Fire resistance rating of electrochemical energy storage container

Are there fire codes for energy storage systems?

Fire codes are important when specifying or reviewing the fire safety of an energy storage system. However, not every situation can or will be covered by the fire codes for energy storage systems.

What is the International fire code for storage battery systems?

The 2018 International Fire Code, Section 608, covers Fire Codes for Energy Storage Systems, specifically Stationary Storage Battery Systems (with permission of the International Code Council).

What is the NFPA 855 standard for stationary energy storage systems?

Setting up minimum separation from walls, openings, and other structural elements. The National Fire Protection Association NFPA 855 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems provides the minimum requirements for mitigating hazards associated with ESS of diferent battery types.

Are battery energy storage systems safe?

Owners of energy storage need to be sure that they can deploy systems safely. Over a recent 18-month period ending in early 2020, over two dozen large-scale battery energy storage sites around the world had experienced failures that resulted in destructive fires. In total, more than 180 MWh were involved in the fires.

Are lithium-ion battery energy storage systems a fire hazard?

While lithium-ion battery energy storage systems are a relatively new technology and phenomenon, there have been several notable events where significant fires and explosions have occurred in which thermal runaway was instrumental in the magnitude of the loss.

Do energy storage systems need a CSR?

Until existing model codes and standards are updated or new ones developed and then adopted, one seeking to deploy energy storage technologies or needing to verify an installation’s safety may be challenged in applying current CSRs to an energy storage system (ESS).