Recent battery safety accidents have caused widespread concern in the industry. Therefore, safety is a key factor to consider when choosing an energy storage system. Given that there are many options for energy storage system customers in the market, we are willing to give suggestions to guide buyers to choose safer energy storage systems and energy storage products.
Recent battery incidents have made the news. For this reason, the topic of safety has re-emerged as a critical factor in selecting an energy storage system. Given numerous market alternatives, it is our belief that a proper search should lead buyers to the safest choices.
Our engineering team has spent years researching and comparing possible system architectures and component options across all energy storage systems. We have summarized here 13 key points to consider when choosing an energy storage system to help you make an informed choice when preparing for the installation of an energy storage system.
In designing Leclanché's new LeBlock modular stationary solution, our engineering team spent years studying and comparing all the possible architectures and options. We've distilled some of that learning here to assist you in making an informed choice when planning a battery installation and ensuring you've considered the safest options.
Choose the right cell
From a safety perspective, we distinguish between primary safety (what can be done to prevent accidents) and secondary safety (how to better control and manage the progress of accidents). The original safety is directly related to the cells of the energy storage system.
In terms of safety, we differentiate primary safety (what can be done to prevent incident occurrence) from secondary safety (how to better control and manage hazards once an incident is underway). Primary safety is directly linked to the cell itself.
The industry has different types of cells to choose from, and each has its advantages, but the most important thing is to choose cells that meet IEC62619 standards. As stated in its title, "Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes-Safety requirements for industrial-grade secondary lithium cells and batteries", this standard is specifically designed to ensure the safety of batteries.
There are different kind of battery cells; each with its advantages. But the most important to consider is that the cell is compliant with the IEC62619. As mentioned in its title, “Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes - Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries, for use in industrial applications," this standard is dedicated to the safety of the cells.
Ensure module, cabinet and container security integration
for modules and electrical cabinets: Ensure that the battery meets UL 1973 and IEC 62619 standards.
For modules and racks: Make sure the battery meets the UL 1973 and IEC 62619 standards.
Choosing a UL9540A-certified battery means that the energy storage system passed the UL agency's test to simulate thermal runaway to check whether the fire will spread.
Selecting a battery, which is UL9540A approved, means the system has been tested, simulating a thermal runaway incident, to check that the fire doesn't propagate.
Consider mechanical, thermal, electrical and safety constraints. All systems suitable for marine, transport or stationary applications go through an extensive testing and certification process.
As a 110-year old battery manufacturer, Leclanché has strong experience in battery integration taking into account mechanical, thermal, electrical and safety constraints. All systems for marine, transportation or stationary applications go through an extensive testing and qualification process.
Invest in safe battery management systems and energy management software
Using safe and standard-compliant components is a necessary first step to ensure that the battery has the highest level of safety; however, how to use the battery is also very critical. This is why the battery management system (BMS) should ensure that battery usage does not exceed its limits. In order to guarantee this functional safety, the BMS must be certified by the IEC61508, which is a standard related to the functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic systems.
Using safe and standard compliant components is the mandatory first step to ensure the highest possible safety level; however, how the battery is used is key too. That's why the battery management system (BMS) should ensure that the battery is not pushed beyond its limits. To provide this functional safety, the BMS must be certified according to IEC61508, the standard for functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems.
BMS generates a large amount of data, which is read by energy management software (EMS), saved locally and backed up regularly to a secure cloud system. All these data can be used for failure or deviation analysis of the battery and for system optimization.
The BMS generates a huge amount of data that are read by the energy management software (EMS ), saved locally and regularly backed-up to a secure cloud system. All these data can be used for analytic purposes to detect possible battery misbehaviour or deviations at an early stage as well as optimise system operation.
System Partition Better Contain Accidents
zoning the energy storage system within a solid enclosure helps prevent the onset and spread of fires.
Dividing the energy storage system and partitioning the battery system in solid enclosures helps to prevent a fire incident from spreading to an entire site.
LeBlock is Leclanch new, safe, modular, scalable, plug-and-play energy storage solutions. It is designed to simplify logistics and reduce total costs and carbon footprint.
LeBlock is Leclanché's new, safe, modular, scalable, plug & play energy storage solution. It has been designed to simplify logistics and reduce total costs and carbon footprint.
The battery module is placed in a high-strength container shell, which helps prevent the spread of fire.
With LeBlock, battery modules are placed in compact enclosures based on robust container technology. This helps to contain a potential fire within each block.
The shell has excellent fire resistance and thermal insulation properties, which can reduce the consumption of auxiliary sources, thereby ensuring that the battery is independent of the external environment and operates at a certain temperature (usually between 20 and 23°C).
The enclosures are highly fire resistant, providing the thermal insulation needed to minimise the auxiliary energy consumption to maintain the battery at a certain temperature - typically between 20 and 23°C- independent of the outside temperature.
Choosing the right fire protection system
Energy storage system zoning provides a passive way to improve safety, but there are also some active ways to combat fire. The goal of the fire protection system is to prevent non-battery fires from spreading to other cells in the cabinet, thereby preventing a small incident involving a small number of cells from becoming a large-scale fire, the consequences of which may spread to the entire cabinet or container. The standard fire protection system includes smoke and temperature sensors and an aerosol system, which will automatically trigger when the fire develops to a certain level.
Whereas partitioning provides a passive way to improve safety, there are some active ways to fight fires. The goal of a fire suppression system is to prevent a non-battery fire from reaching other cells in the block - preventing a small incident involving a few batteries from turning into a large-scale fire whose consequence could be the replacement of the entire container - or worse, an entire site. A standard fire detection and suppression system consists of smoke and heat detection sensors integrated, with automatic activation, into an aerosol extinguishing system.
Use explosion relief panels to ensure employee safety
Personnel safety is of paramount importance. Even if the energy storage site is secured, employees will work nearby during maintenance and routine system inspections. They may be standing next to storage cabinets and containers in the event of a fire or explosion. In order to protect their safety, the explosion relief panel can vent the pressure generated by the internal fire out of the top, ensuring that people working in the area are protected from side explosions.
The safety of personnel is key. Even if a site is secured, employees will be working nearby for maintenance and routine system checks. They could be standing next to a battery block when a fire or explosion takes place. In order to protect their safety, a deflagration panel enables the force of any internal pressure to be directed upwards. It ensures that people who are working in the area are protected from sidewards explosions.
Explosion venting panels shall be designed and manufactured in accordance with NFPA 68.
LeBlock is equipped with deflagration panels compliant with NFPA 68.
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