Battery energy storage hazards

What are the hazards associated with a battery?

These hazards can be associated with the chemicals used in the manufacture of battery cells, stored electrical energy, and hazards created during thermal runaway, (see below) which can include fire, explosions, and chemical byproducts.

Are battery facilities a fire hazard?

Like all electrical systems operating at high voltage, a battery facility poses traditional hazards such as arc flashing, electrocution and electrical fires. These hazards are well-known, and the controls understood. However, the US-based National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has highlighted four hazards specific to BESS (Ref. 5). 1.

Are lithium-ion batteries dangerous?

In addition to electrical hazards, lithium-ion batteries can also present hazards resulting from thermal runaway. Because lithium-ion batteries combine a flammable electrolyte with a significant amount of stored energy, thermal runaway reactions are possible.

How to reduce the safety risk associated with large battery systems?

To reduce the safety risk associated with large battery systems, it is imperative to consider and test the safety at all levels, from the cell level through module and battery level and all the way to the system level, to ensure that all the safety controls of the system work as expected.

What is a battery energy storage system?

Introduction A battery energy storage system (BESS) is a type of system that uses an arrangement of batteries and other electrical equipment to store electrical energy. BESS have been increasingly used in residential, commercial, industrial, and utility applications for peak shaving or grid support.

Are energy storage systems safe?

Around the globe energy storage systems are being installed at an unprecedented rate, and for good reasons. There are a lot of benefits that energy storage systems (ESS) can provide, but along with those benefits come some hazards that need to be considered.