Abstract
The use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) based on Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) in buildings is increasing, as being part of the solution for a reducing greenhouse gas emission. The main usage areas for a BESS are to store electric energy obtained from solar panels, or to serve as a back-up energy source in case of electrical shut-down. However, LIBs in BESS installations can represent the risk of fire and/or explosion. The increase of internal temperature in LIBs may lead to the initiation of thermal runaway process, which is accompanied by the release of ignitable gases. The accumulation of gases and their ignition within enclosures may result in the formation of toxic and explosive atmospheres. This study reports a risk- and vulnerability analysis performed for a BESS installation in a battery room in a Norwegian school. The outcome of the study shall be open to the public to be used as an example of how such an analysis can be performed for other buildings containing a BESS.