Applications: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

ESS Safety - Codes And Standards The US DOE provides a template for authorities which aim to procure BESS and highlights the relevant codes and standards. The following standards have been added in the 2024 template: NFPA 68 This standard deals with explosion protection through deflagration venting. In the context of BESS, this involves designing ventilation systems to safely release pressure in the event of an explosion, preventing catastrophic failure. NFPA 69 This standard focuses on explosion prevention systems, such as those that detect and suppress explosions before they can cause significant damage. For BESS, this involves installing fire suppression systems, gas detection systems, and other measures to prevent fires and explosions within the battery modules. NFPA 72 This standard covers fire alarm and signaling systems. For BESS, this involves installing fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other early warning systems to detect fires and initiate appropriate responses, such as activating fire suppression systems or alerting personnel. Other relevant codes and standards: CODE/STANDARD

DESCRIPTION

NFPA 70

National Electrical Code

NFPA 855

Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems

UL 1642

Standard for Lithium Batteries

UL 1973

Batteries for Use in Light Electric Rail Applications and Stationary Applications

UL 9540

Energy Storage Systems and Equipment

CODE/STANDARD

DESCRIPTION

UL 9540A

Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems

IEEE 1547

Standard for Interconnection and Interoperability of Distributed Energy Resources with Associated Electrical 1 Power System Interfaces

UL 1741

Standard for Static Inverters and Charge, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment

UL 621091

Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems – Part 1 General requirements

As part of effort to reduce fire and improve safety, AHJʼs and fire marshals are requiring these two documents for ESS system installations: 1 Emergency response plan and 2 Decommissioning plan/guide. Source: Energy.gov, Energy.gov

Extracted from the PDF; charts and images may read imperfectly.