Level 1 fire zone energy storage battery capacity

What is the International fire code for storage battery systems?

The 2018 International Fire Code, Section 608, covers Fire Codes for Energy Storage Systems, specifically Stationary Storage Battery Systems (with permission of the International Code Council).

Are lithium-ion battery energy storage systems a fire hazard?

While lithium-ion battery energy storage systems are a relatively new technology and phenomenon, there have been several notable events where significant fires and explosions have occurred in which thermal runaway was instrumental in the magnitude of the loss.

How many MWh of battery energy were involved in the fires?

In total, more than 180 MWh were involved in the fires. For context, Wood Mackenzie, which conducts power and renewable energy research, estimates 17.9 GWh of cumulative battery energy storage capacity was operating globally in that same period, implying that nearly 1 out of every 100 MWh had failed in this way.1

Are there fire codes for energy storage systems?

Fire codes are important when specifying or reviewing the fire safety of an energy storage system. However, not every situation can or will be covered by the fire codes for energy storage systems.

Should energy storage systems be protected by NFPA 13?

According to the Fire Protection Research Foundation of the US National Fire Department in June 2019, the first energy storage system nozzle research based on UL-based tests was released. Currently, the energy storage system needs to be protected by the NFPA 13 sprinkler system as required.

What are the NFPA 855 requirements for energy storage systems?

For example, for all types of energy storage systems such as lithium-ion batteries and flow batteries, the upper limit of storage energy is 600 kWh, and all lead-acid batteries have no upper limit. The requirements of NFPA 855 also vary depending on where the energy storage system is located.