Thermal runaway hazards of Lithium-Ion batteries in enclosed spaces

Abstract Lithium-ion batteries, celebrated for their high voltage, durability, and cleanliness, are the cornerstone of today’s new energy field. Their thermal stability in confined, explosion-proof settings is crucial for high-risk industries like military and mining, directly impacting worker safety and equipment reliability. Insight into thermal runaway triggers and progression is vital for crafting preventive strategies and enhancing battery system safety. This research, involving thermal runaway tests on three lithium-ion batteries in an explosion-proof enclosure, shows that while the enclosure doesn’t halt runaway, it can lower temperatures, especially peak temperatures, easing the runaway’s impact. Moreover, the batteries’ differing stability levels lead to varied outcomes in these tests, underscoring the importance of battery design in critical applications.