Electricity and Control April 2024

SAFETY OF PLANT, EQUIPMENT + PEOPLE : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Understanding lithium-ion batteries for safety

Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries are increasingly being used for energy storage in renewa ble energy installations, in hybrid energy plants and other applications. A leading distributor of fire safety equipment in South Africa, SafeQuip, outlines some of the key concepts of Li-ion batteries to inform the selection of appropriate fire safety equipment for related installations. As a rechargeable battery, a lithium-ion battery is valued for its high energy density,

renewable energy storage systems.

Cycle life The cycle life refers to the number of charge and dis charge cycles a lithium-ion battery can undergo before its capacity and performance start to degrade signifi cantly. It is essential to consider cycle life when evalu ating a battery’s long-term durability and cost-effective ness, particularly in applications with frequent charging and discharging. Thermal runaway One of the most significant safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries is a phenomenon known as ther mal runaway. Thermal runaway occurs when a lithium-ion cell enters a state of uncontrollable self-heating. This sit uation can lead to exceptionally high temperatures, the forceful release of gases from the cell, and the potential for smoke and fire to erupt. If a cell goes into a thermal runaway, it runs the risk of setting the other cells also into a thermal runaway. Fire suppression systems AVD (aqueous vermiculite dispersion) is a fire suppres sion technology used in lithium-ion battery fire extinguish ers. It consists of a water-based solution containing ver miculite, a naturally occurring mineral. AVD is designed to cool and suppress lithium-ion battery fires rapidly, making it an effective tool for mitigating fire hazards as sociated with batteries. In the context of lithium-ion batter ies, Lith-Ex Fire Extinguishers are compact and powerful. They incorporate state-of-the-art technology that provides users the assurance that they are equipped to handle any lithium-ion battery fire emergency. SafeQuip is committed to raising fire safety standards in South Africa and worldwide and ensuring the effective mitigation of lithium-ion battery fire risks. □ broadest spectrum of SANAS-accredited NDT methods, standards, and regulations in South Africa at this stage, positioning Integrity NDT as a leader in the industry. “With SANAS accreditation, we are setting new stand ards – ensuring precision and excellence in every test we do. It reinforces our commitment to quality,” said Thandy Mokgobu, INDTP Director. Integrity NDT Projects is the first SANAS-accredited NDT company within specific power generation national contracts. As such, it consolidates its position as a trust ed and innovative partner in the power generation sector, among others. The company’s dedication to excellence and transparency reflects its ongoing commitment to delivering top quality advanced and conventional NDT services. □

The SafeQuip range of fire extinguishers for lithium-ion battery safety is available to residential, commercial and industrial markets.

which makes it relatively lightweight and capable of stor ing a substantial amount of energy. The components in clude the cathode (positive), made of materials that store the lithium ions, and anode (negative), usually made of carbon-based material such as graphite, and the elec trolyte solution, a liquid or gel that helps the lithium ions move between the cathode and the anode. It is important to note that this liquid or gel is flammable. The separator can be seen as the battery’s ‘security guard’. It is the membrane that keeps the cathode and the anode apart to prevent short circuits. It also allows the movement of ions which generate the electrical po tential but blocks the electrons. The current collectors are like the wires in the battery, helping the electricity flow in and out. The state of charge (SOC) indicates the percentage level at which the battery is charged. The higher the charge, the bigger the potential fire risk. Battery management system A battery management system (BMS) is an electronic system that monitors and manages various aspects of a lithium-ion battery’s performance and safety. It is crucial in protecting batteries from overcharging, over discharging, and other potentially harmful conditions. A BMS is commonly used in electric vehicles and

SANAS accreditation for NDT services provider

Integrity NDT Projects, a member of the Two Roads Group of companies (2Roads) and a provider of conventional and advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) services, has achieved SANAS accreditation, effective from October 2023. The accreditation confirms that all its technical processes are aligned with the

Integrity NDT Projects has achieved SANAS accreditation, confirming the high standard of its NDT services.

rigorous standards set by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). For Integrity NDT Projects, it marks a significant achievement and under scores the company’s commitment to delivering top-tier NDT services char acterised by reliability and excellence. The accreditation encompasses the

28 Electricity + Control APRIL 2024