How do lithium-ion battery energy storage systems protect against fires?

The fire protection challenge with lithium-ion battery energy storage systems is met primarily with early-warning smoke detection devices, also called aspirating smoke detectors (ASD), and the release of extinguishing agents to suppress the fires.

What is a battery energy storage system?

As the world transitions to renewable energy, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) are helping meet the growing demand for reliable, yet decentralized power on a grid scale. These systems gather surplus energy from solar and wind sources, storing it in batteries for later discharge.

What happened at an energy storage system in Surprise AZ?

In 2019, a fire and explosion at an energy storage system in Surprise, AZ, near Phoenix, was triggered by an overheated lithium-ion battery injuring several first responders and resulting in significant damage to the facility and disruption to the surrounding community.

Can a pre-installed battery system detect a fire?

They are only sensitive enough to detect smoke after a fire has started, which is much too late to stop thermal runaway from igniting an entire bank of batteries. Furthermore, these pre-installed systems cannot be serviced, monitored, or maintained to ensure they are in basic working order due to unit design.

Are lithium-ion batteries the future of energy storage?

More than 90% of these grid-sized energy storage systems utilize lithium-ion batteries with spending for new facilities expected to grow at an annual rate of more than 30%, reaching $12.1 billion by 2025. Lithium-ion batteries offer higher energy density, faster charging and longer life than traditional batteries.