Early Fire Detection

for Lithium-ion
Batteries
Understanding the Risks of Thermal Runaway
Table of
Contents
01 The Importance of Early Fire
Detection Systems
Addressing the Unique Challenges of
Detecting Battery Fires

02 Understanding Battery Fire

Hazards
How Batteries Work, Thermal Runaway, and
Causes and Consequences of Battery Fires

03 Early Detection is Key to

Preventing Battery Fires
Choosing the Best Early Fire Detection
Approach for Your Business or Application

04 Enhancing Safety in Battery-

Reliant Industries
Industries that Can Benefit from Early Fire
Detection Systems

05 Simplifying Early Fire

Detection with Automated
Systems
A User-Friendly Approach to Infrared
Cameras

06 The Benefits of Implementing

an Early Fire Detection System
Improved Emergency Planning, 24/7
Protection, and More
Chapter 1
The Importance of Early Fire
Detection Systems
Addressing the Unique Challenges of Detecting Battery Fires
Battery fires can occur for various reasons,
such as overcharging, short circuits, or external
damage to the battery. These fires can spread
quickly and become catastrophic if not
detected and addressed promptly. Given the
widespread use of batteries in our daily lives,
the risk of battery fires is a significant concern.
In particular, the rise of electric vehicles, energy
storage systems, and other battery-powered
technologies has led to a greater need for early
fire detection systems that can detect and alert
users to a battery fire before it can cause
significant damage. Early detection can mean
distinguishing between a minor incident and a
major disaster.
Moreover, traditional smoke detectors and fire
alarms may not be effective in detecting battery
fires. Battery fires can often produce little to no
smoke or produce smoke that is not detectable
by traditional smoke detectors.
Therefore, specialized early fire detection
systems, such as those that use infrared
cameras, are needed to detect these fires.
Early fire detection systems can provide
numerous benefits, such as improving safety,
minimizing property damage, reducing
downtime, and enhancing the reliability of
battery-powered systems. As such, there is a
growing demand for early fire detection
systems that can detect battery fires quickly
and accurately.
The need for early fire detection systems for
battery fires is clear. As the use of batteries
continues to grow in various industries and
applications, the importance of reliable,
effective early fire detection systems will only
increase. It is essential to stay current on the
latest technologies and best practices to ensure
the safety and reliability of battery-powered
systems.
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Chapter 2

Understanding Battery Fire

Hazards
How Batteries Work, Thermal Runaway, and Causes and
Consequences of Battery Fires
Batteries are widely used in many applications,
from small devices like smartphones to large-
scale energy storage systems. However,
batteries can pose significant fire hazards if not
designed, operated, and maintained correctly.
Understanding the basic principles of battery
operation, the phenomenon of thermal runaway,
and the causes and consequences of battery
fires is crucial for developing effective early fire
detection systems.

Basic Principles of Battery

Operation
Batteries store and release energy through
chemical reactions between the positive and
negative electrodes and the electrolyte. The
energy is stored in the form of electrical
potential energy. When a load is connected,
electrons flow from the negative electrode
through the external circuit to the positive
electrode, generating a flow of electric current.
However, if the battery is damaged or subjected
to abnormal conditions, such as overcharging
or overheating, the chemical reactions can
become unstable, leading to thermal runaway.

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What is thermal runaway?
Thermal runaway is a self-sustaining reaction in
which heat generated by the battery's chemical
reactions triggers further reactions, rapidly
increasing temperature and pressure. Thermal
runaway can cause batteries to explode, release
toxic gases, and ignite nearby materials, leading
to a potentially catastrophic fire.

The causes of thermal runaway can vary

depending on the type of battery, the operating
conditions, and the manufacturing quality. For
example, overcharging, over-discharging,
mechanical damage, and high-temperature
exposure are common causes of thermal
runaway in lithium-ion batteries.

and hazardous materials into the air and water.

Causes & Consequences of
Battery Fires
Battery fires can have serious consequences for
businesses and surrounding communities. The
financial cost of a battery fire can be
substantial, including property damage, lost
productivity, and potential legal liabilities. The
environmental impact of a battery fire can also
be significant due to the release of toxic gases
Battery fires can harm employees, emergency
responders, and nearby residents, leading to
injuries or even fatalities. A comprehensive
early fire detection system can help mitigate
these risks by detecting potential fires at their
earliest stages, allowing for a prompt response
and preventing potentially catastrophic
consequences.

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Chapter 3

Early Detection is Key to

Preventing Battery Fires
Choosing the Best Early Fire Detection Approach for Your
Business or Application
As battery demand rises, early fire detection has large open spaces or areas with high ceilings.
become a critical concern for facility operators They can also detect fires early, giving
and safety professionals. Various technologies operators more time to respond and prevent
are available for early fire detection, but the two catastrophic fires.
most popular are smoke detectors and infrared
cameras. This chapter explores the advantages
of using infrared cameras over smoke detectors
Why a Multi-Sensor
for early fire detection and how the two Approach is the Best
technologies can be integrated for a more
comprehensive warning system. While infrared cameras offer many advantages
in early fire detection, it's important to note that
Infrared cameras have emerged as a more traditional fire detection devices like smoke
effective approach to detecting the early signs detectors should be considered. A multi-sensor
of thermal runaway in batteries. They work by approach that integrates both technologies can
detecting the heat signature emitted by a improve the reliability and effectiveness of early
battery when at the earliest stages of fire detection systems, giving operators the best
overheating, which can indicate the onset of chance to prevent catastrophic fires.
thermal runaway. MoviTHERM’s early fire detection system is
designed to support this integrated approach,
Infrared Cameras vs. Smoke making it a comprehensive solution for
businesses working with batteries.
Detectors
While smoke detectors are commonly used for
early fire detection, they have some limitations.
Smoke detectors rely on detecting smoke
particles in the air, which can be affected by
factors such as air circulation, humidity, and the
type of fire. In contrast, infrared cameras can
detect the early signs of thermal runaway, such
as temperature changes and hotspots, often
present before the visible smoke or flames.

Infrared cameras can also detect fires where

smoke detectors are ineffective, such as in

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Chapter 4
Enhancing Safety in Battery-
Reliant Industries
Industries that Can Benefit from Early Fire Detection Systems
As we've seen, early fire detection systems are
essential for preventing catastrophic fires in
industries that work with batteries. Some
industries that can benefit from early fire
detection include automotive, aerospace,
renewable energy, waste, and recycling. In this
chapter, we'll explore how early fire detection
systems can enhance safety in these industries.
Automotive
The automotive industry relies heavily on
batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles. With
the increasing adoption of electric cars, the risk
of battery fires has become a significant
concern. Early fire detection devices can help
detect the early signs of thermal runaway and
alert operators before a fire occurs, potentially
saving lives and preventing costly property
damage.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry is another industry that
relies on batteries, particularly for the power
systems in aircraft. Battery fires in airplanes
can have catastrophic consequences, making
early fire detection technologies a critical
component of aviation safety. Infrared cameras
can detect the early signs of thermal runaway in
aircraft batteries, allowing operators to take
corrective action before a fire occurs.
Renewable Energy
The renewable energy industry is yet another
industry that works with batteries, particularly
for energy storage systems. Energy storage
systems are essential for storing excess energy
produced by renewable sources, such as solar
and wind power. However, these systems can
also pose a fire risk, making early fire detection
technologies a valuable tool for renewable
energy operators.
Waste & Recycling
Lithium-ion batteries can end up in recycling
and waste centers when not disposed of
properly. When lithium-ion batteries are
exposed to heat or damaged during the
recycling process, they can experience thermal
runaway and ignite, resulting in fires that can
quickly spread to other materials and cause
significant damage. Early fire detection systems
that use infrared cameras can help identify the
early signs of battery fire and alert workers
before it gets out of control.
It's important to note that early fire detection
systems are not limited to these sectors. Any
industry that works with batteries can benefit
from early fire detection technologies to
enhance safety and protect property.
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Chapter 5

Simplifying Early Fire

Detection with Automated
Systems
A User-Friendly Approach to Infrared Cameras
Early fire detection is essential to prevent
catastrophic battery fires. Still, many operators
Hassle-Free Installation &
are hesitant to implement infrared camera- Maintenance
based systems due to concerns about the cost
and complexity of installation and maintenance. MoviTHERM offers users the option to have
In addition to cost and maintenance concerns, their system reside in the cloud. With a cloud-
many operators may feel hesitant about based system, users do not need to worry about
implementing early fire detection systems the installation and maintenance of hardware.
because they may need to gain experience with The system updates automatically and requires
infrared technology. However, with automated no physical upkeep or maintenance, resulting in
detection systems like MoviTHERM's, there is lower costs and complexity for the user.
no need to worry about prior knowledge of Additionally, cloud-based systems can be easily
infrared cameras or how to read thermal data. accessed and managed remotely, providing
The system is designed to be user-friendly and users greater flexibility and convenience.
intuitive, making it accessible to anyone who
needs it. Overall, MoviTHERM's early fire detection
system offers a hassle-free solution for
How does the system work? operators looking to improve their fire safety
measures.
MoviTHERM's early fire detection system uses
infrared cameras to detect the early signs of
thermal runaway. The system automatically
analyzes the thermal data from the cameras,
looking for temperature changes and other
indicators that a fire may be imminent. If the
system detects a potential hazard, it will
immediately notify end-users through
email, text, or voice call, depending on
the severity of the alarm. Because the
system is automated and does not
require human monitoring, it
eliminates the need for previous
infrared knowledge or experience.

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Chapter 6

The Benefits of Implementing

an Early Fire Detection System
Improved Emergency Planning, 24/7 Protection, and More
Early fire detection systems have become alerts. Notifications can even be sent to inform
increasingly popular in recent years due to their first responders, depending on the severity of
numerous benefits over traditional fire the alarm.
detection methods. Not only do they help
prevent catastrophic fires, but they also offer 24/7 Protection & Peace of
several advantages that can improve
emergency planning and reduce the risk of Mind
property damage. Unlike traditional infrared fire
One of the most significant advantages of an
detection systems, MoviTHERM’s system is
early fire detection system is that it provides
automated and works 24/7, providing constant
24/7 protection and peace of mind. The system
protection and peace of mind. In this chapter,
operates around the clock, monitoring the
we'll explore the many benefits of implementing
premises for any signs of fire. This means that
an early fire detection system, including how it
operators can rest assured that their property is
can improve emergency planning, reduce
always protected, even when they are not there.
property damage, and provide reliable, round-
the-clock protection.

Improved Emergency
Planning
MoviTHERM’s system can be accessed through
a centralized platform that provides crucial
information for emergency responders. The
platform has features and map views that can
significantly improve emergency planning and
response. The map view can detect the location
of the fire in real time and help understand how
quickly the fire is evolving. This helps optimize
the quick response time and protect building
assets while keeping others out of harm’s way.

Additionally, the system has a mass emergency

notification system that keeps everyone alerted
when there is a hazard. The notifications can be
customized to include specific instructions and

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Customizable and Scalable
Solutions
Early fire detection systems not only provide
customizable solutions for unique needs but
are also easily scalable, making them suitable
for businesses and buildings of all sizes. As the
needs of the business grow, the system can be
scaled up to accommodate these changes
without significant modifications.
Integration with Other
Building Systems
MoviTHERM’s early fire detection system can
be integrated with other building systems, such
as sprinklers, to provide a comprehensive fire
protection solution. The integration allows for a
more coordinated response, with the system
automatically triggering other safety measures
in the event of a fire.

Automated Detection
Early fire detection systems are automated and
do not require human monitoring. This
eliminates the need for staff to sit and watch
cameras all day, freeing up time for other
important tasks. Because the system is
automated, it does not
require previous experience
or knowledge of infrared
cameras.

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Learn more about MoviTHERM's Early Fire Detection Solutions at:

https://movitherm.com/solutions/early-fire-detection/

Or contact one of our application specialists at +1 (949) 699-6600