Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly used in various applications, from household devices to electric vehicles, as part of the green transition. However, their application poses unique risks, including thermal runaway, which can lead to the release of flammable and toxic gases, fires, and explosions. Notable accidents, such as the explosion on the hybrid ferry MF Ytterøyningen and the battery storage facility in McMicken, highlight the need for a thorough understanding of these risks.

This literature study investigates the explosion hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries in compartments where flammable gases can accumulate. It examines how battery parameters, ventilation, and suppression systems influence explosion risks and compares computational methods for safety modeling. The focus is on lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide (NMC) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, which dominate today’s market.

Key parameters for evaluating explosion risks include the lower flammability limit (LFL), laminar burning velocity, explosion pressure, and the rate of pressure increase. These are influenced by battery design, state of charge (SoC), cell format, chemistry, and aging. The study reveals that LFP cells, despite their higher thermal stability, produce battery vent gases with higher hydrogen and hydrocarbon concentrations, resulting in a lower LFL and potentially higher explosion risks.

Mitigation strategies such as mechanical ventilation and deflagration panels are discussed, highlighting their effectiveness in different scenarios. Various fire suppression systems are evaluated for their cooling abilities and effectiveness in preventing thermal propagation and re-ignition.

The study identifies a significant gap in validated models that capture the dynamics from gas dispersion to explosions, emphasizing the need for high-resolution models developed alongside experimental validation. Future research should focus on explosion risks in large, confined spaces like maritime vehicle decks and enclosed parking garages, assessing the number of vehicles required to pose a hazard in case of explosions.