Fire breaks out in apartment building, with questions surrounding the potential role of photovoltaic system's battery storage in the incident
In the Pfeddersheim district of Worms, Rhineland-Palatinate, an apartment building recently caught fire. The incident, which occurred in 2023, has raised concerns about the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, particularly in the context of electric cars and renewable energy systems.
The fire department suspects that the basement fire was caused by a photovoltaic system (PV system) with an attached battery storage. The fire started in the area of the battery installed in the basement, according to initial findings. The burning lithium-ion storage unit emitted strong heat and reignited repeatedly, posing a significant challenge for the fire department.
Around 50 emergency services personnel were on site to control the situation. The power supply for the entire street section had to be temporarily shut down as a precaution. The Technical Relief Agency (THW) and the fire department were present.
Toxic substances spread throughout the house via the smoke, making it temporarily uninhabitable. Extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires is particularly difficult because foam or water often does not completely stop the chemical reaction inside.
The Worms fire department explains that extinguishing a lithium-ion battery fire is challenging due to the chemical reaction inside. Overheating, defects, or mechanical damage can lead to "thermal runaway" in lithium-ion batteries, causing the battery to self-ignite and release large amounts of energy and toxic gases.
The fire department did not specify the cause of the thermal runaway in the Worms fire, but they suspect it was due to the PV system with an attached battery storage. The fire department's report warns that if a lithium-ion battery fire breaks out, it can have devastating consequences.
It's important to note that the cause of the fire in the residential house in Pfeddersheim, Worms, was suspected due to an electrical fault in the heating system in the year 2023. However, the incident with the lithium-ion battery storage unit has highlighted the need for increased safety measures when dealing with such systems.
The news article discusses the risks of lithium-ion battery fires in the context of the Worms apartment building fire and electric cars. As the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy systems continues to grow, it's crucial to address these risks and ensure the safety of both people and property.
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