Fire protection design standard requirements for energy storage plants

What are the fire and building codes for energy storage systems?

However, many designers and installers, especially those new to energy storage systems, are unfamiliar with the fire and building codes pertaining to battery installations. Another code-making body is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Some states adopt the NFPA 1 Fire Code rather than the IFC.

What are fire codes & standards?

Fire codes and standards inform energy storage system design and installation and serve as a backstop to protect homes, families, commercial facilities, and personnel, including our solar-plus-storage businesses. It is crucial to understand which codes and standards apply to any given project, as well as why they were put in place to begin with.

What are the standards for ESS fire suppression systems?

Two commonly referenced standards for ESS fire suppression systems are FM Global Data Sheet (FM DS) 5-33 and NFPA 855. In the event of thermal runaway, it is essential to rapidly cool the affected module and its surroundings to prevent a chain reaction of battery fires.

Why are building and fire codes important?

Before diving into the specifics of energy storage system (ESS) fire codes, it is crucial to understand why building and fire codes are so relevant to the success of our industry. The solar industry is experiencing a steady and significant increase in interest in energy storage systems and their deployment.

What is the minimum sprinkler density required for ESS?

According to a June 2019 research report titled “Development of Sprinkler Protection Guidance for Lithium-Ion Based Energy Storage Systems” by FM Global, the minimum sprinkler density required for ESS is 12.2 liters per minute per square meter (Lpm/m 2), or 0.3 gallons per minute per square foot (gpm/ft 2), for both LFP and NMC batteries.

What should be considered when installing a PV system?

ing should be done on a representative installation configuration. Other siting considerations include minimum distances, installation instructions, or relevant safety standards that might address this new application of ESS such as UL 2703, which covers the fire rating of the PV system (i.e., PV modules, racking, and roofing) and might n