Real-Time Monitoring for Li-ion Battery Safety and Thermal Runaway Prevention
When lithium-ion batteries begin to fail, detecting carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2 ) VOCs early is the key to preventing facility damage.
Electrical overcharging, excessive heat, and mechanical damage are some of the common causes of lithium-ion battery failure. In failure scenarios, cells release distinct gases before thermal runaway begins, creating an opportunity for early detection and intervention.
Battery off-gas detection is an important component of a battery energy storage system’s safety strategy. By monitoring for gases associated with lithium-ion battery failure, Conspec’s gas detection solutions can alert a facility to potential off-gas events and support automated responses, such as isolating affected areas, initiating shutdown procedures, and activating facility safety systems.
Explore our products below to find a lithium-ion battery off-gas detection solution for your facility.
The NFPA outlines several risks associated with energy storage systems, including thermal runaway and the release of toxic and flammable gases. Conspec’s BESS safety solutions combine gas detection with thermal imaging to identify temperature changes and gas concentrations released during battery venting (off-gasing), triggering automated mitigation responses to help protect facility infrastructure and occupant health.
Thermal runaway can release a variety of gases based on a multitude of conditions, including battery chemistry, material, and thermal runaway stage. The NFPA identifies several gases and vapors associated with lithium-ion battery thermal runaway, including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2), battery electrolyte vapors (volatile organic compounds), and combustible hydrocarbons such as methane (CH4). The specific gases released depend on factors including battery chemistry, state of charge, and the progression of thermal runaway. Conspec offers the Optio BGM and the Optio B as two gas detection solutions suited for different ranges of gas detection based on facility monitoring requirements.
One early warning sign of potential Li-ion thermal runaway is battery cell venting (off-gassing), which can release gases such as hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). With strategically placed gas sensors, Conspec’s Optio B or Optio BGM gas monitors can detect abnormal gas concentrations and support automated facility responses to help mitigate risks before thermal runaway advances.
