Gaborone state energy storage fire fighting

Do fire departments need better training to deal with energy storage system hazards?

Fire departments need data, research, and better training to deal with energy storage system (ESS) hazards. These are the key findings shared by UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) and presented by Sean DeCrane, International Association of Fire Fighters Director of Health and Safety Operational Services at SEAC’s May 2023 General Meeting.

Are battery energy storage systems safe?

Owners of energy storage need to be sure that they can deploy systems safely. Over a recent 18-month period ending in early 2020, over two dozen large-scale battery energy storage sites around the world had experienced failures that resulted in destructive fires. In total, more than 180 MWh were involved in the fires.

Can lithium-ion battery ESS be used for fire suppression and explosion prevention?

Recommendation: Research and testing on fire suppression and explosion prevention systems for lithium-ion battery ESS should address project sites over an extended period of time.

What is NFPA 69 combustible concentration?

If implementing an explosion prevention system according to NFPA 69, the combustible concentration shall be maintained at or below 25 percent of LFL for all foreseeable variations in operating conditions and material loadings. One option for achieving these requirements is by ventilation or air dilution.