Fires in logistics warehouses are often fatal, not only because of the high value of the goods stored there. The fumes, smoke and soot particles, and other potentially toxic substances and compounds released can also cause significant damage. 

Therefore, it's not just common knowledge that fire prevention also protects against emissions, especially when considering the particular hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries. "When planning and using storage facilities, fire protection should always be factored into risk, economic, and safety assessments," says Steffen Springer, Managing Director of the Wagner Group. Every combustion process also releases large quantities of CO2. Furthermore, fire residues, such as non-destructive extinguishing agents used in firefighting, can cause catastrophic damage, and contaminated extinguishing water can endanger groundwater purity. Wagner has therefore developed its OxyReduct system.

Photos: Wagner

“Every fire that can be prevented is the best solution to eliminate the risk to people and to protect processes and the environment. Active fire prevention, which works on the principle of oxygen reduction in the areas to be protected, is one of the most effective ways to achieve this,” Springer states.

Naturally, the storage of lithium-ion batteries is also increasingly important. One of the driving forces is the automotive industry with its rising volumes in the field of e-mobility. In Germany, this is particularly evident with the new Tesla "Gigafactory" in Brandenburg – and with the German government's plans to have at least 15 million electric cars on German roads by 2030. But storage solutions for these energy storage devices, which are also used in laptops, smartphones, and e-bikes, are also needed in other sectors.

Kuno Neumeier, CEO of Logivest and spokesperson for the logistics real estate working group of the German Logistics Association (BVL), predicts that the required storage space for lithium-ion batteries will be approximately 7 million square meters by 2030.

These energy carriers pose special storage challenges, as they carry the risk of spontaneous combustion through a "thermal runaway"—sometimes with disastrous economic and environmental consequences. In a thermal runaway, the fire cannot be extinguished, pollutants are released, and the spread to other stored goods often leads to even faster combustion.

To protect lithium-ion batteries, particularly hazardous materials, from fire damage, prevent operational disruptions and their consequential damage, maintain supply chain capability, and avoid environmental hazards, comprehensive fire protection solutions are essential. These solutions consist of the earliest possible fire detection combined with active fire prevention and organizational fire protection measures. At LogiMAT, Wagner presented a reference project for the bicycle manufacturer Kettler as an example of what a comprehensive and customized solution can look like for the customer.

The safety concept consists of the OxyReduct oxygen reduction system and active aspirating smoke detectors. Additional organizational and accompanying measures are also implemented. Heat generated in the event of a lithium-ion battery igniting is dissipated through defined openings in the e-bike's packaging. The packaging was modified accordingly in consultation with the customer.

The oxygen reduction system lowers the oxygen level within the protected area of ​​the high-bay warehouse to a level determined through fire tests. The system maintains this level continuously, thus preventing the development and spread of a fire. The automated warehouse remains accessible to personnel.

To detect smoldering and cable fires, which are still possible even in oxygen-reduced atmospheres, the fire detection system continuously takes air samples from the ambient air and analyzes them for smoke particles. This active sampling allows the aspirating smoke detectors to detect fire development at a very early stage. Appropriate countermeasures can then be initiated promptly.

www.wagnergroup.com