18
Damaged cells in the high voltage battery can experience thermal runaway* and
reignite.
To prevent reignition, the first and second responders need to be aware of the risk of
stranded energy** which remains in the damaged cells and lead to reignition.
*Thermal runaway : The originating cause of thermal runaway is generally short-
circuiting inside a battery cell and a resultant increase in the cell’s internal
temperature.
The battery produces heat with thermal runaway and it can spread from one battery
cell to many other cells, in a domino effect.
*Stranded energy : Energy that remains inside any undamaged battery cells after
the accident. That stranded energy can cause a high voltage battery to reignite
multiple times after initial fire extinguishing efforts.
6. In case of fire
How to prevent reignition (Mitigating stranded energy risk)
6.4 High Voltage Battery re-ignition by stranded energy
Use a thermal imaging camera to ensure the high voltage battery is completely cooled
before leaving the incident.
Always advise second responders that there is a risk of the battery re-igniting.
1. Disconnect the 12V battery (-) terminal (To depower battery management system)
2. Disable the high voltage system
-refer to page 5-8
3. Discharge the high voltage battery
-refer to page 21-22
To Next Page
Loading...
