The temperature of a lithium-ion battery flame can vary, but during thermal runaway, it can reach extremely high temperatures.
According to the provided reference, lithium-ion battery fires catch fire at temperatures around 500 degrees Celsius (932 degrees Fahrenheit) due to thermal runaway. Once ignited, the flame can reach up to 1110°C.
Understanding Lithium-ion Battery Fires
Lithium-ion batteries store a significant amount of energy in a compact form. While generally safe under normal operating conditions, damage, overcharging, or manufacturing defects can trigger a process called thermal runaway.
What is Thermal Runaway?
Thermal runaway is a chain reaction within the battery where increasing temperature leads to reactions that further increase the temperature. This process can generate significant heat, eventually leading to the ignition of the flammable electrolyte and other components within the battery, resulting in a fire.
The reference indicates that this process initiates fire at temperatures around 500°C (932°F).
Flame Temperatures
Once the fire begins, the temperature of the flame itself can become very high. The reference states that these fires can reach temperatures up to 1110°C. This high temperature makes these fires particularly challenging to extinguish, as common suppressants like water may not be sufficient and can even react with the lithium metal (though less of a concern with Li-ion compared to primary Lithium batteries, water can exacerbate the situation by shorting cells or spreading the fire).
Here's a quick look at the key temperatures:
| Event | Temperature (°C) | Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Ignition (Starts at) | ~500 | ~932 |
| Flame Peak Temperature | Up to 1110 | (Calculated) 2030 |
Note: The provided reference specifically gives the Fahrenheit conversion for the ignition temperature. The peak Fahrenheit temperature (1110°C) is approximately 2030°F.
Implications of High Temperatures
The high temperatures reached by lithium-ion battery flames pose significant risks:
- Rapid Fire Spread: The intense heat can quickly ignite surrounding materials.
- Difficult Extinguishment: Standard fire suppression methods may be ineffective. Specialized agents or large amounts of water may be needed to cool the cells and stop thermal runaway, not just extinguish the visible flame.
- Toxic Fumes: Burning battery materials can release toxic and flammable gases.
- Re-ignition Risk: Cells can continue to undergo thermal runaway and reignite even after the visible flame is out if not properly cooled.
Understanding these high temperatures is crucial for developing effective safety protocols, transportation regulations, and firefighting strategies for lithium-ion battery incidents.
