Abstract
This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the safety standards for energy storage battery systems across three representative regions: Europe, North America, and China. By analyzing mechanical safety, environmental adaptability, electrical safety, and thermal runaway, this paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of each standard and offers suggestions for practical applications in the energy storage battery industry. With the backdrop of global efforts towards carbon neutrality, batteries have emerged as ubiquitous energy storage devices. However, their widespread use has also led to an increase in battery-related fires, necessitating the development of robust safety standards.
1. Introduction
The pursuit of sustainable energy sources and the implementation of carbon neutrality goals have accelerated the adoption of energy storage technologies worldwide. Among these, batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, have gained prominence due to their high energy density and versatility. Nevertheless, their increasing prevalence has underscored the need for rigorous safety standards to prevent accidents such as fires and explosions. Various countries and regions have formulated their own standards based on local conditions and development levels. This article compares the most prominent safety standards from Europe (IEC series), North America (UL series), and China (GB/T series), focusing on mechanical safety, environmental adaptability, electrical safety, and thermal runaway.
2. Overview of Safety Standards for Energy Storage Battery Systems
Each region’s safety standards are tailored to meet the unique challenges and requirements of its local energy storage market. The table below summarizes the primary standards in use:
| Region/Country | Key Energy Storage Battery Standards |
|---|---|
| Europe | IEC 62619, IEC 63056 |
| North America | UL 1973, UL 9540A, UL 9540 |
| China | GB/T 36276, GB/T 34131, GB/T 34120 |
| Japan | JIS C 8715-2 |
| Korea | KC 62619 |
| Australia | AS/NZS 5139 |
| Germany | VDE-AR-E 2510-50 |
3. Mechanical Safety Tests
Mechanical safety tests evaluate the performance of energy storage battery systems under various physical stresses. The table below compares the mechanical safety tests included in the IEC, UL, and GB/T standards:
| Test Type | IEC | UL | GB/T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Test | √ | √ | – |
| Drop Test | √ | √ | √ |
| Vibration Test | √ | √ | √ |
| Wall Mount Fixture Test | – | √ | √ |
The UL series standards cover a broader range of mechanical safety tests, reflecting a greater consideration for local usage scenarios. In contrast, the IEC series tends to be less comprehensive in this regard, unless specified by clients. The GB/T series falls somewhere in between, including both impact and drop tests but not always including additional fixtures or mounting tests.
4. Environmental Adaptability Tests
Environmental adaptability tests assess the battery system’s ability to function normally under harsh conditions. The following table summarizes the environmental tests conducted under each standard:
| Test Type | IEC | UL | GB/T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal Cycle | – | √ | – |
| Humidity Test | – | √ | √ |
| Salt Spray | – | √ | √ |
UL standards generally incorporate more extensive environmental testing, including thermal cycling, humidity, and salt spray tests. IEC standards typically do not explicitly cover these tests, referring to other IEC standards (e.g., IEC 60529) for guidance. The GB/T series includes humidity and salt spray tests but not thermal cycling.
5. Electrical Safety Tests
Electrical safety tests verify the battery system’s resilience against common electrical hazards. The comparison table below outlines the electrical safety tests included in each standard:
| Test Type | IEC | UL | GB/T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Circuit | √ | √ | – |
| Overcharge Test | √ | √ | √ |
| Overdischarge Test | √ | √ | √ |
Explanation:
The table above compares the electrical safety tests included in the IEC, UL, and GB/T standards for energy storage battery systems.
- Short Circuit Test (短路试验): This test evaluates the battery system’s response to a short circuit condition. All three standards, IEC, UL, and GB/T, include this test to ensure the battery system can safely handle a short circuit without causing harm.
- Overcharge Test (过充电试验): The overcharge test simulates a situation where the battery is charged beyond its normal capacity. This test is crucial to ensure the battery system can withstand overcharging without causing damage or safety hazards. All three standards, IEC, UL, and GB/T, include this test.
- Overdischarge Test (过放电试验): The overdischarge test simulates a situation where the battery is discharged beyond its normal limits. This test is important to ensure the battery system can handle overdischarging without causing permanent damage or safety risks. Similar to the other electrical safety tests, all three standards, IEC, UL, and GB/T, include this test.
The electrical safety tests in these standards aim to ensure that the battery system can safely operate under various electrical hazards, including short circuits, overcharging, and overdischarging. The IEC, UL, and GB/T standards have similar test requirements but may differ in their specific test conditions, evaluation criteria, and acceptance standards.