The latest energy storage safety test standards

What's new in energy storage safety?

Since the publication of the first Energy Storage Safety Strategic Plan in 2014, there have been introductions of new technologies, new use cases, and new codes, standards, regulations, and testing methods. Additionally, failures in deployed energy storage systems (ESS) have led to new emergency response best practices.

Are battery energy storage systems safe?

Battery Energy Storage Systems are vital to modern energy infrastructure. However, they introduce various safety challenges that require attention. Mitigating these risks is essential to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and safety of these systems. Thermal runaway is one of the most serious risks in BESS.

What are the gaps in energy storage safety assessments?

One gap in current safety assessments is that validation tests are performed on new products under laboratory conditions, and do not reflect changes that can occur in service or as the product ages. Figure 4. Increasing safety certainty earlier in the energy storage development cycle. 8. Summary of Gaps

Are fire protection requirements not related to battery energy storage system equipment covered?

1.3 Fire protection requirements not related to battery energy storage system equipment are covered by appropriate installation codes. 1.4 See Figure 1.1 for a schematic of the test sequence in this document. See Appendix a which explains: c) Interpretation and application of the results.

What is a major risk of energy storage systems?

Increased deployment of energy storage systems has led to field failures in past years, heightening awareness of the dangers of thermal runaway. As this technology moves closer to our homes and places of work, battery manufacturers need to consider and evaluate the likelihood of fire propagation.

Can energy storage systems be scaled up?

The energy storage system can be scaled up by adding more flywheels. Flywheels are not generally attractive for large-scale grid support services that require many kWh or MWh of energy storage because of the cost, safety, and space requirements. The most prominent safety issue in flywheels is failure of the rotor while it is rotating.