Battery failure analysis and characterization of failure types

This article is an introduction to lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery types, types of failures, and the forensic methods and techniques used to investigate the origin and cause to identify failure mechanisms. This article discusses common types of Li-ion battery failure with a greater focus on the thermal runaway, which is a particularly dangerous and hazardous failure mode. Forensic methods and techniques that can be used to characterize battery failures will also be discussed. This is the first article in a six-part series. The first article describes ways in which Li-ion batteries can fail, followed by a discussion of challenges assessing the reliability of such a rapidly evolving technology in article two. The third article discusses potential mitigation strategies for BESS facilities, and the fourth article discusses the consequences of catastrophic failure in a BESS. Article five provides a review of available analytical approaches to evaluate existing structures and design new structures for protection from Li-ion battery hazards. The final article is an overview of Li-ion BESS failures and risk management considerations.