**Abstract**

As the adaptation of lithium (Li) ion batteries (LIBs) in energy storage systems is becoming more prevalent by the day, the issue of safe and environmentally responsible design, installation, and operation of these batteries is posing a rapidly growing challenge. It is imperative to develop realistic multi-physics and multi-scale models that are useful not only for analyzing the thermal runaway (TR) events at the singlecell level but also for modular LIB designs. This needs to be accompanied by the development of easier-to-follow empirical rules and straightforward analytical models as our knowledge of TR events grows over time. The unpredictable nature of TR events and the grave fire and explosion dangers that are particularly associated with violent TR events at the modular level require employing large-scale real-time evaluation of these events as well. Although more innovative battery health indicators are being developed and employed, it is still very challenging to arrest catastrophic TR events in time. The review herein seeks to explore advanced modeling and experimental approaches holistically. The challenges and possibilities of different active and passive thermal management strategies are also critically elaborated for LIB modular designs.

**Keywords:** lithium-ion batteries, thermal runaway, modeling, calorimetry, thermal management
