Case study of ventilation solutions and strategies for Li-ion battery rooms

Integrating renewable energy sources (RES) is crucial to achieve a carbon-neutral society. Using new or second-life Li-ion batteries (LIB) as energy storage is recognized as the most realistic solution to drive wider adoption and effective utilization of RES. However, the use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) inside buildings may bring significant potential risks, particularly in the case of fire. LIB fires develop differently than fires caused by other sources as they can undergo rapid thermal runaway releasing explosive and toxic gases and fumes. Furthermore, there is a lack of regulations and guidelines describing the requirements for establishing a battery room within or outside buildings. In this paper, results from an initial mapping of ventilation solutions and strategies for smoke extraction in battery rooms for BESS located in different buildings categories in Norway are presented. A case study involving six existing battery rooms has been performed to investigate design vulnerabilities and identify knowledge gaps with respect to ventilation and other active fire protection measures. Results from the mapping indicate large differences in the design of ventilation systems and strategies implemented in existing battery rooms.