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.

A starting point is the Energy Storage Systems Safety Fact Sheet from NFPA and the BESS 101 from the BESS Storage Development Kit (BESS-SDK).

Furthermore, one can approach BESS-related fires from a three-tiered approach.

1.      Understand the root causes of battery fires.

I reiterate - modern batteries are here to stay. In the future, we possibly may encounter even larger and more powerful batteries, bringing consequences we cannot yet imagine or are prepared for.

I resonate with Martin Van Laere in this post. Designing (through codes and standards) is important, but we must first address the issue at the roots.

The Fire Department of New York classifies the root causes of battery fires as the following:

In a previous Burning Matters post, I discussed Li-ion powered e-mobility devices and how we can address battery-related fires without solely relying on firefighting and reactive measures. While the post primarily focused on small cell batteries, it also demonstrates the universal applicability of fire safety principles to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Industries and manufacturing facilities certainly have the capacity (even more than e-mobility devices owners) to detect and recognize the tell-tale signs of an impending BESS failure. Battery Management Systems and Advanced Detection Systems, while costly on the onset, may outweigh the consequences through a robust cost-benefit analysis.

2.      Design for BESS

Effective design begins with the fire safety outcomes in mind. While enhancing the key performance of the batteries are for other stakeholders, fire engineers are to prioritize minimizing risks above everything else. The below table from the Energy Storage Safety Strategic Plan released by the U.S. Department of Energy provides a starting point for design standards that are related to battery energy storage systems. The Energy Storage Safety Strategic Plan also highlights the key areas of BESS and recommends near- and long-term actions to address these needs.

In an engaging discussion with Geir Jensen, Manager Application Research and Product Development in FSS AS Norway in a LinkedIn post, it was noted that several BESS-related fires in the news illustrate the benefits of designing with effective spacing and ventilation, compartmentation, and fire safety management in mind.

Outdoor BESS represents different requirements compared to indoor BESS systems and those that are coupled with PV installations for residential and small-scale applications, but NFPA 855 provides guidance. Again, design with fire safety outcomes in mind.

Further to this, there are now also emerging different test protocols, like the recently published UL 9540B Outline of Investigation for Large-Scale Fire Test for Residential Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which includes “a testing protocol with a robust ignition scenario and enhanced acceptance criteria for BESS in residential settings.”

It is also great to see that companies like Fire & Risk Alliance are sharing their in-house knowledge in terms of their own Guideline for Failure mode testing of Battery Energy Storage Systems, as shared by Noah Ryder on LinkedIn.

3.      Direct firefighting intervention as the last line of defense, with a clear understanding of the specific type of fire.

Take the case of the Aricell factory fire. The news often interchangeably used the terms "lithium" and "lithium-ion" as the source of the fire. However, it is crucial for firefighters to differentiate between these battery types to accurately understand and manage the risks they are facing.

EV FireSafe illustrates the main differences between lithium and lithium-ion batteries:

Further differences can also be found in this test database.

From a firefighting standpoint: Lithium batteries react violently to water. Lithium-ion batteries are safe to extinguish with water. The medium used for firefighting in the Aricell fire appeared to make things a lot worse, unfortunately.

The cause of the Aricell factory fire remains to be known, but this incident is not isolated. It is one of many fires related to battery storage systems. For instance, a BESS fire and explosion in Northern Germany that left two firefighters injured is another case of making it a high priority for fire brigades to know to handle such fires.  

In my many years of working as an educator and fire safety advocate, I’ve often come across this saying that when it comes to safety, when the number is not zero (fatalities), the number is too high. And this goes without saying that the most battery fire incidents are exacerbated by the fundamental lack of education and foresight. To quote Daniel R. Munsey, Fire Chief of San Bernardino County, CA:

“Lithium-ion batteries are an important part of our future, and we are several years behind in our fire services ability to educate, regulate, and respond to potential emergencies involving lithium-ion batteries.”

Unlike the lovable mustached Italian plumber, real life does not grant us respawns or extra lives. Just as our hero navigates obstacles and equip himself with the right tools, fire safety for BESS involves the same proactive planning, robust systems and tools, and continuous education.

We can effectively manage the risks associated with BESS fires.

Grunde

PS - Did you know big changes could be coming to Section 1207 of the 2027 International Fire Code related to Battery Energy Storage Systems?

I would love to hear your thoughts! Reach out through the Burning Matters feedback form.

Original LinkedIn Posts: