Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) represent a significant part of the shift towards a more sustainable and green energy future for the planet. BESS units can be used in a variety of situations, ranging from temporary, standby and off-grid applications through to larger permanent installations designed to support electricity grids through provision of load managed stored renewably generated energy at times of high demand. However, along with the obvious attractions of this growing technology, there is a need to fully assess the safety concerns of operating large scale walk in and containerized installations, particularly the risk of fire and explosions
Hazard Analysis
In any situation where flammable gases and vapors or combustible dusts are present, it is vital to control or mitigate the risk of fire and explosions which may be caused by excessive heat and various other ignition sources. Incidents have already occurred in several BESS facilities across the globe, prompting investigations into the causes and effects, and the development of safety standards and guidelines is ongoing in relation to this comparatively new field. BESS installations can incorporate several different battery types, and the most common risks associated with these include:
• Thermal runaway - battery failure giving rise to extreme heat which eventually leads to fire or explosion.
• Hydrogen development - in some batteries the risk of explosion exists due to the presence of excess hydrogen and other combustible vapors during off-gassing.
• Control system failure – dangerous overheating can occur if the battery management system malfunctions or one or more components fail.
• Toxic gases generated from battery fires and explosions also require special attention in the design of BESS safety systems.
