What is battery energy storage fire prevention & mitigation?

In 2019, EPRI began the Battery Energy Storage Fire Prevention and Mitigation – Phase I research project, convened a group of experts, and conducted a series of energy storage site surveys and industry workshops to identify critical research and development (R&D) needs regarding battery safety.

What is an energy storage roadmap?

This roadmap provides necessary information to support owners, opera-tors, and developers of energy storage in proactively designing, building, operating, and maintaining these systems to minimize fire risk and ensure the safety of the public, operators, and environment.

How can thermal runaway cells reduce flammable gas?

Such cells would have higher thermal runaway on-set temperatures, release lower amounts of heat in thermal runaway, and release smaller amounts of less toxic, less flammable gas during such an event. Reaching this goal could remove much of the barrier complexity throughout the system.

How many MWh of battery energy were involved in the fires?

In total, more than 180 MWh were involved in the fires. For context, Wood Mackenzie, which conducts power and renewable energy research, estimates 17.9 GWh of cumulative battery energy storage capacity was operating globally in that same period, implying that nearly 1 out of every 100 MWh had failed in this way.1

How are Bess installations evaluated for fire protection and Hazard Mitigation?

In 2020 and 2021, eight BESS installations were evaluated for fire protection and hazard mitigation using the ESIC Reference HMA. Review specifications, design drawings, performance data, and operations and maintenance documentation provided by the site host participant. Document important safety-relevant features (and lack thereof).