Fire protection management measures for new energy storage projects

What is battery energy storage fire prevention & mitigation?

In 2019, EPRI began the Battery Energy Storage Fire Prevention and Mitigation – Phase I research project, convened a group of experts, and conducted a series of energy storage site surveys and industry workshops to identify critical research and development (R&D) needs regarding battery safety.

What is an energy storage roadmap?

This roadmap provides necessary information to support owners, opera-tors, and developers of energy storage in proactively designing, building, operating, and maintaining these systems to minimize fire risk and ensure the safety of the public, operators, and environment.

Where can I find information on energy storage failures?

For up-to-date public data on energy storage failures, see the EPRI BESS Failure Event Database.2 The Energy Storage Integration Coun-cil (ESIC) Energy Storage Reference Fire Hazard Mitigation Analysis (ESIC Reference HMA),3 illustrates the complexity of achieving safe storage systems.

Do fire suppression methods increase the risk of deflagration?

However, the realization that common fire suppression methods can lead to increased risk of deflagration brings this premise into question. Allowing gases to burn can reduce the risk that suficient quantities of flammable gases will accumulate to present a deflagration risk.

How are Bess installations evaluated for fire protection and Hazard Mitigation?

In 2020 and 2021, eight BESS installations were evaluated for fire protection and hazard mitigation using the ESIC Reference HMA. Review specifications, design drawings, performance data, and operations and maintenance documentation provided by the site host participant. Document important safety-relevant features (and lack thereof).

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