Battery Energy Storage Systems - Fire Safety Top Tips
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Fire Safety & Risk Management - Top Tips
Introduction
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are crucial for storing excess energy, typically generated by renewable sources like solar and wind, to be used during periods of high demand. These systems predominantly use lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density and low self- discharge properties. As the number of BESS installations increases to support energy sector decarbonisation, there is a growing need to address the risks associated with these systems, particularly fire risks.
Key Issues
One of the main risks associated with BESS is the potential for fires, particularly due to the high energy stored within lithium-ion batteries. Each BESS contains numerous battery cells that can enter thermal runaway, where internal heat causes rapid cell-to-cell fire propagation. Common causes of thermal runaway can include:
• Incorrect operation of the equipment
• Manufacturing faults
• Improper installation
• Overheating, stress, or damage to the batteries
• Failure of the battery management system (BMS)
Additional challenges in managing BESS fires include:
• Remote locations/access challenges
• Lack of industry standards for lithium-ion battery quality and fire spread
• Difficulty in accessing water to extinguish fires in metal containers
• Generation of toxic gases and potential environmental pollution from contaminated fire- water runoff • Security risks associated with unmanned BESS sites, including theft and damage
Risk Management Good Practice
To mitigate the risks associated with BESS installations, the following measures could be considered as part of your Fire Risk Assessment:
• Fire Risk Assessment (FRA): Conduct or update a fully documented FRA to include BESS, specifying emergency response and shut-down procedures in the event of toxic gas emissions.
• BMS Integration: Implement a BMS to control and isolate battery units during anomalies.
• Containment: House BESS in non-combustible containers or in structures with a minimum 2-hour fire rating. Consider a 5m separation between BESS units and other structures.
• Compartmentation: Include thermal barriers between switchgear and battery modules to prevent overheating and thermal runaway.
• Cooling and Detection Systems: Install cooling systems and smoke/off-gas detectors to ensure early detection of potential fires.
• Fire Suppression: Equip BESS with automatic suppression systems
• Security Measures: Install perimeter fencing, CCTV, intruder alarms, and ensure proper lighting for nighttime surveillance.
• Emergency Response Plan: Develop and maintain an emergency response plan, complete with site maps, contact numbers, and locations of water supplies and pollution control devices.
• Flood Risk Assessment: Avoid developing BESS in high flood risk areas unless adequately assessed and mitigated.
• Use of New Batteries: Prefer new batteries over second-hand ones to minimise failure risks.
Emergency plans/Premises Information boxes (sometimes known as ‘Gerda Boxes’)
Emergency plans boxes are crucial for ensuring that first responders and maintenance teams have quick access to vital information about the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site. See our Gerda Boxes. There are several documents you could include in these boxes to enhance safety and preparedness, consider which of the following are relevant to your installation:
1. Emergency Response Plan
• Description: A comprehensive document outlining the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, explosion, or hazardous material spill.
• Contents:
o Steps for emergency shutdown of the BESS
o Contact information for key personnel and emergency services
o Evacuation routes and muster points
o Procedures for notifying local authorities and stakeholders
2. Site Layout and Installation Drawings
• Description: Detailed maps and diagrams of the BESS site, including the location of equipment, fire protection systems, and access points.
• Contents:
o Site layout with labelled sections (e.g., battery modules, control rooms, security fences)
o Fire hydrant, water supply, and sprinkler system locations o Placement of emergency exits and escape routes
o Location of electrical panels and disconnect switches
3. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Description: Information sheets for the batteries and other chemicals on site, detailing their properties and safe handling procedures.
• Contents:
o Chemical composition and potential hazards
o First aid measures and firefighting procedures
o Spill or leak handling and disposal guidelines
o Safety precautions and protective equipment recommendations
4. Fire Safety and Suppression System Documentation
• Description: Documents related to the fire detection and suppression systems installed at the site.
• Contents:
o Types and locations of fire detection systems (e.g., smoke detectors, heat sensors)
o Description and location of fire suppression systems (e.g., sprinklers, foam systems)
o Maintenance records and inspection schedules for fire protection equipment
o Procedures for manually activating or deactivating the suppression systems
o Summary of the ‘Cause and effect’ of both fire detection and suppression systems
5. Security and Access Control Protocols
• Description: Guidelines and procedures to ensure the security of the BESS site and prevent unauthorised access.
• Contents:
o Security measures in place (e.g., fencing, cameras, alarm systems)
o Access control policies and procedures for authorised personnel
o Emergency contact list for security incidents
o Procedures for reporting and responding to security breaches
6. Maintenance and Inspection Records
• Description: Logs and reports documenting the maintenance and inspections performed on the BESS and associated equipment.
• Contents:
o Scheduled maintenance and inspection checklists
o Records of any repairs or replacements conducted
o Dates and results of thermal imaging inspections
o Notes on any issues or irregularities observed during inspections
7. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Reports
• Description: Reports detailing the potential hazards associated with the BESS and the measures in place to mitigate them.
• Contents:
o Identification of potential risks (e.g., thermal runaway, electrical faults, security threats)
o Analysis of the likelihood and impact of each hazard
o Risk mitigation strategies and control measures o Updates and revisions to the risk assessment based on new information or incidents
8. Flood Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
• Description: Assessment of the site's vulnerability to flooding and the measures in place to protect the BESS.
• Contents:
o Flood risk analysis based on the site's location and historical data
o Flood prevention and mitigation strategies (e.g., elevation, barriers, drainage)
o Emergency response procedures in case of a flood
o Contact information for local authorities and flood response teams
9. Utility and Infrastructure Documentation
• Description: Information about the utilities and infrastructure supporting the BESS, including electrical and water systems.
• Contents:
o Layout and schematics of electrical systems and connections
o Locations of water supply lines and drainage systems o Contact information for utility providers and maintenance personnel
o Procedures for isolating or shutting down utilities in an emergency 10. Training and Certification Records
• Description:
Documentation of training and certifications for personnel who operate or maintain the BESS.
• Contents:
o Training schedules and attendance records
o Copies of certifications and qualifications for staff
o Records of emergency drills and exercises conducted on-site
o Feedback and evaluations from training sessions
11. Incident and Accident Reports
• Description: Records of any incidents or accidents that have occurred on the BESS site.
• Contents:
o Date, time, and description of each incident or accident
o Actions taken in response to the incident
o Follow-up measures and corrective actions implemented
o Recommendations for preventing future incidents
12. Contact Information for External Resources
• Description: A list of external resources and contacts that can assist in an emergency.
• Contents:
o Local fire department and emergency services contacts
o Environmental protection and hazardous materials response teams
o Insurance company and risk management contacts
o Equipment suppliers and technical support contacts
By installing these documents within the emergency plans boxes at your BESS site, you can ensure that first responders and site personnel have access to the critical information they need to respond effectively to emergencies and maintain the safety and security of the site.