Fire authorities adopt early thermal runaway detection technology
A Honeywell case study
At data centers across the U.S., demand for battery energy storage systems (BESSs) is rapidly increasing. Comprised of an interconnected series of batteries, BESSs are self-contained, rechargeable battery units that store energy to disperse in case of power loss. This makes BESS battery backup systems an ideal backup power source for data centers.
Despite the significant benefits, BESSs are subject to thermal runaway conditions because, at their core, they utilize rechargeable batteries. These risks are further exacerbated with the use of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. In Li-ion BESS scenarios, thermal runaway can occur due to thermal abuse or overcharging, which can cause excess heat to create a reaction that increases the internal temperature of the battery. The increase in heat can cause the electrolyte solution inside of a Li-ion battery to vaporize.