Battery Energy Storage Systems

For those of us who grew up in the era of handheld gaming devices and portable cassette players, there's a special nostalgia associated with these retro items. Countless hours were spent guiding the lovable mustached Italian plumber in his quest to rescue the elusive princess. Jumping over clouds and evil mushrooms, and swimming in jellyfish-infested levels filled our days.

But just as we were nearing the end of the castle, the screen would go blank — the battery had run out of juice. We would try swapping the batteries, applying static energy, and even shaking the batteries, all in the hopes of squeezing out just a bit more power.

The challenge of who could provide the most efficient portable energy source was akin to the Space Race. Manufacturers scrambled to see who could deliver more power at the fraction of the storage size. Over the years, the demand for higher-capacity batteries led to the rise of the much-discussed lithium and lithium-ion batteries. Suddenly the batteries that we know, correctly termed alkaline and cadmium zinc batteries, were swapped with ones that have greater potential and energy-to-weight ratio. However, in our own real-life quest to produce the best portable power source, have we inadvertently chosen the ‘impossible’ level for fire safety and technology?

Before getting more into BESS, we take a slight detour to mention the recent tragic Aricell battery factory fire in South Korea that resulted in 23 fatalities. Condolences to everyone involved.

The video clearly shows that it took only seconds for the lithium batteries to ignite, leaving little time for the workers to react. In addition to the rapid spread of fire, modern batteries present another significant hazard: the production of toxic gases and heavy smoke. Reports indicate that these hazardous gases and smoke were the primary cause of the fatalities, as factory workers likely lost consciousness due to exposure.

Were there appropriate fire safety measures in place? Were the workers prompted of the dangers of lithium-based batteries? The list of questions could go on and on, but the message is loud and clear: better battery regulations and enhanced safeguards against such fire risks.

This week's edition of the Burning Matters Newsletter concerns a matter that is much talked about in the fire safety community. It aims to emphasize the challenges associated with battery energy storage systems (BESS) and educate the wider audience about the nuances of battery technology.