Research progress on arc induced by thermal runaway in lithium-ion battery systems for energy storage

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2025.0552

Abstract

Abstract:

Amidst the rapid global energy transition, the safe operation of large-scale energy storage stations faces severe challenges. Thermal runaway (TR)-induced arc faults—characterized by ultrahigh temperatures and energy density—have emerged as a critical factor exacerbating fire and explosion risks. This review examines recent advances on the arc formation mechanisms in energy storage batteries and the impact of arcing on TR propagation. The relationship between the TR characteristics and different types of arc ignition pathways is summarized. Three multipath coupling mechanisms driving arc formation are methodically analyzed. Insulation failure caused by thermal/mechanical stress reduces the safe clearance below the critical breakdown distance, triggering direct contact of or gaseous dielectric breakdown. Compared to air, TR-ejected particulates and electrolyte vapors degrade the insulation strength by 50%—80%. Structural degradation during prolonged operation evolves into persistent arcing through deterioration of the insulation. Current research on arc initiation mechanisms still has limitations: the primary mode of occurrence is triggered by ejected materials, with the initiation location predominantly at the battery safety vent and terminal posts. There is insufficient research on the arc initiation mechanism and on triggering mediated by electrolyte. Although magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations characterize the coupled features of thetemperature, magnetic, and flow fields during stable arcing, they inadequately resolve dynamic arc initiation during TR cascades. Therefore, an integrated "thermal-electrical-mechanical-chemical" multi-physical field model is required for simulating transient arcing behavior under TR conditions to establish a theoretical foundation for mitigating arcing hazards in energy storage systems. This paper aims to deepen the understanding of the arc occurrence characteristics in energy storage battery systems, provide ideas for improving the electrical safety of the systems, and promote the high-safety development of energy storage systems.

Key words: energy storage system, lithium-ion battery, thermal runaway, electric arc, multiphysics coupling

CLC Number:

TK 02

Chengshan XU, Ye SUN, Zhikai YANG, Mingqiang ZHAO, Yalun LI, Xuning FENG, Hewu WANG, Languang LU, Minggao OUYANG. Research progress on arc induced by thermal runaway in lithium-ion battery systems for energy storage[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2025, 14(8): 3037-3050.

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温度/℃	云母纸电阻/Ω	隔热气泡膜电阻/Ω	结构胶电阻/Ω	蓝膜电阻/Ω
200	3.04×10⁹	2.94×10⁹	1.40×10¹²	3.17×10⁹
300	2.91×10¹¹	1.21×10¹¹	—	1.73×10¹⁰
400	5.20×10¹¹	1.59×10¹¹	—	1.40×10¹¹