Energy Storage Container Fire Suppression Systems: Comprehensive Solutions for Maximum Safety

Energy Storage Container Fire Suppression Systems: Comprehensive Solutions for Maximum Safety

As the energy storage industry grows, ensuring fire safety for energy storage containers is crucial. There are three main fire suppression system designs commonly used for energy storage containers: total flooding systems using gas suppression, combined gas and sprinkler systems, and PACK-level solutions designed for individual battery packs. Below, we introduce each system to help you better understand the available options for energy storage container fire safety.

1. Total Flooding Fire Suppression System

The total flooding fire suppression system is widely used in energy storage containers to provide quick, comprehensive fire protection using gas suppression systems.

• System Components: Fire suppression device, detection system, and gas delivery piping.

  • Suppression Device: Typically, the preferred choice is HFC-227ea, known for its effectiveness in extinguishing lithium battery fires in closed spaces. It prevents reignition in sealed environments. Other options include ultra-fine dry powder, which also prevents reignition, and CO2, which can extinguish fires but poses a risk of reignition. Perfluorohexanone (FK-5-1-12) is another effective choice in closed spaces, although less commonly used due to certification limitations.
  • Detection System: Multiple detectors are used, such as temperature, smoke, combustible gas, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sensors. These detectors trigger the suppression system based on pre-configured algorithms.
  • Gas Delivery Piping: When using HFC-227ea, a dedicated gas pipeline system is installed. In many cases, the electrical and storage areas are separated, with hanging fire suppression devices used in electrical zones and piped HFC-227ea in storage areas.

• Fire Suppression Mechanism: Once a fire is detected by one or more sensors, alarms sound inside and outside the container. The system triggers after a preset delay (typically 30 seconds), releasing gas through multiple nozzles in the protected area.

• Three Activation Methods:

  1. Automatic Activation: The system triggers automatically once detectors reach the preset threshold, often with a short delay of 10 seconds in energy storage environments.
  2. Manual Electrical Activation: A manual emergency button is pressed, with a delay before the system activates.
  3. Manual Mechanical Activation: Manually releasing the safety pin on the solenoid valve activates the system, though this is less preferred in energy storage containers due to safety concerns.

2. Gas Suppression + Sprinkler System

The combination of gas suppression and sprinkler systems is a well-rounded solution. This system rapidly suppresses the fire with gas and cools the container with water.

• Design Considerations: This method ensures that the gas suppression system handles initial fires, while the sprinkler system cools down overheated lithium batteries, preventing further escalation. This design is cost-effective and provides valuable time for personnel to respond.

• Emergency Preparedness: For remote or outdoor containers with limited water supply, emergency procedures must include plans for quickly removing affected batteries or transferring them to a safe area.

3. PACK-Level Fire Suppression System

The PACK-level fire suppression solution is a targeted approach, where suppression systems are designed for individual battery packs.

• System Components: This system utilizes advanced detection and localized suppression through nozzles dedicated to each battery pack. The system’s key value lies in its ability to detect and suppress electrical fires at the earliest stages, ensuring optimal protection.

• Higher Cost: While more expensive, PACK-level systems are ideal for high-risk energy storage environments, where targeted protection is essential.

Conclusion

In recent years, energy storage technology has seen significant progress. As energy storage systems move from demonstration to early commercialization, fire safety remains a top priority to ensure the sustainable development of the industry. Choosing the right fire suppression system—whether total flooding, gas and sprinkler combination, or PACK-level—depends on the specific needs and risks of the energy storage facility.

A well-designed fire suppression system is not just a standalone solution; it requires careful planning, installation, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the energy storage station operates safely throughout its lifecycle. By addressing fire risks with a systematic approach, we can ensure the long-term success of the energy storage industry.