Are lithium-ion battery energy storage systems fire safe?

With the advantages of high energy density, short response time and low economic cost, utility-scale lithium-ion battery energy storage systems are built and installed around the world. However, due to the thermal runaway characteristics of lithium-ion batteries, much more attention is attracted to the fire safety of battery energy storage systems.

Are lithium-ion batteries safe in outdoor enclosures?

As demand for electrical energy storage systems (ESS) has expanded, safety has become a critical concern. This article examines lithium-ion battery ESS housed in outdoor enclosures, which represent the most common configuration for these systems.

How to protect battery energy storage stations from fire?

High-quality fire extinguishing agents and effective fire extinguishing strategies are the main means and necessary measures to suppress disasters in the design of battery energy storage stations . Traditional fire extinguishing methods include isolation, asphyxiation, cooling, and chemical suppression .

Can lithium ion batteries go into thermal runaway?

Lithium-ion batteries may go into thermal runaway in the absence of active fire. Thermal runaway can be recognized by distinct white or gray battery gas leaking from the structure and forming low-hanging clouds.

Are lithium-ion batteries a good energy storage media?

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are a promising energy storage media that are widely used in BESS due to their high energy density, low maintenance cost, and long service life [, , ].

Should energy storage stations use LFP batteries in 2023?

In 2023, National Energy Administration of China stipulated that medium and large energy storage stations should use batteries with mature technology and high safety performance . This regulation makes the existing BESS more inclined to LFP batteries, which account for more than 90 % [14, 15].