Fire Safety of Lithium-Ion Battery Warehouses – Challenges and Dilemmas

Aim: The aim of this article is to attempt to characterize the current state of technical knowledge in the area of fire protection solutions and safeguards for energy storage systems using lithium-ion batteries. Introduction: Technological advancements in energy storage present fire protection with new and diverse challenges. A lithium-ion battery storage fire is characterized by its high dynamics, long duration, risk of rapid spread, and the emission of large quantities of smoke, as well as toxic and corrosive chemical compounds. During such a fire, one must anticipate difficulties in reaching the source of the fire, which is often located deep inside the battery casing. Another challenge is the appropriate selection of fire protection measures for lithium-ion storage facilities and the method of conducting rescue and firefighting operations in the event of a fire. Methodology: For this article, a review and analysis were conducted of relevant literature, available research findings (including preliminary observations made during laboratory and field tests carried out at CNBOP-PIB), and the authors’ own experiences. References to the results of the work by the team appointed at the Scientific and Research Centre for Fire Protection – National Research Institute (CNBOP-PIB) to develop Guidelines for fire protection conditions in energy storage facilities were also included. Conclusions: The content above provides a concise overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the fire hazard posed by lithium-ion battery storage. Fire protection solutions for these storage facilities and the buildings where they are planned for installation should incorporate safety measuresadequate to the accompanying level of fire risk. Among the most crucial safeguards for controlling this hazard are early fire detection, which allows for firefighting actions in the initial phase, and the use of solutions that ensure the interruption of battery heating, as well as those that limit the free spread of fire until rescue teams arrive at the scene.