ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF SMOKE AND GAS DISPERSION FROM LITHIUM-ION BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM FIRES

Abstract

The rapid expansion of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (ESS) has raised increasing concern over their environmental and public health implications during fire events. ESS fires are characterized by prolonged combustion, frequent reignition, and the release of dense smoke containing hazardous gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, and toxic particulates. This study combines large-scale combustion experiments and computational simulations to examine the environmental dispersion of fire-induced emissions. A 10-foot ESS cabinet experiment recorded critical parameters including maximum smoke outflow velocity (33.93 m/s) and peak temperature (898 °C). Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and DNV Phast was employed to simulate smoke dispersion patterns, thermal radiation, and hydrogen release scenarios. Results revealed that uncontrolled ESS fires could generate flammable gas clouds exceeding 54 m in downwind LFL dispersion, while toxic smoke significantly impaired air quality across urban environments. Fireball and jet fire radiation extended up to 90 m and 64 m, respectively, with overpressure hazards reaching more than 300 m. These findings underscore the severe environmental burden posed by ESS fires, particularly in densely populated regions. The outcomes provide a scientific foundation for environmental risk management, regulatory safety distances, and community protection strategies in the deployment of large-scale ESS facilities.