Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and "thermally runaway" if exposed to improper external influences or production defects. Explosions and the emission of toxic fumes are the result. Injuries can occur when detonated in public places. Together with Planex GmbH, a manufacturer of technical textiles, the Engler-Bunte Institute at KIT has developed a mobile textile fire protection system that will contain this danger in the future. For small appliances, the concept provides for a fire protection bag that also protects against the escape of toxic smoke gases. For electric vehicles, a special protective blanket is to be used for containment, which will be pulled over burning vehicles to prevent major damage in hard-to-reach places such as parking garages.

Further Infos:

www.kit-neuland.de/Link_21/Brandschutz_Lithium-Ionen-Akkus