Lithium-ION Safety Storage Cabinets
Lithium-ION Batteries
Not as Harmless as They Seem
With the worldwide development of devices that are powered by Lithium-ION batteries, the risks and dangers of accidents are becoming more and more important. Is not uncommon to hear a news article about an accident where people were injured or even have died. Property damage is sometimes catastrophic where fires burn for several days and even after they are extinguished.
The technology is ready and there is no need to wait for the next disaster to happen. Asecos has the expertise and has tested and developed the safe solution for storing and charging Lithium-ION batteries.
The Hazards
Thermal Runaway
One of the primary risks related to lithium-ION batteries is thermal runaway. Thermal runaway is a phenomenon in which the lithium-ION cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. Thermal runaway can result in extremely high temperatures, violent cell venting, smoke and fire.
What Causes Thermal Runaway?
One example of such failure is an internal short circuit. In a lithium-ION cell, the cathode and anode electrodes are physically separated by a component called the separator. Defects in the cell that compromise the separator’s integrity can cause an internal short circuit condition that can result in thermal runaway. Since high-density battery packs are the norm, hundreds of such cells are packed together to create one battery. Two or more such batteries are called a battery pack. If one cell overheats, the meltdown will spread and will continue until the entire pack is destroyed.
Asecos Safety Storage Cabinets
90 Minutes of Guaranteed Protection
Asecos safety storage cabinets are specifically designed to house lithium-ION batteries by providing a minimum of 90-minute protection against any fire or explosion, either external to or internal to the cabinet. The ION-LINE cabinets are available in three sizes: 23-9/19″, 47″, and our undermount cabinet at 23-3/8″ wide while offering three distinct models based on different user requirements.
ION-LINE PASSIVE: For safe storage of Lithium-Ion batteries with 90-minute fire protection including visual LED lights and auditive alarms triggered via internal cabinet temperature monitoring.
ION-LINE ACTIVE: In addition, this model includes internal charging stations per shelf, a smoke detection system, a fire suppression unit, and BMS communication.
Storage Cabinet Dimensions
Undercabinet Mount
Exterior Dimensions:
593 W x 574 D x 781 H (mm)
23-3/8 W x 22-10/16 D x 30-3/4’’ H (inches)
Single Door Cabinet
Exterior Dimensions:
599 W x 615 D x 1953 H (mm)
23-9/19″ W x 24-1/4″ D x 76-7/8″ H (inches)
Double Door Cabinet
Exterior Dimensions:
1193 W x 615 D x 1953 H (mm)
47″ W x 24-1/4″ D x 76-7/8″ H (inches)
The Cabinets and Their Features
No matter which security level you choose, the basic security features such as fire protection from inside to outside and outside to inside, and self closing doors are offered by all cabinets in the ION model lines.
With the PRO models, you also always have a choice: If you only want to store batteries in the cabinet, choose the STORE variant. If batteries are to be charged directly in the cabinet, choose the CHARGE variant.
FAQ's
Some frequently asked questions about lithium-ION batteries and their safety. If you don’t see your question, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you with an answer.
How do we know if your facility requires a Lithium-ION storage cabinet ?
If you use and charge Lithium-ION batteries as part of your daily operations the cabinet should be part of the safety protocol.
How many Lithium-ION batteries can you store in a cabinet ?
Cabinets should never exceed 2/3 of the allowable internal space and should be placed in a manner that is organized and secure.
What is the best location for the cabinet ?
As close as possible to an exit door as it is made to be carted out with a lift.
Does the L-I cabinet require ventilation to the outdoors ?
Not necessary, but the unit can be vented within the building to limit any excess heat buildup in it. Direct outdoor ventilation is not necessary.
What does one do if the monitoring system detects heat or smoke ?
Inspect the cabinet by following established safety procedures by your Health and safety officer or contact the fire department.
For the models equipped with the charging option, what is the maximum amperage limit ?
15-20 amperage draw. Custom charging sizes are available on request.
Is there any government regulation that currently enforce facilities to have a Lithium-ION storage cabinets ?
At the moment there are no set regulations on how to properly store and charge Lithium-ION batteries.
Do insurance companies mandate these types of cabinets ?
Not yet, but premiums or franchises can be reduced with the addition of such cabinets due to the 90min guarantee.
If we decide on the PRO model, can we connect to our existing fire protection system ?
Yes, a custom configuration can allow to communicate to an existing system.
Do Lithium-ION cabinets require yearly certification or maintenance?
Yearly validation of all components is strongly recommended.