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Safety is paramount in second life battery storage

Second-life battery storage relies on repurposing EV batteries safely, and Connected Energy follows a regimented process to ensure the safety of our systems.

10/10/2024

While the potential of second-life batteries is undeniable, ensuring the safety of repurposing EV batteries is paramount. We spoke to John Ashley, our chief engineer, about the steps we take to ensure the safety of our second life systems.

Repurposing batteries from electric vehicles (EVs) into stationary storage presents unique challenges that require careful attention. With factors such as battery degradation, lack of industry standards in testing and the complexity of system integration, anyone embarking on repurposing EV batteries needs to ensure that they apply rigorous standards when it comes to safety.

“When working with second life batteries, safety is paramount.” John Ashley, Chief Engineer, says. “We see people buying and selling used EV batteries online and we’ve heard stories of people using these to create their own energy storage systems. This is something that we strongly advise against.”

“Anyone working with second life batteries must do so in collaboration with battery OEMs who are willing to provide access to battery data to ensure both performance and safety. At Connected Energy, we put safety first in the design of our products.”

“The first step is ensuring that we have a quality product, so we only work with batteries from leading OEMs and we use those batteries as they are, with no modification. Secondly, we design our systems with a ‘safety first’ approach. This includes rigorous battery selection and testing, as well as AI technology for round-the-clock battery monitoring which acts as an early warning system if an anomaly is detected.”

John Ashley, Chief Engineer, Connected Energy

Connected Energy's Safety-First Approach

Connected Energy prioritises safety by implementing the following measures:

  • Access to Data from OEM Partners: Working hand-in-hand with OEMs enables the optimum levels of control to be achieved using verified information and without having to backwards-engineer any of the safety-critical systems.
  • Capitalizing on OEM safety features: By doing so, system designers can leverage the safety features already built into the battery and its management system. This ensures that the second-life batteries are as safe as the original EV batteries.
  • Rigorous Battery Selection and Testing: Implementing a multi-stage testing process is crucial. This must involve initial screening to identify unsuitable batteries, followed by in-depth testing to ensure they are safe for use in energy storage systems.
  • Comprehensive safety protocols: Establishing clear safety protocols for all stages of the second-life process, including handling, transportation, installation, operation, and maintenance, is crucial.
  • Battery integration: In addition to the safety mechanisms within the battery pack developed by the battery or EV OEM, it is important to ensure that the connected energy system is also safe. Connected Energy employs FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) processes to identify potential battery problems and implement solutions.
  • Design of the storage system: The design of the storage system itself plays a role in safety. Features like active and reactive thermal management, fire suppression, smoke detectors and sounders, and air ventilation are all designed to detect issues in the event of a problem.
  • Continuous monitoring: Each Connected Energy system is monitored around the clock. This continuous monitoring and analysis allow for early detection of performance changes, enabling a response before a problem occurs.

John, concludes: “The second life battery industry represents a key opportunity and by addressing these challenges and adhering to strict safety protocols, we can unlock its full potential while minimising risk.”

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Interested in learning more about second life batteries? Our recent whitepaper explores the technicalities, safety, benefits, and economic potential of repurposing EV batteries for energy storage. Download today to find out more.

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