Are batteries actually safe?
Last year, there were examples every month of batteries catching fire. A good example you might remember is the huge fire at Picnic that started from the battery of one of their delivery vehicles. Such a fire can occur due to battery damage or a (rare) manufacturing defect. The tricky part is that in 9 out of 10 cases, it’s not visible on the outside of the battery when it’s been damaged. There are plenty of other examples where things also went wrong, which raises the question: is it really safe?
The safe use of batteries
A clear answer to this question is difficult to provide. In many of the cases where a battery catches fire, it specifically involves lithium-ion batteries. In general, these batteries are safe to use, and there are strict regulations regarding these types of batteries. The problem with these batteries is that when they catch fire, the temperature of the fire is extremely high, and it’s difficult to extinguish the fire, which allows it to spread quickly. Fortunately, there is an increasingly popular solution for this: fireproof safes and containers for these batteries.
This has led to the creation of ‘cabinets’ where batteries can be stored, protecting both the battery and the surrounding area in the event of a fire. They prevent the fire from spreading, making the storage of lithium-ion batteries safe.
More and more, these fireproof safes and containers for batteries are being equipped with MAGOXX® BOARD. MAGOXX® Boards are Magnesium Oxide panels with a fire rating of A1. This makes them ideally suited for use in fireproof safes to protect batteries, typically in situations where more than 60 minutes of fire resistance is required.
ZENON Energy: MAGOXX Board as a fire-safe solution
An example of a project where MAGOXX® Boards are used in containers is with Zenon Energy in 2023. Zenon Energy is the manufacturer of energy storage batteries, designed to decentralize renewable energy generation and storage. They produce battery systems based on titanium, which are modular and have high heat resistance.
Zenon Energy also offers technological solutions for energy storage, allowing customers to switch to alternative renewable energy sources without worrying about consistency. These batteries are placed in racks, with 4 mm MAGOXX® Boards installed between them to prevent the spread of fire in case of ignition.
How do you approach the fire-safe use of batteries?
Are you also working on the development of technology where batteries are used and want to use them safely in terms of fire? We can help you! Together, we’ll look at your specific use and brainstorm a possible solution. Want to learn more about the fire-safe properties of MAGOXX® Boards? Check the technical data at https://magoxx.com/technische-data/
