Why are explosion hazards a concern for ESS batteries?

For grid-scale and residential applications of ESS, explosion hazards are a significant concern due to the propensity of lithium-ion batteries to undergo thermal runaway, which causes a release of flammable gases composed of hydrogen, hydrocarbons (e.g. methane, ethylene, etc.), carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.

Are explosion-proof cells safe?

While the cells enclosed in an explosion-proof box are considered to be safe, there are reports that the thermal runaway propagation from a single cell will ignite the space within the enclosure to a pressure far beyond its limit [12, 18, 19].

What are energy storage systems (ESS)?

Energy storage systems (ESS) are being installed in the United States and all over the world at an accelerating rate, and the majority of these installations use lithium-ion-based battery technology.

Should deflagration venting be used as passive explosion protection?

In general, using deflagration venting as passive explosion protection in addition to an active system has multiple benefits due to the nature of the battery failure event, which involves a rapid release of flammable gases.

How much energy does a traction battery pack need?

In some mines, a traction battery pack with energy up to 100 kWh will need an explosion-proof enclosure that could withstand internal pressure of up to 1.5 MPa (15 bar) .

Can lithium battery pack be used in underground coal mining?

In coal mining industry, specifically in underground coal mining, the requirements on lithium battery pack applications are very stringent with various engineering constraints imposed on them, which, in most cases, make the application of lithium technology in such an environment unfeasible or impractical.