High energy battery safety: Anecdotes, issues and approaches

The safety aspects of a battery's electrochemistry, design and manufacture can determine how, where or even if that battery may be used. Batteries that contain lithium require special consideration; the properties that make lithium useful for energy storage also increase the risks associated with its use. In this paper, safety issues for lithium and non-lithium primary and rechargeable battery systems are described. Historical anecdotes of battery safety incidents, both military and non-military, are presented. The US Navy's approach to lithium battery safety testing is also described.