Energy storage cabinet fire protection effect demonstration

Are energy storage systems flammable?

These systems combine high energy materials with highly flammable electrolytes. Consequently, one of the main threats for this type of energy storage facility is fire, which can have a significant impact on the viability of the installation.

Are lithium-ion Bess fire suppression systems effective?

Given the special hazard nature of lithium-ion BESSs, special fire suppression systems are in order. Traditional fire suppression systems are often ineffective or inefficient. Take sprinkler systems, for example. While testing has demonstrated them to be effective in extinguishing a lithium-ion battery fire, there are still drawbacks to using them.

Can a clean agent fire suppression system stop thermal runaway?

The clean agent fire suppression system was incapable of stopping thermal runaway. The facility lacked thermal barriers between battery cells; this lack of barriers allowed the thermal runaway event to cascade to adjacent cells. Without a means to ventilate the enclosure, the flammable off-gases from the batteries concentrated.

What are the standards for ESS fire suppression systems?

Two commonly referenced standards for ESS fire suppression systems are FM Global Data Sheet (FM DS) 5-33 and NFPA 855. In the event of thermal runaway, it is essential to rapidly cool the affected module and its surroundings to prevent a chain reaction of battery fires.

Does NFPA 855 permit alternative fire suppression systems?

NFPA 855 also permits the use of alternative fire suppression systems if they successfully pass large-scale fire testing in accordance with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 9540A, “Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems,” or an equivalent standard.

What is an energy storage system (ESS) enclosure?

An energy storage system (ESS) enclosure typically comprises multiple racks, each containing several modules (Figure 1). These modules consist of numerous lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells, which function as rechargeable batteries designed to store and discharge electrical energy.