Lithium-ion battery technology has been instrumental to the development of energy storage systems and electric vehicles. However, associated fire and explosion risks need to be recognized and addressed in order to safely deploy this technology.
Over the past decade, the rapid development of lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology has provided many new opportunities for consumer electronics, energy storage systems (ESSs), and electric vehicle (EV) markets. However, fire and explosion risks associated with this type of high-energy battery technology have become a major safety concern.
Many advances have been made in understanding reactive chemistry and fire-safety issues related to both thermal runaway (TR) and fire hazards presented by LIBs. TR or fire can occur from battery manufacturing defects, charging system malfunctions, extreme abuse conditions that may be the result of faulty operation or traffic accidents, and end-of-life battery handling. Failure of the battery is often accompanied by the release of toxic gas, fire, jet flames, and explosion hazards, which present unique exposure concerns to workers and emergency response personnel. LIB fires often present complex emergency response challenges, requiring extensive amounts of water applied over several hours to cool batteries, extinguish the fire, and prevent reignition.
This article overviews the fundamental principles required to establish a basis of safety for proper storage, handling, and use of LIBs. Starting with an overview of the technology used in LIB systems, the article provides a review of common sources for TR and fire events and practical steps to prevent their occurrence. While regulatory coverage for LIB storage, handling, and use is still in various stages of development, a growing body of international best practices and consensus views has emerged. Finally, the article provides an overview of global best practices for emergency response activities involving LIBs to safely address TR and fire events...
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