Abstract
Li-ion battery is the most diffused technology among electrochemical energy storage systems. Installed capacity forecasts suggest a strong growth in the next years with renewable energy utilization to meet decarbonization purposes. Over 20 fire incidents in grid systems where reported during the last years in Korea and United States, with negative repercussions in market and social acceptance. Thermal runaway results as the recurring high impact failure effect. A novel concept to prevent Li-ion battery fires in grid installations could be represented by the realization of an oxygen-deficient atmosphere inside the containers. This novel approach is presented and discussed with reference to the framework of battery fire protection and the application of oxygen reduction.
Highlights
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) had a strong growth in Italy since 2013
BESS availability after a thermal runaway event is enhanced if compared to water fire suppression systems, avoiding devices damages
Effect of reduced oxygen atmosphere on Li-ion batteries thermal runaway has been reported by Kunkelmann [32], reducing flame duration from 0:43÷2:49 in normal atmosphere to only 00:03÷00:05 when oxygen concentration is 8% in N2
Summary
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) had a strong growth in Italy since 2013. National tax deductions and incentive systems for the coupling with photovoltaic plants up to 20 kW, increased residential size plants installations up to over 18.000 units in the beginning of 2019 [1]. The wind power curtailment, due to grid criticalities, reached 436 GWh in 2017 [2] and, Terna S.p.A., the Italian transmission system operator, installed utility scale BESS near the critical transmission lines[3]. Li-ion batteries are the world’s most used in electrochemical storage, amounting at 1.3 GW installed power in 2017. Li-ion is a mature technology, product standardization and safety systems for batteries are established, despite of that several incidents occurred. A scenario of increase of Li-ion BESS installations is very likely; facing safety issues can prevent repercussions in the social sphere and market. In order to increase fire protection effectiveness, the application of oxygen reduction system (ORS) is here discussed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
