What are the most common failure modes of energy storage systems?

1 Mechanical failures

Mechanical failures refer to the physical damage or degradation of the ESS components, such as electrodes, separators, casings, connectors, and cooling systems. Mechanical failures can be caused by external factors, such as vibration, shock, impact, or corrosion, or by internal factors, such as thermal expansion, mechanical stress, or gas generation. Mechanical failures can lead to loss of capacity, leakage, short circuit, fire, or explosion. To avoid mechanical failures, ESS should be designed with robust materials, structures, and protection mechanisms, and undergo regular inspection and maintenance.

2 Electrical failures

Electrical failures refer to the abnormal or undesired behavior of the ESS circuits, such as overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, undercurrent, or imbalance. Electrical failures can be caused by faulty components, such as switches, fuses, relays, or sensors, or by external disturbances, such as lightning, power surges, or electromagnetic interference. Electrical failures can result in reduced efficiency, increased degradation, thermal runaway, or system shutdown. To prevent electrical failures, ESS should be equipped with reliable and accurate control and monitoring systems, and have proper grounding and shielding.

3 Thermal failures

Thermal failures refer to the excessive or uneven heating or cooling of the ESS components, such as cells, modules, or packs. Thermal failures can be caused by internal factors, such as electrochemical reactions, self-discharge, or internal resistance, or by external factors, such as ambient temperature, solar radiation, or airflow. Thermal failures can affect the performance, safety, and lifespan of ESS, as they can cause capacity fade, power loss, thermal runaway, or fire. To mitigate thermal failures, ESS should have adequate and uniform thermal management systems, such as heat sinks, fans, pumps, or phase change materials.

4 Chemical failures

Chemical failures refer to the undesirable or irreversible changes in the ESS materials, such as electrolytes, electrodes, or separators. Chemical failures can be caused by internal factors, such as side reactions, parasitic reactions, or degradation mechanisms, or by external factors, such as contamination, moisture, or oxygen. Chemical failures can impair the functionality, stability, and reliability of ESS, as they can cause electrolyte decomposition, electrode dissolution, separator breakdown, or gas generation. To reduce chemical failures, ESS should use stable and compatible materials, and have proper sealing and venting systems.

6 Environmental failures

Environmental failures refer to the adverse or unexpected effects of the ESS on the surrounding environment, such as noise, vibration, or emissions. Environmental failures can be caused by improper design, installation, or operation of the ESS, or by accidental events, such as fire, explosion, or leakage. Environmental failures can harm the health, safety, and quality of life of the ESS users and neighbors, as well as the ecosystem and the climate. To prevent environmental failures, ESS should comply with the relevant standards, regulations, and best practices, and have effective emergency response and remediation plans.