The battery energy storage system (BESS) market has experienced significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. However, the growth of this market poses a challenge to industry stakeholders, who must ensure the safe and reliable operation of these systems. In response to these challenges, UL Solutions, a US-based applied safety science company, has announced significant enhancements to the testing methods for BESS. These enhancements reflect updates found in the fifth edition of ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A, the Standard Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems. The fifth edition was published by UL Standards & Engagement after collaboration with the energy storage industry, regulatory authorities, and others serving on the standard’s technical committee.
Addressing Fire Risk Mitigation
UL Solutions emphasizes the importance of addressing fire risk mitigation in the development of battery energy storage systems. According to the company, the new testing methods address industry innovations, including test methods for non-lithium-ion battery chemistries, such as sodium-ion batteries. These test methods reflect the evolution of battery technology while continuing to address fire risk mitigation.
- Test methods for non-lithium-ion battery chemistries, such as sodium-ion batteries
- Addressing fire risk mitigation in the development of battery energy storage systems
- Evolution of battery technology reflected in the new test methods
Collaborative Efforts
UL Solutions is committed to working with industry stakeholders to bring safer products to market and empower the safe and sustainable growth of the energy storage market. The company’s collaborative efforts with regulatory authorities, the energy storage industry, and others serving on the standard’s technical committee have contributed to the updates found in the fifth edition of ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A.
“We are committed to working with industry to bring safer products to market and empower the safe and sustainable growth of the energy storage market,” said Wesley Kwok, vice president and general manager of the Energy and Industrial Automation group at UL Solutions. “These collaborative efforts with industry stakeholders and the fire safety community ultimately enhance the resilience of our energy infrastructure and protect communities worldwide.”
Importance of ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A
ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A provides a standardized test method to determine a battery technology’s susceptibility to thermal runaway, a chemical reaction that causes a battery to increase in temperature and pressure rapidly and can lead to significant safety issues, such as fire and explosions.
| Key Components of ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A | Explanations |
|---|---|
| Thermal runaway | A chemical reaction that causes a battery to increase in temperature and pressure rapidly and can lead to significant safety issues, such as fire and explosions. |
| Fire and explosion hazards | Due to thermal runaway, such as the ejection of hot particles. |
| Testing and evaluation | A standardized test method to determine the necessary fire and explosion protection needed for tested BESS installations. |
Global Energy Transition
The rapid integration of energy storage across all sectors demands unwavering focus on mitigating fire and explosion risks and close engagement with industry, regulators, and other experts. Safety and reliability are paramount to the global energy transition. The data from this test method helps bolster practical and effective safety measures within the industry. “The rapid integration of energy storage across all sectors demands unwavering focus on mitigating fire and explosion risks and close engagement with industry, regulators and other experts,” said Ken Boyce, vice president of Principal Engineering at UL Solutions. “This must be accomplished with a strong foundation of science, as safety and reliability are paramount to the global energy transition.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, UL Solutions’ enhancements to the testing methods for battery energy storage systems reflect the company’s commitment to working with industry stakeholders to bring safer products to market and empower the safe and sustainable growth of the energy storage market. The updates found in the fifth edition of ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A address industry innovations, including test methods for non-lithium-ion battery chemistries, while continuing to address fire risk mitigation. As the energy storage market continues to grow, it is essential for industry stakeholders to prioritize safety and reliability in the development of these systems.
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