| Work Detail |
Lithium-ion batteries are generally safe and unlikely to fail, but they can catch fire if damaged, stored, or used incorrectly. US-based Firetrace International proposes three measures that battery manufacturers, developers and operators should consider.
High-profile lithium-ion battery fires have raised growing concerns about their safety and highlighted a lack of knowledge about the risks associated with this type of technology. In particular, fire incidents in battery energy storage systems (BESS) have proven to be disruptive to the industry, leading to the postponement and even cancellation of projects in some parts of the world.
A new report published by Firetrace International, a US supplier of firefighting technology, states that “there is a real danger that public opposition to energy storage will increase significantly as a result of fear of fire risk, threatening the critical deployment of batteries and, consequently, net zero energy goals.”
Whats more, the BESS fire incidents have also had an impact on the insurance market. In its report, Firetrance presents evidence that the appetite to cover energy storage projects has decreased, and some insurers have even abandoned the market.
“This has translated into higher premiums, higher deductibles and difficulties in ensuring 100% coverage. Addressing battery storage fire risk has thus become a focus for owners, contractors and operators,” reads the report titled “ How to reduce battery storage fire risk .” .
The report examines the different types of fire risks faced by energy storage projects, as well as how the sector has already sought to mitigate these risks through planning, design, construction and installation of fire protection systems.
In conclusion, the report highlights three next steps that manufacturers, developers and asset owners should take to mitigate fire risk.
Install water-based fire extinguishing systems, which are most effective at cooling a fire in an energy storage system (However, it is important to note here that water-based extinguishers can cool the battery and help prevent fire spread, but will not extinguish the fire in the battery until its energy is dissipated).
Include a battery management system to monitor, control and optimize the performance of an individual or multiple battery modules and enable disconnection.
Group energy storage units into small segments limited to certain kWh amounts and spaced from other segments and walls.
Some of the main causes that can cause lithium-ion batteries to catch fire are inherent defects in the cells, incorrect installation, physical abuse or operation of the BESS outside the prescribed parameters, such as charge rate, state of charge or temperature. Once started, battery fires are self-sustaining and difficult to put out.
“There are firefighting companies that claim their systems can suppress lithium-ion battery fires and prevent thermal runaway,” says Brian Cashion, director of engineering at Firetrace International.
“We do not believe the industry can make these claims yet because there is no publicly available testing data to substantiate these claims in real-world testing scenarios, and doing so risks a second wave of public scrutiny. It is crucial that we get the solution right,” stated Cashion.
The American supplier notes that this is “very possible with the right planning, design and collaboration.”
Finally, the report highlights the role of regulations in mitigating BESS fires and recommends changes to current frameworks in the United States.
According to Firetrance, U.S. warehouse fire risk regulations are being developed haphazardly by state, creating widespread confusion and forcing energy warehouse owners to adapt fire-fighting systems. to comply with evolving regulatory frameworks.
The report suggests that other states adopt the International Fire Code (IFC) in force in the states of New York and California. |
