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Fire protection for Li-ion

battery energy storage

systems

Protection of infrastructure, business

continuity and reputation

Li-ion battery energy storage systems cover a large range of applications,

including stationary energy storage in smart grids, UPS etc. These systems

combine high energy materials with highly flammable electrolytes.

Consequently, one of the main threats for this type of energy storage facility is

fire, which can have a significant impact on the viability of the installation.

▪ Loss of assets: a fire in a lithium-ion storage system that is not detected

and dealt with in its incipient phase can easily lead to an uncontrollable

event and may even lead to the complete loss of assets.

▪ Loss of revenue: any fire-related incident can lead to operational

interruptions and consequential loss of revenue.

▪ Damaged reputation: even minor fire-related incidents may lead to a lack

of confidence in the supplier (or the technology).

A comprehensive fire protection concept is therefore an essential pre-requisite

in managing the inherent risks and ensuring business continuity.

The main focus of this application guide is stationary storage systems with a

capacity of over 1 MWh. Such systems may form an integral part of the

electricity supply grid or may also be installed behind the meter in commercial

buildings such as offices and factories.

Summary of content (8 pages)

PAGE 1
Fire protection for Li-ion battery energy storage systems Protection of infrastructure, business continuity and reputation Li-ion battery energy storage systems cover a large range of applications, including stationary energy storage in smart grids, UPS etc. These systems combine high energy materials with highly flammable electrolytes. Consequently, one of the main threats for this type of energy storage facility is fire, which can have a significant impact on the viability of the installation.
PAGE 2
Content Content ................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Basic conditions...................................................................................................................................................
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Introduction Highlights ◼ The combination of high energy densities and flammable electrolytes puts high demands on associated fire protection systems. ◼ Statistics1 show that electrical fires account for over 25% of major fire losses in industrial companies. ◼ The importance of Li-ion battery storage systems has increased dramatically in recent years.
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Solution An effective fire protection system must fulfill the following requirements: • Detect a potential thermal runaway at the earliest possible stage • Quickly extinguish any incipient fires and prevent reignition • Prevent thermal runaway propagation • The extinguishing agent used shall not damage the sensitive technical equipment Early detection can be provided by an Aspirating Smoke Detection (ASD system), which is able to detect the electrolyte gases generated by the excessive overheating of
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Details Comments/Notes Automatic fire detectors The ASD system is able to detect the release of electrolyte gases, which is an early indication of excessive local overheating. Aspirating Smoke Detection system (e.g. FDA 241) Local regulations generally require a dual ASD system to activate the automated extinguishing process. • Siemens Aspirating Smoke Detection (FDA241) provides early fire detection with excellent reliability based on ASAtechnology.
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Practical experience Fire detection One of the first indications of potential thermal runaway is the generation of electrolyte gases, caused by excessive overheating of an individual cell The ability to detect these gases as early as possible is paramount in being able to intervene before large scale fire damage can occur.
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Aspirating Smoke Detection For early fire detection with excellent reliability and genuine alarm guarantee Aspirating Smoke Detection (ASD) systems from Siemens ensure reliable fire detection in demanding application areas, where very early fire detection is required and business continuity is paramount. Aspirating smoke detectors continually draw samples of air from the areas requiring protection and evaluate these samples for the presence of smoke.
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Smart Infrastructure intelligently connects energy systems, buildings and industries to adapt and evolve the way we live and work. We work together with customers and partners to create an ecosystem that intuitively responds to the needs of people and helps customers to better use resources. It helps our customers to thrive, communities to progress and supports sustainable development. Creating environments that care. siemens.com/smart-infrastructure Article no.