The current research of battery energy storage system (BESS) fault is fragmentary, which is one of the reasons for low accuracy of fault warning and diagnosis in monitoring and controlling system of BESS. The paper has summarized the possible faults occurred in BESS, sorted out in the aspects of inducement, mechanism and consequence. Especially for module level, we have highlighted fault evolution law under component defects, externa. The current research of battery energy storage system (BESS) fault is fragmentary, which is one of the reasons for low accuracy of fault warning and diagnosis in monitoring and controlling system of BESS. The paper has summarized the possible faults occurred in BESS, sorted out in the aspects of inducement, mechanism and consequence. Especially for module level, we have highlighted fault evolution law under component defects, external abuse and extreme conditions. The review has completed the law of fault evolution of BESS under multi system level and multi-factors. The purpose of the paper is to present the comprehensive research on various failure inducements of BESS in recent years, laying a theoretical foundation for fault mechanism modeling, advance warning and accurate fault diagnosis.••••We review the possible faults occurred in battery energy storage system.••Failure modes, mechanisms, and effects analysis of BESS for each fault type••Special focus on failures induced by component defects in modules or BESS••In-depth summary of fault evolution under multi system level and multi-factorsBattery energy storage systemFailure modes, mechanisms, and effects analysisFault evolutionSystem reliabilityThe development of renewable energy generation, distributed energy supply and electrification on customer side provide a stage for the rapid development of energy storage technology. Intermittent renewable energy requires energy storage system (ESS) to ensure stable operation of power system, which storing excess energy for later use. It is widely believed that lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are foreseeable to dominate the energy storage market as irreplaceable candidates in the future [2,3]. Depending on the position of Li in the periodic table, LIBs could exhibit high specific energy compared with other rechargeable batteries. As LIBs have attracted wide attention from researchers, the performance of LIBs has been enhanced manifested in faster charging time, higher energy density and longer service life [5,6]. At the same time, the cost of LIBs has been continuously reduced. The merits of LIBs give them a big hit in consumer electronics and electric vehicle (EV) applications. In recent years, LIBs have made great strides toward expanding into stationary energy storage market. Some analysts estimate that LIBs in stationary energy storage applications could create bigger markets than EV ones.The LIB cells for large-scale energy storage should have higher capacity of 280 to 320 Ah. Some manufacturers have even developed large capacity batterie. 2.1. Hierarchy and components of BESSBESS uses battery as energy storage carrier to store and release recyclable electric energy, which includes LIBs, electrical components, mechanical supports, thermal management system (TMS), power conversion system (PCS), energy management system (EMS), and battery management system (BMS).LIB mainly consists of cathodes, anodes, separators, electrolyte and collectors. Cathodes and anodes are carriers that store energy, contributing to Li+ storage and release. The separators divide flowing electrons of cathodes and anodes, allowing ions to flow through. The electrolyte contains lithium salts and organic solvents, which provide channel for Li+. The collectors contribute to the flow path of the external circuit electrons.TMS regulates and controls battery temperature by heating or cooling to ensure that the batteries work in an appropriate temperature range. PCS is connected between the battery system and the power grid (or load), tracking and controlling the charge and discharge power. By communicating with the BMS, PCS obtains the status information of battery pack, which could realize the protective operation to ensure the safety of batteries. EMS is the integration of energy and information, which acts on the BESS and grid connection system. In order to reasonably arrange the work of each part, EMS sends out control instructions to each par.
