Fire Risks of New Technologies

Summary

This project accelerates and unites efforts across the Fire Research Division to address the fire risks posed by new technologies. NIST brings specialized expertise in fire measurement, effluent analysis, sampling techniques, computational modeling, multi-scale experimental testing, and support for the development of codes and standards. By leveraging this knowledge, the project generates critical data to support informed decision-making and helps both public and private organizations, including the fire service, better understand, characterize, and mitigate the unique fire risks associated with new technologies critical to the U.S. economy.

Description

Deflagration occurring as a result of puncturing of a Li-ion battery pack.

Credit: NIST

Objective:

To support the United States in the assessment and mitigation of fire risks associated with new technologies in the areas where NIST has unique and complementary fire expertise.

What is the research Plan?

The primary goal during the first year of this project (Fiscal Year 2025) is to lay the groundwork for more advanced and complex, large-scale, future studies. This initial phase will also help to refine and validate our safety processes and procedures for battery fire characterization on a smaller scale.

Task 1. Emissions of Battery Energy Storage Systems Fires: The key objective of this task is to gain understanding of fire behavior in Battery Energy Storage Systems, including parameters such as heat release rate, heat of combustion, and fire duration. The data collected will inform the design of larger-scale experiments and contribute input to the development of detection methods and computational models, which currently lack crucial data related to battery fuel sources.

Task 2. Elucidating Firefighter Chemical Exposure from Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: This task aims to assess the chemical exposure to firefighters due to hazardous materials deposited on their gear during lithium-ion battery fires. The project will involve exposing firefighter turnout gear to an open-top, enclosed battery fire. Researchers will then identify and quantify hazardous compounds that may have been deposited onto the turnout gear, including penetration through the layers of the gear. This research will provide critical data for enhancing firefighter safety and developing improved protective measures.

Task 3. Supporting the Fire Service: Research Needs for Emerging Electrification Fire Risks: In cooperation with the NIST Applied Economics Office, this task focuses on assessing the severity of lithium-ion battery fires and identifying firefighting actions that may be ineffective or increase risks and injuries. The analysis will begin by reviewing existing data on lithium-ion battery fires in the U.S. from various sources. By examining the types of actions taken during these incidents, the research will identify practices that contribute to heightened risks and firefighter injuries. Understanding these less effective actions will guide future research and the development of safer and more effective firefighting strategies.