ventilation arrangements and external air entry points can influence how gases move through an enclosure. Xtralis therefore identifies detector positioning, rack configuration and ventilation as considerations when designing electrolyte vapour detection.
GEN3 is described as a plug and play rack system intended to detect off gassing earlier than smoke or traditional lower flammable limit gas detection. Rather than replacing the wider fire protection strategy, its role is to provide information during an earlier stage of battery failure.
As requirements surrounding BESS fire safety and off gas detection continue to develop, this earlier detection stage provides operators and system designers with another input for managing thermal runaway risk within lithium ion energy storage installations.
