Montreal, September 8, 2022 — Propulsion Québec, the cluster for electric and intelligent transportation, collaborated with Centre RISC as part of a worldwide research project held from July 2021 to July 2022. This research focuses on benchmarking best practices for the storage of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) used in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
An international study that will help businesses and fire services in Quebec
This important study aimed to:
- Paint a picture of existing practices worldwide for the storage of LIBs, in order to identify the safest practices;
- Help companies that store and handle this type of battery as well as fire safety services across Quebec to better manage the associated risks.
This study presents technical and organizational guidance to prevent and limit fires caused by LIBs and their consequences. The measures and solutions presented are drawn from the literature and from industrial visits. Additionally, a webinar will be held on November 9 to present the results.
An important step in the development of an initial storage standard for LIBs
The growing demand for and production of LIBs for electric vehicles will lead to an accelerated deployment of storage and recycling sites for these batteries across Canada. Safety and fire risk prevention are factors that must be taken into account throughout their production, storage and recycling processes. Indeed, in accordance with the Act respecting occupational health and safety, companies are generally required to assess hazards during operations and counter them with appropriate protective measures. However, until now, no legal regulation exists for the storage of lithium‑ion batteries that could be used as guidance.
“ Propulsion Québec has the mandate to identify and promote best practices for its members and for the benefit of the community. This study precisely meets that mandate by helping to identify guidelines and safe practices to reduce the risks related to the storage of lithium‑ion batteries. We are delighted to have been able to collaborate with Centre RISC on this project. ” said Mélanie Lussier, Vice‑President, Operations and Administration at Propulsion Québec.
“ As a researcher at Centre RISC, I am pleased to have contributed with Propulsion Québec to this research which highlights the importance of establishing a storage standard for LIBs. Such a standard would bring many benefits to companies, while minimizing the risk during firefighters' interventions in the event of a fire. ” added Mr. Hussein Wazneh, researcher at Centre RISC.
To learn more about the webinar taking place this fall
What: Webinar on lithium‑ion battery storage (report presentation)
When: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., in French
Who is it for? Companies that store and handle LIBs, fire protection specialists, and the relevant authorities
Cost: $35 for Propulsion Québec members, $50 for non‑members
About Centre RISC
The Centre for Research and Innovation in Civil Security of Quebec (Centre RISC) is an innovation and applied research centre integrated into the Campus‑Notre‑Dame‑de‑Foy. Its mission is to support innovation and the improvement of practices in the fields of civil security and emergency response. Centre RISC has access to recognized professional expertise in police, correctional, fire safety and pre‑hospital emergency care interventions and has research expertise in both the natural sciences and the social sciences. It relies on its staff, collaborators and college instructors to offer support in research and development (R&D), training and knowledge transfer activities, and support services. Its unique nature and its ability to bring together the different activities of its service offering make it possible to develop and carry out innovative research projects and to transmit cutting‑edge theoretical, practical and technological knowledge in the field of civil security and emergency response.
Centre RISC also participates in technological development by improving products or services and by developing and testing new processes or specialized equipment. It offers services whose results are highly beneficial for research innovation, the quality of training and knowledge transfer, operational know‑how and the development or improvement of practices. Thus, the perfect synergy between Centre RISC and CNDF in terms of civil security and emergency response is put to use for the benefit of research, technology transfer and training.
