Understanding ESS
Three Fire Protection Research Foundation projects on energy storage systems
SPRINKLER PROTECTION OF LI-ION BATTERY BASED ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
This 2018 project set out to determine sprinkler protection guidance for grid-connected ESS for commercial occupancies with 100 to 1,000 kWh capacities. The results of the large-scale free burn and sprinklered fire tests conducted during this project can be used to inform adequate separation distances to prevent fire spread to nearby combustibles, as well as sprinkler protection design criteria and water supply duration.
FIREFIGHTER SAFETY IN BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM FIRES
The goal of this 2017 project, led by the University of Texas at Austin in conjunction with the Fire Protection Research Foundation, was to establish a scientific basis for the fire service to develop standard operating guidelines for emergencies involving lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, and to disseminate research findings to the fire service. Deliverables from this project will provide practical resources, including a lithium-ion battery energy storage system simulation and training tool for the fire service to
address these emerging issues. Deliverables are expected in early 2020.
STRANDED ENERGY WITH LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
This project, begun in 2018, will develop a summary report of the present and anticipated hazards of stranded energy, related incidents, and established mitigation procedures for safely handling stranded energy within damaged lithium-ion batteries across the full spectrum of industry applications to provide guidance to first and second emergency responders. Deliverables are expected this summer.
For more information on these projects, visit nfpa.org/foundation.