Battery Energy Storage

We support clients by identifying, assessing and mitigating the potential for battery fires, thermal runaway and toxic gas dispersion associated with BESS.

How we can help

Analysis of thermal runaway, fire and explosion risks associated with battery technologies
Advanced simulations to evaluate potential hazards, including flammable and toxic gas dispersion, overpressure effects and radiation due to fires
Guidance on safe system layouts, ventilation design and fire suppression measures
Assistance in meeting safety standards and regulations specific to battery installations
Root cause analysis of battery-related incidents, providing actionable recommendations to enhance safety
Our validated tools allow us to model the effects of thermal runaway and battery fires for better predictions and risk mitigation. EFFECTS v12.4 includes a new battery thermal runaway model to calculate the toxic gases generated during thermal runaway

Applications we serve

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) for renewable integration

Industrial and commercial energy storage applications

Fleets of battery-powered forklift trucks

Electric vehicle battery systems and charging infrastructure

Off-grid and backup power systems

Our Experience

Find out more

With extensive expertise in energy storage safety, Gexcon supports clients in mitigating risks and achieving reliable, compliant, and efficient battery operations.

Gexcon has launched a new EFFECTS e-learning programme, offering a flexible way to build competence in consequence modelling. The course combines structured modules with practical examples to help users apply EFFECTS effectively in safety studies and day-to-day project work.

News 28 April 2026

Gexcon launches EFFECTS e-learning for consequence modelling

Gexcon has launched a new EFFECTS e-learning programme, offering a flexible way to build competence in consequence modelling. The course combines structured modules with practical examples to help users apply EFFECTS effectively in safety studies and day-to-day project work.

This workshop goes beyond common knowledge and dives into the engineering principles that determine the driving forces behind BESS incidents within the container and outside to surrounding area. Examples will be provided from real-world field testing, incident investigations, and hazard and risk assessment practices, where Gexcon’s specialists will unpack the critical factors that influence hazardous conditions in actual installations.

News 03 March 2026

Practical safety insights at the 22nd Global Congress on Process Safety in Houston

As a long-standing contributor to the global process safety community, Gexcon looks forward to engaging with industry professionals, sharing technical insights, and discussing practical approaches to process safety and risk management.

If you are planning jet fire testing for passive fire protection (PFP) in high-hazard environments, you may encounter two similar-sounding standards: ISO 22899-1 and ISO 22899-3. Both are internationally recognised jet fire test methods used to evaluate PFP products under high heat load fire scenarios. But they serve different purposes. Choosing the right one is important so you gather relevant performance data without unnecessary testing. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between the ISO 22899-1 jet fire test and the newer ISO 22899-3 jet fire test, including when each applies and how to decide which test you actually need.

Blog

ISO 22899-1 vs ISO 22899-3 – which jet fire test do you actually need?

Not sure whether ISO 22899-1 or ISO 22899-3 is right for your jet fire testing programme? This article explains the key differences between the two standards, when each applies, and how to select the most suitable test for your passive fire protection (PFP) application without unnecessary cost or complexity.

Learn about the key challenges in ammonia hazard modelling, from modelling liquefied ammonia source term to considering external conditions.

Blog

Ammonia hazard modelling challenges

Learn about the key challenges in modelling ammonia hazard, from modelling liquefied ammonia source term to considering external conditions.

Case Study

Planager enhances risk assessment efficiency using Gexcon’s EFFECTS and RISKCURVES

Gexcon designed and executed the test in full compliance with ISO 22899-3, instrumenting the specimen and monitoring temperatures to ensure all criteria were met.

Case Study

Demonstration of intumescent coating performance under severe high heat-flux jet fire exposure (ISO 22899-3)

White Paper

Battery Thermal Runaway Consequence Modelling with the X-Suite

Learn how to model BESS thermal runaway hazards using Gexcon’s X-Suite tools with practical guidance, workflows, and a practical case study.

White Paper

Modelling Ammonia Releases with EFFECTS

This white paper discusses how EFFECTS consequence modelling software supports organisations in modelling and assessing ammonia release scenarios.

Learn how indoor gas releases can be assessed at early project stages using a new indoor ventilation, dispersion and overpressure model in EFFECTS v13. The session explains how to screen scenarios efficiently, compare ventilation strategies and understand when more detailed CFD analysis is required.

Past Webinar

Assessing indoor gas release scenarios to support safer facility design with X-Suite

Learn how to assess the consequences of indoor gas releases using advanced modelling — and understand when to use integral or CFD model.

Water curtain systems are commonly used to mitigate ammonia releases, but simplified modelling approaches can introduce uncertainty in safety and risk assessments. This webinar explains how the dynamic water spray model in FLACS CFD enables realistic simulation of water spray systems, including droplet–gas interaction and ammonia absorption. Using validated modelling techniques and a practical case example, the session shows how CFD can support robust safety studies and optimisation of ammonia mitigation system design, as applied by safety professionals working with Gexcon’s consequence modelling tools.

Past Webinar

Evaluating water spray systems for ammonia release mitigation using FLACS CFD

This webinar explains how the dynamic water spray model in FLACS CFD enables realistic simulation of water spray systems, including droplet–gas interaction and ammonia absorption.

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) fire and explosion prevention

BESS are vital for renewable energy but pose fire and explosion risks, mainly due to thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. Standards like UL 9540A and NFPA 855 guide safe design and installation. Key controls include Battery Management Systems, ventilation, and fire suppression. Proper design, maintenance, and training help prevent incidents and ensure safe operation.

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