Continuing the discussion on standards for household energy storage systems (ESS), Certification standards for energy storage systems are crucial to ensure safety and performance. Among the key standards are:
- UL 9540: This is a comprehensive standard for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) which encompasses both the system as a whole and its components. It requires a UL 1973-certified battery pack and a UL 1741-certified inverter. The standard ensures that energy storage battery setup is configured correctly and that its components function together harmoniously.
- UL 9540A: This is a test method for evaluating the propagation of thermal runaway fire in energy storage systems battery. It doesn’t certify the batteries but helps determine how they would perform under fire conditions, providing crucial data for designing safer systems.
- NFPA 855: This standard, set by the National Fire Protection Association, outlines installation requirements for stationary energy storage systems. It focuses on preventing and managing fires in energy storage systems installations and requires specific safety labeling and installation practices, especially for large systems.
- IEC 62619: This international standard specifies requirements and tests for the safe operation of secondary lithium cells and batteries used in industrial applications, including stationery energy storage systems. It covers safety aspects considering electrical, mechanical, and thermal risks under intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse.
- ANSI/CAN/UL 1973: Specifically for energy storage battery used in light electric rail (LER) applications and stationary applications like energy storage and uninterruptible power supply (UPS), this standard addresses the basic safety and performance aspects of energy storage battery and its components .
- IEEE 1547 and IEEE 1547.1: These standards provide guidelines for the interconnection and interoperability of distributed energy resources with electric power systems and their interfaces. Applicable to the integration of energy storage battery that interact with the utility grid, ensuring compliance helps in maintaining system reliability and safety.
- IEC 62477-1: This safety standard is specific to power electronic converter systems and equipment. It addresses the requirements for safety measures related to electric shock, energy-related hazards, fire, mechanical and thermal aspects, and it’s particularly relevant to the power conversion equipment used in energy storage systems.
- IEC 62133: This series of standards applies to batteries and battery systems of either lithium-ion or nickel-based chemistry. They specify requirements for the safe operation of portable sealed secondary cells and batteries made from them, intended for use in various applications.
- IP Ratings (Ingress Protection): While not a standard exclusively for energy storage batteries, IP ratings are crucial for evaluating the enclosure’s effectiveness against intrusion from foreign bodies and moisture. For energy storage systems, ensuring a high IP rating can be critical, especially for those installed in outdoor or harsh environments.
- Thermal Management Systems: Although not a standard, thermal management in energy storage battery systems is a critical area covered under various standards to prevent thermal runaway and ensure efficient heat dissipation. Effective thermal management is vital for maintaining battery longevity and safety.
- Fire Safety and Hazard Mitigation: Standards like UL 9540A are crucial for testing and demonstrating how energy storage battery systems perform under extreme conditions, particularly concerning fire safety. This testing is instrumental in designing systems that can prevent or contain fires and mitigate other risks associated with battery operation.
Adherence to these standards ensures that energy storage systems are safe, efficient, and capable of meeting the rigorous demands of modern energy needs. They play a crucial role in allowing energy storage system technologies to be integrated into the grid safely and effectively, providing guidelines for everything from system installation to operational safety, including thermal management and emergency response protocols.
By following these standards, manufacturers and installers can guarantee that their energy storage system solutions are not only compliant with current regulations but are also prepared for future advancements and integration into smarter grids.
These standards are designed to mitigate risks associated with large energy storage systems, such as thermal runaway and fire hazards, ensuring that the systems are both safe and functional. It’s important for manufacturers and installers to comply with these standards to provide reliable and safe energy storage solutions.