Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming more common across the United States as renewable energy use increases.
According to FLIR, the wider deployment of large-scale BESS units raises safety risks that must be addressed, especially thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.
Thermal runaway is a rapid reaction where overheating in one cell causes a chain of failures and fires in surrounding cells.
FLIR reported that such incidents can damage infrastructure, disrupt power systems, and endanger nearby communities.
The company stated that more than 50 percent growth in BESS adoption was recorded globally in 2024, making the need for preventative measures more urgent.
FLIR explained that thermal runaway can begin when batteries are overcharged, over-discharged, physically damaged, or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Each of these conditions can cause excess heat to build up in the battery, triggering a cycle of internal failure and fire.
The report emphasized that once this process begins, it is difficult to contain and can spread quickly through an entire energy storage unit.
Because many BESS facilities are located near other energy systems, the effects of such an event could extend beyond a single site.
Environmental damage, financial losses, and energy grid instability are among the outcomes FLIR warned about if monitoring systems are not in place.
The company stated that early detection of temperature changes is the most effective way to prevent thermal runaway.
FLIR explained that thermal imaging tools provide real-time monitoring and can alert operators to rising heat levels before a failure occurs.
These systems allow teams to act before equipment reaches unsafe conditions, reducing the risk of battery fires.
The company noted that without such monitoring, problems may go unnoticed until they escalate, at which point response options become more limited.
Thermal monitoring is positioned as a passive safety system that works continuously to identify hazards as they develop.
FLIR highlighted four key capabilities required for a reliable thermal monitoring setup in BESS environments.
According to the company, high-resolution imaging is essential to identify small heat variations across complex battery layouts.
A wide field of view is needed to ensure that all areas of a battery stack are visible to the system.
Smart analytics must be able to distinguish actual threats from false alarms caused by environmental factors.
Around-the-clock surveillance is required to maintain consistent oversight regardless of weather, lighting, or staff presence.
FLIR stated that its A500f and A700f Advanced Smart Sensor cameras are suited to support BESS safety through continuous temperature monitoring.
The cameras provide 640 × 480 thermal resolution and include FSX® (Flexible Scene Enhancement) technology.
FLIR reported that the cameras feature on-the-edge analytics and up to 80° field of view coverage, which allows for efficient identification of temperature anomalies.
According to the manufacturer, these tools can operate without interruption and are designed to integrate with wider monitoring frameworks.
FLIR suggested that use of this type of equipment can help reduce the risk of thermal incidents and support safe expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are expanding across the United States.
FLIR reported that this growth introduces increased fire risk from thermal runaway.
Thermal runaway can begin due to overcharging, damage, or heat exposure.
This process can lead to fires, infrastructure damage, and power disruptions.
FLIR stated that thermal imaging is essential to detect early signs of overheating.
Effective monitoring systems require high resolution and broad coverage.
They must also include analytics to avoid false alerts.
FLIR’s A500f and A700f Smart Sensor cameras meet these criteria.
The cameras operate continuously with real-time temperature data.
FLIR reported that such systems help operators act before failures occur.
This supports safer renewable energy adoption and reduces infrastructure risks.
