Why Safety In Energy Storage Is Key? Trina Solar White Paper Explains

Why Safety In Energy Storage Is Key? Trina Solar White Paper Explains

Global renewable energy company Trina Solar and TÜV have jointly released a white paper focusing on energy storage systems (ESS). The document emphasizes the need for enhanced safety measures in energy storage systems and highlights the growing adoption of energy storage projects worldwide.

Key Insights from the White Paper

The white paper revealed that between 2019 and 2024, dozens of incidents involving explosions and fires in energy storage systems were reported globally. Approximately 80% of these cases were linked to systems using lithium-ion batteries.

Such incidents have not only caused significant property damage but also posed serious safety risks to individuals. The report noted that these events have drawn widespread attention, prompting more extensive research into the safety of lithium-ion batteries. Industries are now focusing on improving the thermal stability of these batteries and exploring alternative battery technologies.

Notable Incidents

The white paper cited several high-profile incidents, including:

• A fire at a BESS facility operated by AES in the US caused by defective battery cells.
• A fire at SK Energy’s BESS unit in Korea due to faulty electrical protection.
• An explosion at Dahongmen ESS in Beijing resulting from an internal short circuit.

These incidents underscore the importance of addressing both intrinsic and external safety risks in battery energy storage systems.

Root Causes and Risks

Trina Solar’s white paper identified key triggers for such incidents, including:

• Intrinsic safety risks associated with batteries.
• External risks such as faulty system designs and inadequate safety protections.
• Operational and management failures leading to improper handling.

One of the most critical issues highlighted was the risk of thermal runaway, where batteries fail to regulate their temperatures safely. Contributing factors include:

• Overcharging
• Critical connection failures
• Aging batteries
• Management system malfunctions
• Cell protection system failures

Proposed Safety Measures

The report stressed the importance of implementing a comprehensive risk assessment for energy storage systems. It recommended measures such as:

• Inherent safety design to minimize risks from the outset.
• Safeguards and protective measures to address potential failures.
• Enhanced operations and maintenance protocols.
• Comprehensive staff training and user education to improve handling and response during emergencies.

Conclusion

Trina Solar’s white paper highlights the urgent need for robust safety standards in energy storage systems. By adopting advanced safety designs and better operational practices, the frequency of such incidents can be significantly reduced, ensuring a safer and more reliable future for energy storage technologies.