Lithium-ion energy storage battery explosion incidents

Safety Evaluation of All-Solid-State Batteries: An Innovative Methodology Using In Situ Synchrotron X-ray Radiography

“…Nevertheless, battery safety is also a major concern. , Increasing the density of active materials means also increasing the thermal runaway (TR) hazard . Devastating failures may occur as toxic smoke, fire, and explosion. − To limit risks as well as to increase energy density, all-solid-state battery (ASSB) seems to be one of the most promising solutions . Unfortunately, as this technology is not mature yet, its safety has only been little studied …”

Battery Hazards for Large Energy Storage Systems

“…An investigation commissioned by APS claimed the source of initial thermal runaway to be internal short circuit due to abnormal dendritic growth within a single cell, whereas the investigation commissioned by the battery manufacturer claimed the source of initial thermal runaway to be external arcing at the battery level. 12 Hazards Associated with Lithium-Ion Batteries. Hazards for Li-ion batteries can vary with the size and volume of the battery, since the tolerance of a single cell to a set of offnominal conditions does not translate to a tolerance of the larger battery system to the same conditions.…”

“…Immediate ignition of flammable vent gases after release may cause a minor deflagration, whereas a longer accumulation of a large volume of gases and subsequent ignition may cause a large explosion in BESS. 12 Combustible gases released under offnominal conditions such as fire, smoke, and thermal runaway, if present above the lower threshold limit value (TLV), can cause an explosion. Unpublished research by the authors of this manuscript has shown that, for the cells studied, combustible gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, ethylene, and propylene can be produced in concentrations above the TLV.…”

“…The fire and explosion incident at the Arizona Public Service (APS) McMicken Energy Storage Unit facility in 2019, that caused severe injuries to firefighters, was investigated by different entities and led to different conclusions on the source of initial thermal runaway. An investigation commissioned by APS claimed the source of initial thermal runaway to be internal short circuit due to abnormal dendritic growth within a single cell, whereas the investigation commissioned by the battery manufacturer claimed the source of initial thermal runaway to be external arcing at the battery level …”

“…Release of flammable gases from batteries carries a risk of explosions in BESSs. Immediate ignition of flammable vent gases after release may cause a minor deflagration, whereas a longer accumulation of a large volume of gases and subsequent ignition may cause a large explosion in BESS . Combustible gases released under off-nominal conditions such as fire, smoke, and thermal runaway, if present above the lower threshold limit value (TLV), can cause an explosion.…”