Energy Storage Systems The ESIC is a forum convened by EPRI in which electric utilities guide a discussion with energy storage developers, government organizations, and other stakeholders to facilitate the development of safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy storage options for the utility industry.
Do energy storage sites have different safety codes and standards?
Yes, different safety installation codes and standards are used for energy storage sites with large utility-owned systems where the inverters and batteries are housed in separate locations and the entire project is often far from other buildings. For instance, the 1,600-MWh setup at Moss Landing in California follows these specific codes and standards.
Do energy storage systems need a CSR?
Until existing model codes and standards are updated or new ones developed and then adopted, one seeking to deploy energy storage technologies or needing to verify an installation's safety may be challenged in applying current CSRs to an energy storage system (ESS).
Large-scale energy storage systems pose a greater risk for property and life loss than smaller systems due to their size. NFPA 855 requires 3 ft of space between every 50 kWh of energy storage for safety. However, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) can approve closer proximities for larger storage systems based on thermal runaway test results from UL 9540A.
What is a UL 9540 certified energy storage system?
A UL 9540-certified energy storage system (ESS) must use UL 1741-certified inverters and UL 1973-certified battery packs that have been tested using UL 9540A safety methods. The batteries and inverter inside such a system have all met product safety standards.
What is energy storage system installation review and approval?
4.0 Energy Storage System Installation Review and Approval The purpose of this chapter is to provide a high-level overview of what is involved in documenting or validating the safety of an ESS as installed in, on, or adjacent to buildings or facilities.
Do electric energy storage systems need to be tested?
It is recognized that electric energy storage equipment or systems can be a single device providing all required functions or an assembly of components, each having limited functions. Components having limited functions shall be tested for those functions in accordance with this standard.