The battery energy storage industry has seen significant progress in safety as of late. A recent report by the US Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and data analytics provider TWAICE found that incident rates for battery storage dropped by 97% between 2018 and 2023.
While this of course is a fantastic milestone, there are still numerous hazards to consider when using these systems. This blog post aims to delve into some of the key battery storage safety precautions you should take.
Storage Environment
Your Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is mostly protected against any risks by the surroundings in which it is kept. One basic rule is to store your BESS somewhere dry and cold. This is mostly because, although exposure to too much heat can cause battery leakage or, in severe situations, fire, moisture can hasten battery deterioration.
Another important thing to think about is ventilation. An explosion is more likely when the battery’s gases build up without enough ventilation. Your storage space should thus be well-ventilated, ideally situated where there is constant natural airflow.
Furthermore, as these might result in short circuits, it is critical to store the system away from metal items and flammable materials including paper or gasoline. For batteries to last a long time, the ideal ambient temperature range is between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius.
Proper Arrangement
Just as important as the environment in which your battery energy storage systems are stored is the arrangement. BESS units should be positioned horizontally on a flat and sturdy surface. A golden rule to adhere to is avoiding stacking the systems. Stacking batteries can lead to physical damage due to accidental falls, which, aside from damaging the unit itself, could instigate a hazardous event such as a fire.
Stacking can also hinder proper heat dissipation, which is a pivotal aspect in maintaining the system’s health and prolonging its lifespan. When batteries are aligned horizontally and not stacked, there’s better opportunity for adequate ventilation, reducing potential overheating.
Furthermore, a neatly arranged setup can facilitate easy access for maintenance work or in case of emergency. It’s not just about making the layout look orderly; it’s ensuring safety and efficiency in the operation of your BESS. Hence, the significance of organising and arranging your battery storage cannot be overstated for it significantly curbs the associated safety risks.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Before any problems become more serious, battery storage systems must be maintained and regularly inspected. In an ideal inspection plan, the battery charge status, connection and cable condition, and corrosion, leak, or swelling detection should all be included.
Verifying the battery’s electrolyte level and adding more if needed are other aspects of thorough maintenance. This keeps the system from drying up, which might do permanent harm. Furthermore crucial is routinely cleaning the battery terminals to get rid of any dirt or other objects that have accumulated. Making sure the software on the system is updated can also improve both performance and security.
Fundamentally, timely maintenance and routine inspections of your BESS improve system performance in addition to enhancing safety precautions. By early identification of possible faults, this preventive measure can guarantee extended system efficiency and lower unanticipated emergency circumstances.
Safety Equipment
Your BESS should always be handled and maintained with safety as your first concern. Utilising the appropriate safety equipment is a crucial component of this.
Personal protective gear, like safety glasses and gloves, provides much-needed defence against possible risks. Wearing gloves guards against possible electrical shocks and corrosive substances on your skin. When sparks, errant debris, or caustic substance droplets potentially injure someone, safety glasses protect their eyes.
One must have readily available, a fire extinguisher certified for electrical fires for bigger BESS. This equipment must be close at hand since a battery fire can spread quickly and do serious harm.
A great safety asset is spill control materials. When an unplanned leak occurs, these materials can handle the problem safely and swiftly to save more damage or even injuries.
Finally, when working with battery storage systems, having the right safety equipment is not only prudent but also a required practice. A safer working environment is ensured and unanticipated events are protected by this device.
Monitoring Systems
Deploying a robust monitoring system for your BESS is a substantial step towards secure and efficient operation. These systems provide real-time reports and immediate alerts for any abnormal conditions, aiding in the swift identification and rectification of potential issues.
At eCactus Solar UK, we understand the importance of this proactive approach towards safety. That’s why our battery energy storage systems come equipped with ECOS. This on-the-go monitoring system ensures you’re always in tune with the health of your BESS.
With ECOS, you gain access to real-time data viewing, enabling you to keep a close eye on the operation of your system. Regular energy summaries provide a comprehensive view of your system’s performance and energy usage, helping in the optimal management of your BESS. Moreover, instant alerts notify you of any deviations from the normal operational parameters. This feature allows for rapid response to any potential issues, reducing possible damage and ensuring continuous, safe operation of your system.
In essence, making use of a sophisticated monitoring system like ECOS is an indispensable safety precaution. It not only promotes the efficient operation of your BESS but also significantly elevates the safety measures in place, contributing to a reliable and secure energy storage solution.
Emergency Plan
Accidents are inevitable even with the adoption of many safety measures. That is the reason why having an emergency plan in place is crucial in the field of battery energy storage.
An efficient emergency plan must clearly state what to do in the case of a chemical leak or fire. This covers creating well-defined evacuation protocols, making sure safety equipment is conveniently accessible, and having emergency contact numbers on hand.
Regularly interacting staff members with the BESS should also receive training on how to carry out these emergency procedures. Regular drills guarantee that everyone understands exactly what to do in case of an actual emergency and help to create confidence and familiarity with the set procedures.
All things considered; an effective, well-practised emergency plan is an essential safety measure. It offers a road map for handling mishaps and unanticipated events, therefore lowering the risk of injury and encouraging a safer work environment.
These battery storage safety precautions are essential to running systems securely. Through careful choice of storage location and layout, routine maintenance, use of safety equipment, emergency preparation, and installation of effective monitoring systems such as ECOS, you can reduce risks and guarantee safer and more effective energy storage.
