Stranded energy – defined as the energy remaining in a cell after efforts to safely discharge the stored energy in damaged lithium-ion cells – is an important, unresolved issue. Residual, stranded, DC energy within damaged lithium-ion batteries presents a significant fire and shock hazard – particularly to emergency responders.
Stranded energy can impact when emergency responders can declare an event safe as well as when and how the batteries can be safely removed from their respective installation, transported, and disposed. Significant responsibility is placed on first and second responders to ensure the hazard of stranded energy is properly mitigated and the batteries are safely and properly handled post event.
The most effective approach to mitigate the hazard of stranded energy and safely neutralize the batteries is still unclear. Procedures, guidelines, and related tools for all first and second emergency responders are needed to address this issue.
Research goal: The goal of this project is to develop a summary report of the present and anticipated hazards of stranded energy, related incidents, and established mitigation procedures for safely handling stranded energy within damaged lithium-ion batteries across the full-spectrum of industry applications to provide guidance to first and second emergency responders.
Download project summary. (PDF)