The Foundation is conducting a multi-phase research program sponsored largely by a group of property insurers to develop guidance for the protection of lithium ion batteries in storage. The first two phases of this project, a hazard assessment and a large scale flammability characterization, were completed in 2013. The latter program provided good information on the performance of cartoned small format batteries in storage and indications are that a practical sprinkler protection solution, similar to that used for other common stored commodities will be effective.
In order to confirm this finding, a third and final phase of the test program is now underway. This will consist of large scale testing (8-24 pallet loads) to ensure that the sprinkler system proposed will be effective in controlling the fire hazard.