Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Safety Concerns
Main Safety Concerns
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Thermal Runaway and Fires
- Risk: Thermal runaway can lead to uncontrollable heating, fires, and even explosions. Flammable gases and electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries contribute to this risk.
- Impact: Fires are challenging to extinguish and can reignite even after being suppressed, posing hazards to responders and nearby communities.
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Toxic Gas Emissions
- Risk: Although fires may release toxic gases, studies show that emissions from lithium-ion battery fires are often contained and similar to those from plastics fires, maintaining safe air quality in surrounding areas.
- Impact: Despite containment, there are concerns about potential risks during significant incidents.
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Explosion Hazards
- Risk: Thermal runaway can generate flammable gases that may ignite, causing explosions. Electrical arcs can also lead to structural failures and explosions if electrical protection is inadequate.
- Impact: Explosions can cause severe damage and injury to responders and nearby communities.
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Regulatory and Design Standards
- Risk: Despite advancements, there is ongoing development in safety standards and codes, such as NFPA 855. Ensuring these are adopted and updated is crucial for maintaining safety.
- Impact: Inadequate or outdated standards can leave systems vulnerable to safety risks.
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Community Exposure
- Risk: Battery storage facilities, especially large-scale ones, may pose risks to nearby communities if safety measures fail. Concerns include fire, toxic emissions, and potential evacuations.
- Impact: Communities may resist the placement of these facilities near residential areas due to safety concerns.
Mitigation Strategies
- Containment and Ventilation: Enclosures are designed to allow fires to burn out safely while managing gas release to prevent explosions.
- Advanced Safety Features: Modular designs include cooling systems and barriers to prevent thermal runaway propagation.
- Emergency Response Planning: Developers are required to submit emergency response plans to local governments.
These safety concerns highlight the importance of continuous improvement in safety standards, design, and emergency preparedness for BESS.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-safety-concerns-with-battery-energy-storage-systems/
