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A multiphysics study on venting safety in battery energy storage systems: From cell venting to energy storage station explosion hazards

Author

Listed:
  • Wang, Peiben
  • Liu, Lishuo
  • Xu, Chengshan
  • Liu, Yuanchao
  • Zheng, Tongtong
  • Liu, Lei
  • Li, Jing
  • Guan, Dong
  • Jiang, Fachao
  • Feng, Xuning
  • Ouyang, Minggao

Abstract

Thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries constitutes a challenge to the safety of energy storage stations, as the process is accompanied by the ejection and accumulation of large volumes of flammable gases, potentially leading to severe fire or explosion accidents. The pressure relief valve (on the battery pack enclosure) serves as a critical safety structure that regulates the release of these gases into the station space. Its dynamic behavior directly dictates internal pressure evolution of pack and external flammable gas dispersion of station, making it a pivotal yet poorly understood link in the thermal safety chain. Current research lacks a comprehensive depiction of its operational mechanism in real thermal runaway scenarios, specifically, a systematic model to quantify its role in the transfer process from pack pressure and valve mechanics to station-level gas dispersion and combustion risk. To bridge this gap, this study constructs a unified multi-physics coupling model that integrates cell gas generation, pack internal flow, valve mechanical dynamics, and station-level gas dispersion and combustion. It specifically reveals the impact of valve hysteresis on intermittent venting behavior and subsequent flammable gas accumulation. Validated by dedicated valve characteristic and pack thermal runaway tests, the model accurately predicts pressure response and venting dynamics, with a minimal internal pressure error of <0.6 kPa. Further, the explosion process of the energy storage station was predicted based on the model. This study provides design tools for the safety of stations.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Peiben & Liu, Lishuo & Xu, Chengshan & Liu, Yuanchao & Zheng, Tongtong & Liu, Lei & Li, Jing & Guan, Dong & Jiang, Fachao & Feng, Xuning & Ouyang, Minggao, 2026. "A multiphysics study on venting safety in battery energy storage systems: From cell venting to energy storage station explosion hazards," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 344(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:344:y:2026:i:c:s0360544225055136
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139870
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