(138c) Understanding and Managing Hazards of Lithium-Ion Battery Systems

Over the last decade, rapid development of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology has provided many new opportunities for both Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Electric Vehicle (EV) markets. At the same time, fire and explosion risks associated with this type of high-energy battery technology has become a major safety concern.

This paper focuses on the latest reactive chemistry and fire-safety issues related to thermal runaway and fire hazards presented by Li-ion battery systems. Thermal runaway or fire can occur from battery manufacturing defects, charging system malfunctions, extreme abuse conditions that may be the result of the faulty operation or traffic accidents, and end-of-life battery handling. Failure of the battery is often accompanied by the release of toxic gas, fire, jet flames, and explosion hazards which present unique exposures to workers and emergency response personnel. Li-ion battery fires often present complex emergency response challenges, requiring extensive amounts of water applied over several hours to cool batteries, extinguish the fire, and prevent reignition.

This paper and presentation will overview the fundamental principles required to establish a basis of safety for proper storage, handling and use of Lithium-ion batteries. Starting with an overview of the technology used in Li-ion battery systems, the paper will provide a review of common sources for thermal runaway and fire events and practical ways used to prevent their occurrence. While regulatory coverage for Li-ion battery storage, handling, and use is still in various stages of development, a growing body of international best practice and consensus views have emerged and will be summarized, with extensive references to these sources provided. Finally, to safely address thermal runaway and fire events, an overview of global best practices for emergency response activities involving Li-ion batteries will be provided.

The educational objectives of this paper include:

1. An overview of the thermal runaway and fire hazards associated with Li-ion batteries.
2. Learn practical prevention, protection, and mitigation strategies used to establish a Basis of Safety for operations involving storage, use, and handling of Li-ion batteries.
3. Understand the existing body of recommended practices and emerging consensus views on Li-ion battery safety that are manifesting themselves through voluntary standards, insurance guidelines, and battery manufacturers’ product stewardship activities.
4. Awareness of Global best practices for detecting and responding to Li-ion battery thermal runaway and fire emergencies.