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ESS: What are some of the dangers of the SSE?

by Fermaud ADOUMADJI MBAIORNOM | 30-11-2022 07:45 recommendations 0



The increase in the number of EHS installations requires a better understanding of the dangers involved and more extensive measures to reduce the risks. These risks include: Runaway Thermal Thermal runaway is a term used for the rapid, uncontrolled release of thermal energy from a battery cell; it is a condition when a battery creates more heat than it can dissipate effectively. Thermal runaway in a single cell can lead to a chain reaction that heats up neighboring cells. As this process continues, it may result in battery fire or explosion. This can often be the ignition source for larger battery fires. stranded energy As with most electrical equipment, there is a risk of electrocution, but what is unique with ESS is that often, even after being involved in a fire, there is still energy in the SSE. This is difficult to unload as the terminals are often damaged and present a hazard to those carrying out the overhaul after a fire. The blocked energy can also cause the fire to reactivate hours or even days later. Generation of toxic and flammable gases Most batteries create toxic and flammable gases when they experience thermal runaway. Failure to ignite the gases before the lower explosive limit is reached may result in the creation of an explosive atmosphere inside the ESS room or container. ESS for deep fires are usually made up of batteries that are housed in a protective metal or plastic case in larger cabinets. These layers of protection help prevent damage to the system, but can also prevent water from entering the seat of the fire. This means that large amounts of water are required to effectively dissipate the heat generated by ESS fires, as it is often difficult to cool the hottest part of the fire.

The main hazards associated with lead batteries
  • Emanation and/or exposure to hydrogen gas: The risk associated with this hazardous phenomenon is highly dependent on the method of charging the batteries.
This gas, lighter than ambient air, is characterized by high flammability and becomes explosive with a mixture of 4 to 74% with air. In addition, according to the classification of the CNESST toxicological directory, hydrogen gas is a simple asphyxiant because it displaces oxygen, thus causing rapid suffocation, especially since its presence is not manifested by a color or an odor.

Preventative measures :

For this reason, it is very important to store and maintain batteries in a well-ventilated work area, away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials. Cigarettes, flames or sparks can cause a battery to explode.


  • Exposure or contact with sulfuric acid: With a Pka of -3 (acid strength), exposure to sulfuric acid during battery maintenance is extremely dangerous especially for the skin (face) and the eyes, and it is for this reason that you should never open the battery caps with your face vertically above.
Preventative measures : Never lean over a battery when boosting, testing or charging. If acid splashes on the skin or in the eyes, immediately flush the area with cold water (eyewash) for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. Be extremely careful when handling electrolytes and keep an acid-neutralizing solution, such as baking soda, on hand. Always wear proper eye, face and hand protection. Use non-metallic containers to handle the liquid. Neutralize with baking soda any electrolyte that spills into the work area. After neutralization, flush contaminated areas with water.


  • Electric shock: Some battery systems are capable of discharging to extremely high current levels. Accidental contact with the terminals or cables can cause shocks, electric arcs and/or severe burns.
Preventative measures

Never touch both battery terminals at the same time with bare hands. Remove rings, watches and jewelry while working with or near batteries. The metal in the jewelry can cause a shock or burn if it comes into contact with the battery terminals. Use only insulated/non-conductive tools to remove cell caps. Never lay tools or other metal parts on top of a battery. Consider covering battery terminals and connectors with an insulating blanket if possible before overhead inspections or repairs. Make sure the charger is turned off before connecting or disconnecting a battery to avoid arc flash.


Source: https://www.interventionprevention.com/phenomenes_dangereux_associes_aux_batteries/

 

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  • Dormant user Fermaud ADOUMADJI MBAIORNOM
 
 
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2 Comments

Minkyung Mentor

  • Minkyung Mentor says :
    Hello, this is your mentor Minkyung.

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge of the dangers of ESS. I think there's a typo in your report, and in the first paragraph - if you intended to say ESS instead of SSE. Also, your report would be neater if you could leave a line in between each subtitle.

    Keep up the work :)
    Posted 07-12-2022 19:17

  • Junghyun Mentor Yoon says :
    Hi, Fermaud ADOUMADJI MBAIORNOM!
    This is your mentor, Yoon.

    Thank you for introducing the dangers of ESS. Your writing is clear and concise. Your article is also well structured.

    Your report could be even better if you provided appropriate images to illustrate dangers of energy storage systems.

    Great job on writing the free report.
    I am looking forward to reading your following report!
    Posted 05-12-2022 23:51

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