Because Blue is sold as a performance-based design, a Fike BHA (Battery Hazard Analysis) will be conducted to determine the battery cell, module or unit type and configuration; the amount of Blue required, the appropriate method of detection, all electronic and mechanical components, and more. Therefore, the cost of Blue is case-by-case and reliant on the aforementioned variables.

As part of Fike’s overall consultancy, testing and validation offerings, a Fike BHA is the pre-testing of an energy storage system’s (ESS) fire hazards and fire suppression system to design a system that ensures the customer will pass UL 9540A.

Once the customer has completed Fike’s pre-BHA checklist, we will quote and conduct the BHA at Fike’s Testing and Innovation Center in Blue Springs, Missouri. A comprehensive report will be provided within a few weeks of completion of the BHA.

While there are currently no standards to list to, Fike BHAs are in accordance with UL 9540A and proven to be representative of testing at a nationally recognized testing location (NRTL). Fike engineering and compliance teams are working diligently with key nationally recognized test laboratories to update or develop new standards specific to this solution.

Furthermore, while the Fike Blue suppression system has no approvals, the releasing panels, detection devices, cylinders, valves and other hardware do possess UL, FM and other local approvals.

The Fike Blue suppression system generally looks like a “spun” cylinder (similar to CO2) filled with Fike Blue and N2 pressurized to 175 psi with a valve connected to a piping network with fusible link nozzles. Each nozzle is installed in a battery module, and upon a detection and control system activating the valve, the cylinder will flood the piping network. During thermal activation of a given nozzle, the pressurized contents of the piping and cylinder will flood the affected compartment to submerse the compromised batteries with Blue.

Depending on the customer’s goals, numerous detection options can be used including from a battery management system (BMS) or from early detection methods such as Li-ion Tamer, Fike Digital Temperature Sensing (DTS) Cable, gas detection or standard spot smoke or heat detection. The system will also include a conventional (SHP PRO) or addressable (Cheetah Xi) releasing panel.

Because Blue is non-toxic and not a PFAS, any technique to address liquid accumulation can be used, such as absorbent materials (wood shavings, cat litter, etc.) which may then be placed in a plastic drum for disposal.

No. NFPA defines a clean agent as odorless, colorless and with no residue left behind. Blue is “blue”, and will leave liquid behind. Therefore, Blue is a “solution” or “suppressant” for battery fires and thermal runaway.

It is important to understand exactly what level of protection your current system provides. 

If you have passed UL 9540A testing with acceptable results, there may not be a need to replace your system for its current application. However, your manufacturing costs could be re-evaluated or your installation locations may be able to expand based on improved performance of a Fike Blue solution. 

Fike Blue will suppress thermal runaway and prevent cascading to adjacent cells. If that is your goal for protection, Fike Blue is a solution.

Fike has spent years researching and testing the most effective way to suppress thermal runaway. We’ve tried about everything including water, water additives, inerts, FK-5-1-12 and NOVEC 1230. We discovered that while many of them do have the ability to suppress battery fires, they do little to solve the root problem itself of thermal runaway, which is a thermal management problem. 

When thermal runaway is allowed to continue, the hazard may continue to spread to adjacent batteries and the chance for reignition (over the following minutes, hours or even days) is high. The reason Fike Blue works to stop thermal runaway is it is an immersive liquid that absorbs the heat from the malfunctioning batteries and eliminates the threat of reignition.

Fike is currently accepting inquiries for Blue. However, all sales of Fike Blue begin with the Fike BSV process. Contact us today to begin a discussion on how we can help.