Faulty Installations Often to Blame for Battery Fires
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the US Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
PV Magazine International 5:36 pm on May 15, 2024
A study by EPRI, PNNL, and Twaice analyzed 26 battery storage fire incidents from 2018 to 2023. The majority of failures were attributed to system components outside cells and control systems rather than manufacturing defects. System complexity and inadequate operation controls like state-of-charge limits are significant contributors to errors, suggesting that enhanced quality assurance processes, comprehensive software monitoring, and user vigilance may mitigate these risks.
- Study Conducted: EPRI, PNNL, Twaice analyze battery storage fires (26 incidents) from 2018-2023.
- Primary Failure Sources: System components other than cells; manufacturing defects less common.
- Recommendations for Safety and Reliability: Quality assurance, software monitoring, operational oversight to prevent future incidents.
- Role of System Complexity: Increased complexity contributes to errors; control system failures noted as a frequent cause.
- Call for Improvements in Manufacturing and Operation: Enhanced manufacturing quality, advanced monitoring systems could reduce fire risk.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/05/15/faulty-installations-often-to-blame-for-battery-fires/