Energy Storage System (ESS) Fire Protection

Energy storage systems using lithium-ion batteries present unique fire safety challenges including thermal runaway propagation, toxic gas generation, and potential for re-ignition. Pythian Design provides specialized fire protection design for ESS facilities in accordance with NFPA 855, incorporating UL 9540A test data to design effective suppression, ventilation, and detection systems. We coordinate seamlessly with electrical BESS design teams to ensure integrated project delivery.

Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Hazards

Thermal Runaway: When a lithium-ion cell fails, it can enter thermal runaway - an uncontrollable temperature increase that releases flammable gases and can propagate to adjacent cells.

Off-Gassing: Thermal runaway generates toxic gases including carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride, and flammable hydrocarbons.

Difficult Suppression: Conventional fire suppression may not stop thermal runaway reactions, which can continue even when external flames are extinguished.

Re-Ignition Risk: ESS fires can re-ignite hours or days after apparent suppression due to continued thermal runaway.

High Energy Density: Modern lithium-ion batteries store significant energy in small volumes, increasing fire severity.

UL 9540A and Fire Protection Design

UL 9540A is a test method for evaluating thermal runaway fire propagation in battery energy storage systems.

Testing progresses from cell-level to module, unit, and installation-level fire tests.

Test results provide critical data including heat release rates, gas generation, and propagation potential.

NFPA 855 allows fire protection design to be informed by UL 9540A test data for the specific ESS being installed.

We review UL 9540A test reports and incorporate findings into fire protection system design.

Standards & Compliance

• NFPA 855: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems - the primary fire protection standard for ESS.

• UL 9540: Standard for Safety of Energy Storage Systems and Equipment.

• UL 9540A: Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems.

• NFPA 13: Sprinkler system requirements for ESS facilities.

• NFPA 72: Detection and alarm system requirements.

• International Fire Code (IFC): Building and fire code requirements for ESS installations.

What We Deliver

•NFPA 855 compliance analysis and basis of design

•Fire suppression system design (clean agent, water mist, or sprinkler-based)

•Ventilation system design for smoke and toxic gas removal

•Gas detection system design (hydrogen, carbon monoxide, smoke)

•Deflagration venting calculations where required

•Separation distance analysis for exposure protection

•Explosion control evaluation

•Fire detection and alarm system integration

•Emergency response procedures and system interaction

•UL 9540A test report review and design implications

•Submittal packages for authority having jurisdiction

•Coordination with electrical BESS design team

Why Choose Pythian Design

NFPA 855 Specialization: Dedicated expertise in this emerging standard for ESS fire protection.

UL 9540A Interpretation: We translate test data into practical fire protection design requirements.

Integrated Design Approach: Seamless coordination with BESS electrical design teams for cohesive project delivery.

Code Official Coordination: Experience working with AHJs to educate and obtain approval for ESS fire protection designs.

Related Services

Substation Design Services 69kV Substations 138kV Substations 230kV Substations 345kV Substations Grounding Studies Arc Flash Studies Protection & Coordination BESS Interconnection Fire Protection Design NFPA 13 Sprinkler Design NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Design

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