Reliable storage facilities for lithium-ion batteries

Do you ever really think about the risks of storing and charging your lithium-ion batteries? According to Henk Niewenhuis, director of Asecos, it is incredibly important for companies to think about this. "It's not just about the storage facility, but also a concrete safety plan. It is better to alert the right parties at an early stage, because then you can intervene in time."

Not a crazy thought, as we collectively use more and more lithium-ion batteries. In the logistics sector, you often see them in the form of scanners and trackers, but they are also in tablets and laptops. "In the coming years, the use of these batteries will continue to increase," Niewenhuis emphasizes. "In addition, the regulations surrounding the storage of hazardous materials are becoming increasingly stringent. Take, for example, the new directive PSG-37-2. This states that batteries must be stored safely and under supervision. More and more insurers are incorporating these requirements into their insurance terms and conditions." 

Leading the way for 30 years

With an innovative vision, Asecos has been a leading international manufacturer of fire safety storage cabinets for hazardous materials in accordance with European standard EN 14470 part 1 and 2 for 30 years. In addition, Asecos also makes fire safety cabinets for active and passive storage of lithium-ion batteries (the ION-LINE model line). "In our ION-LINE cabinets for active storage you charge batteries safely and under supervision outside working hours. We introduced these storage cabinets to the market about 8 years ago. With our years of experience in hazardous materials, we continue to continuously optimize our storage facilities. In this way, we ensure that damage is minimized in the event of a disaster."

Seven pillars

All ION-LINE cabinets meet seven pillars for optimal fire safety. The cabinets offer 90 minutes of fire resistance from outside to inside and vice versa. As soon as sensors detect smoke development or temperature rise, a potential-free alarm contact sends a signal to a fire alarm center or cell phone. "This alerts the emergency service at an early stage, which knows how to act to prevent further escalation," Niewenhuis emphasizes. 

Alarm detection has several stages. Does the temperature in the cabinet rise to 50 degrees? Then a pre-alarm is issued and power is cut to the outlets in the cabinet. "Users can then still see what's going on and remove any hazardous batteries so they can ignite in a safe place," says Niewenhuis. "The second step is smoke detection. Then it's best for users to stop opening the cabinet. It is then important that people with expertise, such as the fire department, fight the calamity. However, the cabinet can already be transported outside by using the integrated transport base."

Does the temperature rise to 70 degrees? Then the highest alarm is issued. "The cabinet then also activates an optionally mounted aerosol fire suppression unit. That suppresses the fire for at least half an hour. In addition, the cabinets are smoke tight. There are many different types of lithium-ion batteries, each igniting in its own way. Either way: all lithium-ion fires produce smoke and toxic gases. And you want to keep those in your cabinet. Finally, the cabinet is equipped with a pressure relief valve that closes immediately upon smoke detection. This valve is opened electronically to relieve pressure buildup in the cabinet."

Highest standard of safety

"Safety is a high priority for us," Niewenhuis said. "That's why we went beyond European regulations in testing the cabinets. For example, we test the smoke density in the cabinet. But we also check whether the air and pressure valves close within 15 seconds to keep smoke and toxic fumes inside the cabinet to protect your employees. We've put all this into a new GS certificate: EK5/AK4. So users of our ION cabinets are assured of maximum safety if an emergency occurs. Because that's what we do it all for: develop solutions that optimally protect users from risks."