Hazard categories of energy storage batteries

What are the hazards of a battery energy storage system?

The hazards for a domestic battery energy storage system (BESS) can be categorized into the following areas: fire and explosion hazards, chemical hazards, electrical hazards, stranded or stored energy and physical hazards. A detailed description of these hazards can be found in Appendix 1.

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 lithium-ion battery energy storage systems a fire hazard?

While lithium-ion battery energy storage systems are a relatively new technology and phenomenon, there have been several notable events where significant fires and explosions have occurred in which thermal runaway was instrumental in the magnitude of the loss.

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.

Why are lithium ion cells a hazard in a battery energy storage system?

The main critical component in a domestic battery energy storage system (BESS) and the source of many hazards is the lithium-ion cells themselves. These cells must be kept within the manufacturer’s specifications for current, temperature, and voltage to ensure safety.

Are battery chemistries dangerous?

also comes certain hazards including fire risk associated with the battery chemistries deployed. Read further to better understand and help mitigate potential hazards. Mechanical Systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems.