Summary
- Battery storage and the Moss Landing fire at the Vistra Storage facility are being discussed
- Tesla has a nearby storage facility but not in the same building where the fire occurred
- Tesla shifted to using LFP cells for its battery packs due to lower volatility and fire risk
- Other major battery storage providers have also switched to LFP cells
- The future of battery storage may involve further regulation to mitigate fire spread and increase containment, focusing on lower volatility cell types like LFP, sodium-ion, and iron-air batteries
Article
The Moss Landing fire at the Vistra Storage facility highlights the importance of battery storage safety. While Tesla has a nearby storage facility, the fire occurred within a building that was formerly a natural gas generation unit. The industry has gradually shifted from using NMC cells to LFP cells due to their lower volatility and fire risk. The cause of the fire is still unknown, but investigations are ongoing. Battery pack fires are a real concern, and it is essential to manage expectations and ensure proper application of advanced batteries to avoid such incidents.
Early in the development of modern EVs, LFP cells showed promise due to their resistance to punctures and abuse. Tesla opted for a different approach by focusing on thermal management and safety features, such as wire bond fuses, to prevent pack fires in their vehicles. As battery production volume increased, companies like Tesla began using battery packs for storage as well. While NMC was initially used, the industry has since shifted to LFP for storage applications. This shift reflects a greater emphasis on safety and reliability in battery storage systems.
Vistra and Tesla both implemented battery storage projects at Moss Landing, with Tesla’s facility using LFP cells. Major battery storage providers have now transitioned to using LFP due to its lower volatility and improved safety features. The risk of fire spread in a field full of battery storage highlights the importance of choosing non-volatile chemistries, like LFP, for utility storage applications. A focus on containment and regulation to mitigate fire spread and ensure safety is crucial for the future of battery storage technology.
Looking ahead, the industry is likely to see a shift towards even lower volatility battery chemistries, such as sodium-ion batteries and iron-air batteries with liquid electrolytes. These options offer enhanced safety and reduced toxicity compared to traditional chemistries like NMC. Regulators should also consider factors like spacing between units and fire spread prevention to limit the extent of potential fires in battery storage facilities. Overall, the Moss Landing fire serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and reliability in battery storage technology to prevent incidents and ensure the continued growth of the cleantech industry.
Read the full article here
