Safety of electric energy storage equipment

What's new in energy storage safety?

Since the publication of the first Energy Storage Safety Strategic Plan in 2014, there have been introductions of new technologies, new use cases, and new codes, standards, regulations, and testing methods. Additionally, failures in deployed energy storage systems (ESS) have led to new emergency response best practices.

Can energy storage systems be scaled up?

The energy storage system can be scaled up by adding more flywheels. Flywheels are not generally attractive for large-scale grid support services that require many kWh or MWh of energy storage because of the cost, safety, and space requirements. The most prominent safety issue in flywheels is failure of the rotor while it is rotating.

What are energy storage safety gaps?

Energy storage safety gaps identified in 2014 and 2023. Several gap areas were identified for validated safety and reliability, with an emphasis on Li-ion system design and operation but a recognition that significant research is needed to identify the risks of emerging technologies.

What happens if an energy storage system fails?

Any failure of an energy storage system poses the potential for significant financial loss. At the utility scale, ESSs are most often multi-megawatt-sized systems that consist of thousands or millions of individual Li-ion battery cells.

What is a battery energy storage system?

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Battery Energy Storage Systems, or BESS, are rechargeable batteries that can store energy from different sources and discharge it when needed. BESS consist of one or more batteries. Personal Mobility Device: Potable electric mobility devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-unicycles.

What is electrochemical energy storage?

Electrochemical energy storage includes various types of batteries that convert chemical energy into electrical energy by reversible oxidation-reduction reactions. Batteries are currently the most common form of new energy storage deployed because they are modular and scalable across diverse applications and geographic locations.