greenenergy
Advertisement
  • Home
  • Solar
  • Wind
  • Hydroelectricity
  • Ocean Energy
  • Biomass
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Solar
  • Wind
  • Hydroelectricity
  • Ocean Energy
  • Biomass
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Green Energy News
No Result
View All Result
Home Solar

How NFPA 855 could change residential battery-based systems

Green Energy News by Green Energy News
January 24, 2023
in Solar

By Contributing Author January 24, 2023

From small to large-scale applications, the popularity of battery-based off-grid and grid-connected backup systems has grown considerably worldwide. With that, the demand for larger, higher capacity systems has also grown.

Although lead-acid battery banks are certainly scalable to suit the needs of most residential and commercial applications, battery technologies such as lithium-ion now offer customers an alternative with higher charge efficiency and fast discharge capability in a smaller footprint.

The introduction of lithium-ion batteries into the residential energy storage space has brought with it a new set of challenges. Faulty or damaged lithium-ion cells can lead to thermal runaway reactions which, like dominos, affect adjacent cells and can result in fire. As the size of these systems increases, so does the risk of igniting combustible off-gasses and potential explosion.

This lithium-ion thermal runaway risk has triggered new regulations that would impose severe restrictions on residential system sizing and the location of the energy storage systems (ESS) in relation to the home and other system components as well as mandatory protections related to fire suppression in the event of thermal runaway

While these considerations and protections are necessary for lithium-ion technology, many of these safety concerns do not apply when using traditional lead-acid batteries.

NFPA 855 overview

In 2019, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) published NFPA 855, the first fire protection standard for stationary ESS. Traditionally, battery-based residential systems were much smaller than what is allowed under the NFPA 855. This newly created standard specifies the mandatory requirements for overall monitoring and management of ESS for hazard mitigation to mitigate thermal runaway risks.

The biggest changes have been in the maximum stored energy for ESS and where they may be installed.

Considering the added fire risks, residential ESS systems using lithium-ion, flow and sodium nickel chloride batteries are limited to 600 kWh and, in many cases, ESS sized over 20 kWh would no longer be installed in the home or attached garage. The new regulations would require that larger ESS must be installed in a separate dedicated building with fire detection and suppression systems, and have limited access for personnel familiar with their operation, maintenance and testing.

These changes will address safety concerns with respect to thermal runaway and adequate fire suppression. However, the days of basements or garages lined with large battery-based systems will soon come to an end – no matter the battery chemistry. Customers should expect to see a rise in the cost of ESS installations as installers adapt to meet these new requirements.

The requirements for larger ESS have changed significantly.

ESS over 20 kWh in size is also subject to testing in accordance with UL 9540 and UL 9540A for fire testing and propagation. Manufacturers must complete this testing on products offered for use in this space as they will need to follow these new regulations upon inspection.

UL 9540 issues for lead-acid batteries

These new regulations would apply to large-scale ESS regardless of the chosen battery technology. Although the maximum stored energy (kWh) is unlimited when installing traditional lead-acid batteries, UL9540 and UL9540A requirements for the system would still apply.

As described, an ESS is a system that offers the ability to store energy for use as needed. The system includes all of the components including inverter/chargers as well as electrochemical cells (batteries) used for storage.

Currently, one of the key challenges faced by traditional lead-acid battery manufacturers is in meeting UL 9540 and UL 9540A compliance when the battery itself is not a full ESS and cannot be tested as such.

Unlike a typical lithium-ion battery, which includes an internal battery management system to regulate cell charge, discharge and monitoring of operating conditions, a traditional lead-acid battery is simply that – a battery. To meet the new regulations, lead-acid batteries must be tested in conjunction with other system components – a requirement which is not only time-consuming but costly and will ultimately dictate the cost of energy storage as we move forward.

Conclusion

Deep cycle lead-acid batteries have played a key role in the inception and ongoing growth of the renewable energy industry. Many of the popular batteries chosen by installers today have carried over from other industries such as marine, industrial and motive power applications. Lead-acid batteries continue to offer the most economical and lowest cost per kWh energy storage solution for most residential systems due to their relatively low cost of manufacturing, availability and high rate of recyclability. The regulations of NFPA 855 could drastically change all of that, even though the risks related to thermal runaway do not apply.


Jeff Myles is marketing manager of Rolls Battery.

Listen to more in-depth conversations on Solar Builder’s YouTube channel

Solar Builder Youtube page

Our most popular series include:

Power Forward! | A collaboration with BayWa r.e. to discuss higher level industry topics.

The Pitch | Discussions with solar manufacturers about their new technology and ideas.

Tags: code, Rolls Battery


Source link
Previous Post

Va. county struggles to streamline solar permitting

Next Post

Pivot Energy to install nine more solar projects on Extra Space Storage facilities

Next Post

Pivot Energy to install nine more solar projects on Extra Space Storage facilities

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News

Solar

Minnesota legislature passes 100% Clean Energy bill

I support a goal of 100% clean energy by 2040 in Minnesota. I also realize the bill is at a...

by Green Energy News
February 5, 2023
Solar

K2 Systems launches K2 Pro training and certification program

By SB Staff February 3, 2023 Rendering of K2 flashing kit.K2 Systems has created its own training and certification program...

by Green Energy News
February 5, 2023
Ocean Energy

Drydocks World and Aker Solutions to revamp FPSO destined for UK’s giant oil & gas field

The UAE-headquartered marine and offshore services provider Drydocks World Dubai, a part of DP World, and Norway’s offshore engineering contractor Aker...

by Green Energy News
February 5, 2023
Solar

K2 Systems develops certification program for solar installers

Global solar racking and mounting manufacturer K2 Systems has created its own training and certification program called K2 Pro. Credit:...

by Green Energy News
February 4, 2023

green energy-67

© 2022 Green Energy News Hubb All rights reserved.
Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement unless specified. By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Navigate Site

  • Home
  • Solar
  • Wind
  • Hydroelectricity
  • Ocean Energy
  • Biomass
  • Contact Us

Newsletter Sign Up.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Solar
  • Wind
  • Hydroelectricity
  • Ocean Energy
  • Biomass
  • Contact Us

© 2022 Green Energy News Hubb All rights reserved.