Hyundai Mobis claims this is the world's first technology that can not just slow down the thermal runaway of a battery, but prevent it from spreading to neighbouring cells. In the event that one of the cells overheats or ignites, the system sprays an extinguishing agent directly to the right spot.
The technology includes:
- Hardware - extinguishing device and composition delivery tubes in the battery case;
- BMS - battery management module;
- Software logic - analyses in real time the temperature, voltage and pressure inside the battery pack, determines the location of the fire and activates extinguishing.
One battery has a volume of extinguishing agent equivalent to five 3.3kg home fire extinguishers. The compound is characterised by high penetration, heat dissipation and insulation. At the same time, Hyundai Mobis claims it is safe for humans and the environment.
The company has filed three patent applications in Korea and overseas, including battery pack design elements and a high-pressure fire extinguishing agent delivery system.
"With the emergence of electric vehicles with extended range, the demands for safety systems are only increasing," Park Yong Jun, vice president of Hyundai Mobis' RD Battery Systems Division, told RD. - "We will develop battery hardware and software integration to meet and exceed global standards."
By the way, the company is also finalising the development of a new heat dissipation material, an aluminium and refrigerant-based "pulsating heat pipe". It is installed between the battery cells and reduces their temperature, especially during fast charging.
Source: Hyundai Mobis