Energy storage safety and security refers to the measures, practices, and technologies employed to ensure the reliable and safe operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) throughout its lifecycle. It encompasses aspects like design, installation, operation, maintenance, and emergency response to minimise risks to people, property, and the environment.

When choosing a BESS manufacturer, it is crucial to consider their commitment to safety and security for the following reasons:

• Protection of human lives
  A safe and secure BESS helps prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities due to electrical hazards, chemical exposure, and thermal runaway events.
• Asset protection
  Proper safety measures minimise the risk of equipment damage, reducing downtime and repair costs over the lifetime of the investment.
• Regulatory compliance 
  Adhering to safety standards and regulations helps avoid legal complications, fines, and penalties by regulatory authorities.
• Environmental responsibility 
  A secure BESS ensures that hazardous materials are managed correctly, preventing environmental contamination and harm to ecosystems.
• Business continuity
  A well-secured BESS contributes to the stability and resiliency of the overall energy system, reducing the risk of outages and ensuring a reliable power supply. By minimising downtime through fire safety measures, businesses maintain operational efficiency, ultimately improving the ROI of their BESS investment.

 

 

Common types of fire hazards in BESS

In this section, we explore the common types of fire hazards in battery energy storage systems (BESS) and the measures taken by Trina Storage to minimise and eliminate these risks. Understanding these potential hazards is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of BESS, safeguarding assets, and protecting the environment.

Thermal runaway

Thermal runaway, although a rare occurrence, can pose a significant risk in battery energy storage systems (BESS). At Trina Storage, we mitigate this risk by utilising inherently safe lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, subjecting our systems to rigorous testing, and ensuring compliance with industry certification standards. These proactive measures greatly reduce the likelihood of thermal runaway events, maintaining the safety and integrity of our BESS solutions.

Electrical shorts

Electrical shorts, typically caused by loose cabling due to wear and tear or inadequate maintenance, can also contribute to fire hazards in BESS. Trina Storage addresses this concern through our meticulous maintenance process, which includes regular inspection of all cabling. Additionally, our early warning algorithms detect potential issues by identifying high resistance areas in circuits through temperature mismatch monitoring. Our 3-level (cell-pack-system) Battery Management System (BMS) plays a crucial role in ensuring safe operation of the battery system:

●   Advanced, configurable multi-level topology provides real-time monitoring of all critical cell parameters

●   Safe shutdown and isolation failures are handled directly and automatically by the BMS

●   Early warning and configurable alarm levels for all safety critical parameters

 

By identifying over/under temperature, over/under current, and electrical isolation failure, the BMS contributes to overall fire safety. While internal short circuits within battery cells are rare, we also provide comprehensive fire and safety guidelines to further minimise risks.

 

External factors

External factors such as site works, deliberate sabotage, or equipment theft can leave a BESS vulnerable to damage and the consequences of abuse. The owners and site operators should implement strict safety protocols on-site and employ shutdown procedures that isolate affected areas in response to communication loss or other triggers. These shutdowns prompt alerts to the site operator, who can then investigate the issue using established safety investigation strategies.

Water or coolant leaks

Water or coolant leaks were once among the most common causes of fires in BESS. However, advancements in technology have led to improved cooling systems and early detection methods for coolant loss or pressure changes. Trina Storage has integrated these developments into our BESS solutions, further enhancing the safety and reliability of our systems while reducing the likelihood of fire hazards related to water or coolant leaks.

Understanding and addressing these potential consequences is essential for BESS operators and manufacturers to ensure the safety, reliability, and long-term success of their systems.

 

Fire safety systems for BESS

Effective fire detection systems are crucial in ensuring the safety and reliability of battery energy storage systems (BESS). Trina Storage incorporates a comprehensive suite of fire protection equipment into our solutions, working seamlessly with the battery management system and site-wide controls to initiate prompt response protocols.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors serve as the first line of defence in detecting fires in their early stages. By continuously monitoring the air for smoke particles, these detectors can identify potential fire incidents before they escalate.

Heat Detectors

Heat detectors play a vital role in identifying abnormal temperature increases, which may be indicative of a fire or a developing hazardous situation. These detectors are designed to trigger an alarm when the ambient temperature reaches a predefined threshold or when a rapid temperature rise is detected.

Gas Detectors

Gas detectors add another layer of protection by monitoring the environment for hazardous gases, such as hydrogen or other combustible gases that may result from battery failures. In the event of a gas leak, these detectors trigger an alarm, alerting site operators and initiating appropriate safety measures to contain and mitigate potential risks.

Fire Suppression Systems

Fire suppression systems are a crucial part of our fire safety measures, utilising a specialised aerosol mixture of water and glycol to effectively mitigate fires. These systems rapidly disperse the fire suppressant, cooling the affected area and extinguishing flames before they can spread.

Active Ventilation Systems

Active ventilation systems play a vital role in maintaining a safe environment within the BESS by continuously exchanging air and removing heat, ensuring that temperatures stay within safe operating limits. This helps prevent the buildup of combustible gases and reduces the risk of thermal runaway events.

Together, these fire detection systems form a crucial component of Trina Storage's commitment to safety and security, ensuring our BESS solutions remain dependable and robust in the face of potential fire hazards.

 

BESS fire safety standards

Adhering to strict regulations and standards is paramount for ensuring the fire safety of battery energy storage systems (BESS). Trina Storage Elementa is dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of safety and performance, adhering to and complying with all relevant safety and certification standards across key markets. By closely following industry best practices and constantly updating our processes to meet evolving regulations, we ensure that our products consistently deliver reliable energy storage solutions that meet the rigorous demands of global customers and regulatory bodies alike.

Here are an example of BESS fire safety standards:

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards

●   NFPA 855
NFPA 855 is a comprehensive standard that provides guidelines specifically for the design, construction, and operation of energy storage systems (ESS). This addresses key fire safety aspects such as ventilation, fire suppression, and system separation. By adhering to these guidelines, energy storage systems can be deployed with confidence, ensuring that fire safety considerations are effectively managed and mitigated.

●   UL 9540 and UL 1973
In addition to NFPA 855, Trina Storage also adheres to the UL 9540 and UL 1973 standards. UL 9540 addresses the safety of ESS and their components, while UL 1973 focuses on the safety and performance of stationary batteries. By obtaining these certifications, we demonstrate our commitment to providing high-quality and safe energy storage solutions.

International Safety Standards

Trina Storage recognizes the importance of meeting global safety benchmarks. As such, we strive to comply with various international safety standards that govern the design, construction, and operation of BESS. This commitment ensures that our products are reliable and secure, regardless of the region in which they are deployed.

 

Best practices for BESS fire safety management

Ensuring fire safety in battery energy storage systems (BESS) requires the implementation of best practices throughout the entire lifecycle of the system. Trina Storage is committed to promoting and incorporating these practices to minimise fire risks and protect people, property, and the environment.

Proper installation and design

Adhering to established guidelines and standards, such as NFPA 855, is crucial for ensuring the safe installation and design of BESS. This involves considerations like appropriate ventilation, fire suppression systems, and the use of fire-resistant materials.

Regular maintenance and inspection

Routine maintenance and inspection are vital in identifying and addressing potential fire hazards before they escalate. Trina Storage recommends scheduling regular check-ups to examine battery cells, connections, cooling systems, and fire detection equipment. By maintaining optimal system performance and promptly resolving any issues, the risk of fire incidents can be significantly reduced.

Training and education

Empowering personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle BESS is key to maintaining fire safety. Trina Storage encourages comprehensive training and education for site operators, maintenance staff, and emergency responders. This includes understanding the system components, potential hazards, and proper procedures for operating, maintaining, and responding to emergencies involving BESS.

Emergency response planning

Developing a well-defined emergency response plan is essential for minimising the impact of potential fire incidents. This plan should outline the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, effective communication channels, and steps for addressing various emergency scenarios.

 

Personnel safety in BESS operations

Safeguarding personnel during the operation and maintenance of battery energy storage systems (BESS) is of utmost importance. Trina Storage emphasises the need for proper safety measures, adherence to onsite rules, and the use of appropriate tools to ensure a secure working environment for everyone involved.

Manual service disconnects

Manual service disconnects are a critical component for personnel safety in BESS. These devices enable the isolation of electrical circuits or components during maintenance, reducing the risk of electrical shock or other hazards.

Arcing Prevention

Arcing poses a significant danger to maintenance staff, potentially causing severe burns or other injuries. Adequate training is essential to minimise the risk of arcing incidents. Comprehensive training programs are required to equip personnel with the knowledge and skills to perform maintenance tasks safely and effectively while avoiding arcing hazards.

Adherence to onsite safety rules

Strict adherence to onsite safety rules is crucial for ensuring a secure working environment. Trina Storage collaborates with customers to establish and enforce clear safety guidelines for all personnel working on or around our BESS solutions. These rules cover aspects such as personal protective equipment (PPE), lockout/tagout procedures, and emergency response protocols.

Proper tools and rigorous maintenance

Using the appropriate tools and conducting rigorous maintenance is essential for ensuring personnel safety during BESS operations such as insulated tools, voltage testers, and arc flash protection equipment. This not only reduces the risk of accidents but also helps maintain the overall system performance and reliability.

 

Conclusion

BESS safety and security are crucial aspects to consider when choosing a supplier. As presented in this article, Trina Storage is committed to delivering reliable and safe energy storage solutions by adhering to strict industry standards, incorporating state-of-the-art fire detection systems, and implementing best practices for design, installation, maintenance, and emergency response. By choosing Trina Storage, you can be confident that you are investing in a secure, high-quality, and environmentally responsible energy storage solution that will stand the test of time.