The present article relates to an experimental study on fire risks due to overcharge and external heat of ESS lithium battery. According to the experimental results of overcharge, ignition occurred as combustible gas and smoke was slowly increased after occurrence of venting, and an explosive combustion form accompanied by flame eruption and sparks was displayed as charged energy is rapidly discharged in an instant. On the other hand, according to the experimental results of external heat, as a tremendous amount of combustible gas and smoke was ignited following being discharged after occurrence of vent, the charged energy itself was rapidly reduced due to the discharged energy so that a passive combustion form was observed when compared with overcharge after occurrence of flames. According the analysis results of fire damage characteristics, differences between external heat (External flame) could be found through visual and X-ray inspections. Namely, while inside electrode plate was completely destroyed and perforation of the electrode plate was observed in the case of overcharge, fire damage of the electrode plate was not severe maintaining the form in the case of external heat.

In this study, the characteristics of HFIX insulated wire sheaths contaminated by pollutants were examined. KS C IEC 60811-1-3 standard was followed in performing the water-resistance wire tests. Pollutants were selected, and the specimens were exposed to the pollutants for a maximum duration of four weeks. The maximum tensile load and the elongation rate were measured each week. As the period of pollution exposure increased, the maximum tensile load of the specimens decreased by 6.22% and 6.52% at room temperature and high temperature, respectively, and 19.94% for specimens coated with a rust-proof lubricant. The elongation rate also decreased rapidly, such that the reductions in the properties of the sheath were significant. From the analysis of the surfaces using a scanning microscope, as the contamination period increased, structural changes such as perforation, split, and melting occurred, and the mechanical properties of the specimens decreased. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and follow an inspection cycle and periodically carry out repairs to prevent the deterioration of insulated wires.