Lessons learned from battery energy storage system (BESS) hazard analyses

Abstract

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) energy storage systems play a significant role in the current energy storage transition. Globally, codes and standards are quickly incorporating a framework for safe design, siting, installation, commissioning, and decommissioning of battery energy storage systems (BESS). Full-scale fire testing provides essential understanding of thermal runaway, fire, and explosion hazards associated with LIBs and BESSs. Engineers must then interpret that data to inform the site-specific design, but there are cell, module, unit, and installation-level data to decipher. Understanding the testing data and their limitations is critical for the design and operation of BESSs. Real-life examples of where engineers misunderstood or misapplied test data will be presented to help bridge the knowledge gaps between stakeholders, industry, and engineers.