Hazards of lithium battery energy storage power stations

What are the risks associated with lithium battery use?

come with significant safety risks. Risks increase during transport, handling, use, charging and storage. Potential hazards include fire, explosion, and toxic gas releases. Compliance with safety best practices is essential to minimise risks. related to lithium battery use. in the past year across Australia (from January 2023 to January 2024).

Are lithium ion batteries dangerous?

As the number of installed systems is increasing, the industry has also been observing more field failures that resulted in fires and explosions. Lithium-ion batteries contain flammable electrolytes, which can create unique hazards when the battery cell becomes compromised and enters thermal runaway.

What caused a lithium-ion battery fire?

The fire was triggered by an explosion in a storage warehouse containing 35,000 lithium-ion batteries, leading to a rapid spread of flames. Investigations revealed inadequate safety protocols, poor storage conditions, and lack of fire prevention measures.

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.

Can a lithium ion battery operate outside its intended temperature range?

Allowing a lithium ion battery to perform outside its intended operating temperature range can have detrimental effects on safety possibly leading to fire or explosion. To operate efficiently, grid supporting BESS (also called “in front of the meter” applications) are installed within close proximity or at sub-stations.

How do you store a lithium battery?

Maintain Optimal Storage Conditions: Store batteries at 15-25°C with 20-60% humidity to prevent overheating or degradation. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Keep storage areas well-ventilated to avoid gas build-up and heat accumulation. Use Fire-Resistant Storage: Utilise cabinets specifically designed for lithium batteries to prevent fire hazards.