PNNL invention reduces risk of battery explosions.

A research group from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has created a sensor system to detect fire risk in lithium-ion storage systems. The system, dubbed IntelliVent, supported by DOE’s Office of Electricity, is designed to be installed in cabinet-style battery enclosures, which are becoming common for stationary grid energy storage. IntelliVent responds to smoke, heat, or gas alarms in the battery enclosure and automatically opens cabinet doors to prevent buildup of flammable gases.
The technology reportedly reduces the risk of explosions at battery installations, which can damage property or endanger lives. It also helps avoiding the task of opening the doors of a battery under critical situations for O&M workers. Cost depends on the size of the battery and an end user or operator can obtain the system for their site/facility through a low-cost, fixed-fee license from PNN.
The technology will now be tested by the Arlington Microgrid and Clean Energy Center in Everett, Washington, installed by public utility Snohomish County Public Utility District which will retrofit an existing 1.2 MW battery with the proposed system. Accompanying a megawatt-scale battery retrofit at the solar, storage and EV charger microgrid, it will be the first deployment for the IntelliVent.
PTR believes that the recent incidents at battery storage facilities in Surprise, Arizona, and Liverpool, England is also one of the reasons for such systems being focused on. The efficiency of the system will be further demonstrated once the system is installed in the Arlington Microgrid. Link to the news: https://www.energy-storage.news/news/lithium-ion-ess-explosion-prevention-tech-available-for-low-cost-licensing