Explanation of Fire Protection Systems for Industrial and Commercial Energy Storage
The new energy industry is booming, and energy storage products have become an indispensable part of building a new power system. Along with economic development, energy storage safety has also become a major focus of public concern.
Common Fire Suppression Media for Energy Storage
Perfluorohexanone, aerosol, water-based fire protection, heptafluoropropane
Classification of Fire Protection Mechanisms
Active fire protection, passive fire protection
Advantages of Active Fire Protection Systems (Prevention-Oriented)
a. Intelligent Control Center and Sensing Network
The system is equipped with a central main control unit with powerful data analysis and decision-making capabilities. Multi-parameter detection sensors are deployed in each battery pack and cabinet to monitor key indicators in real time, including carbon monoxide (CO) concentration, hydrogen (H₂) concentration, volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration, smoke density, and temperature changes. (This acts as the “brain” and “nerves” of the system.)
b. Accurate Early Warning and Early Intervention
Based on the battery thermal runaway mechanism — through in-depth technical communication with cell manufacturers and independent thermal runaway tests, the release patterns of characteristic gases at different stages have been mastered — the system can accurately identify specific signs (such as abnormal gas composition, concentration, or sudden temperature changes) in the initial stage of thermal runaway. Once potential risks are detected, the system immediately initiates corresponding preventive measures.
Limitations of Passive Fire Protection (Suppression-Oriented)
a. Aerosol-Based Equipment
Its triggering mechanism relies on a sharp rise in ambient temperature. This means fire extinguishing is only activated when thermal runaway reaches the middle or late stage and the temperature reaches the set threshold. By this time, the fire has often already caused considerable damage.
b. Heptafluoropropane (HFCs) Equipment
After discharge, the extinguishing agent produces greenhouse gas effects and other environmental problems. It has been restricted by international environmental organizations and banned in many countries, and its domestic application has been significantly reduced.
Core Differences
| Feature | Active Fire Protection | Passive Fire Protection |
|---|
| Core Concept | Prevention first | Post-incident suppression |
| Concept Essence | Prevention vs. Response |
|
| Operation Mode | Active detection + intelligent judgment + early disposal | Passive triggering + post-incident suppression |
| Driving Mode | Active vs. Passive |
|
| Intervention Timing | Initial or early stage of thermal runaway | Middle/late stage of thermal runaway or after fire breaks out |
| Disposal Timing | Early stage vs. Middle/late stage |
|
Summary
The core advantage of prioritizing active fire protection systems lies in “focusing on prevention”. Through accurate early detection and intelligent judgment, intervention is carried out at the initial stage of thermal runaway, maximizing the avoidance of fire risks. Traditional passive fire protection, by contrast, focuses on remedial measures after a disaster has occurred.