It is no secret that lithium-ion batteries are everywhere these days. They are used to power cell phones, laptop computers, scooters, e-bikes, and even cars. The technology is also used in energy storage systems (ESSs) found in commercial facilities as well as residential structures. The field is dynamic, and emerging chemistries and battery densities mean ever-changing products. In addition, there are differences in components and packaging across brands and across regions in the world.
The challenge for the fire service is that the constantly evolving technology and products makes it difficult to validate the effectiveness of mitigation approaches. Although this evolution can’t be controlled, the fire service can gain a basic understanding of the science behind the technology and prepare for what happens if these products are involved in a fire.
This course explores common fire service questions and concerns, including: How is a battery fire different from other fires? How can we avoid making things worse? What do we need to be aware of in the event of a fire at an ESS facility?