When installing energy storage
batteries more people are becoming aware or the risks associated with batteries
that have a possibility of going into thermal runaway.
Over the last few years there
have been a number of reports of fires and explosions being caused by lithium
ion batteries.
‘Zombie batteries’
causing hundreds of waste fires, experts warn
More and more people are recognising that one of the major
issues with energy storage batteries are the dangers with fires and explosions
particularly associated with thermal runaway (self-sustaining fires). This has
become particularly relevant as people are considering installing the many
lithium ion battery technologies in their houses or businesses and are becoming
aware of the possibility of the dangers associated with this.
Standards Australia has been working on new installation
standards “AS-NZ 5139_2019” which will try and address this issue but there is
still a lot of discussion around whether the new installation restrictions are
too strict or are really looking at individual battery characteristics
correctly and fairly.
International Standard “UL9540A” has been developed to independently examine Fire Risk with Battery Cells and Evaluate Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Salt batteries – the only chemistry UL9540A certified for fire safety