Advancing Li-Ion BESS Safety: Limitations of UL9540A for Li-Ion BESS Hazard Analysis

Joseph G. Mayonado, Jihan El Ouaragli, Samuel Flibbert, Stefan Kraft, Jeremy Lebowitz, Jonathan Hodges + Jens Conzen

Electric vehicle battery module with lens flare effect. Concept of EV batteries maintenance.
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Mar 26, 2024

Lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (Li-ion BESS) have become critical to bridging the renewable energy supply-demand gap. However, the exponential deployment of these systems has amplified fire-related incidents, highlighting the need for robust fire protection design and comprehensive certification programs.

In this white paper, Jensen Hughes’ Joe Mayonado and Jihan El Ouaragli team up with our fire protection experts to provide a comprehensive assessment of UL 9540A, the primary testing standard for Li-ion BESS. They review the current limitations of the UL 9540A certification program as well as the key findings from their meta-analysis of publicly available datasets and UL 9540A data.

By maintaining progress in developing a dynamic, evidence-based approach to fire safety in Li-ion BESS, we can help ensure the safe and scalable deployment of next-generation global renewable energy infrastructure.

Read the white paper here.

Headshot of Jihan El Ouaragli

About the author

Jihan El Ouaragli
Dr. Jihan El Ouaragli is an Associate specializing in battery energy storage systems (BESS) and electric vehicle (EV) safety and fire protection.

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