Lithium-ion Battery Fire and Explosion Hazards in Single-family Residences
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Lithium-ion Battery Fire and Explosion Hazards in Single-family Residences
Adam Barowy
Fire Safety Research Institute, Columbia, MD
Friday, February 28, 2025
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Room 1226
Fire Protection Engineering, 50 Prescott St
Zoom Link: https://wpi.zoom.us/j/320855113
Abstract:
Energy storage systems (ESS) maximize the utility of renewable energy sources by storing surplus energy and delivering it when power demand exceeds generation, amongst other beneficial capabilities. For homeowners, lithium-ion battery (LiB) ESS with renewable energy generation is an economical solution to reduce energy costs and grid dependency while also replacing backup generators. However, LiB are susceptible to thermal runaways and flammable gas release which risks complex fire and explosion hazard scenarios. This presentation summarizes the findings of two series of large-scale experiments conducted to investigate the impact of thermal runaways on compartment fire dynamics in a typical residential ESS installation, identify new risks and develop tactical recommendations for responding fire fighters, and to develop a relationship between LiB energy storage capacity and explosion severity. Though originally intended to address hazards specific to residential LiB ESS, the findings of this research have been valuable in demonstrating the fundamentals of fire and explosion hazard development wherever LiB may be used.
Bio:
Adam Barowy is a lead research engineer for the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) where he manages the battery fire safety research program. Adam’s research work has been used to evaluate emerging fire hazards, new and innovative fire protection solutions, and to develop UL Standards and Test Methods. Adam engineered test apparatuses and procedures for characterizing the thermal, fire and explosion hazards of energy storage technologies, and led the technical development of UL 9540A and UL’s large scale ESS fire testing program. Prior to UL, Adam conducted full-scale structure fire field experiments at NIST to enable improved firefighting tactics, reconstructed LODD/injury fire incidents and evaluated firefighting equipment. Adam volunteered with the Amherst Fire Department while pursuing his BSME at the UMass Amherst and graduated from WPI with a Master of Science in fire protection engineering in 2010.