Battery Energy Storage Systems Safety: Protecting Power

The increasing reliance on renewable energy sources like solar and wind brings exciting possibilities for a cleaner future. 

However, these sources are variable by nature, presenting challenges for grid stability. Battery energy storage systems (BESSes) are at the forefront of transforming how we store and utilize energy. A BESS stabilizes the grid by managing peak load demands and enhances energy availability and efficiency. However, ensuring their safe, reliable, and efficient operation comes with serious challenges.

Advanced sensor technology plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. From monitoring temperature and humidity to detecting off-gassing and optimizing design efficiency, sensors provide the data needed to optimize system performance and prevent failures.

Let’s explore the role of sensors in overcoming BESS safety and design challenges.

What Are Battery Energy Storage Systems?

BESS devices act as giant rechargeable batteries that store electrical energy. During off-peak hours, these systems capture excess power from renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines. This stored energy can then be discharged back to the grid when demand rises, helping to maintain grid stability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

BESS applications are diverse, catering to various needs:

Key BESS Safety and Design Challenges

While a BESS system offers numerous advantages, several design challenges stand in the way of optimal performance and safety. Here, we'll focus on three critical areas:

1. Thermal Management

Lithium-ion batteries, the most common technology used in BESS, are sensitive to temperature. Maintaining optimal operating temperatures is crucial for maximizing battery life, efficiency, and safety. 

Generally, cooler temperatures are better for battery health, with a target range between 59°F and 77°F. Excessively high temperatures can accelerate battery degradation and increase the risk of thermal management events, a dangerous condition where the battery rapidly heats up, releasing flammable gases.

Resource: Want to prevent battery thermal management events? This on-demand webinar discusses the dangers of thermal management events and how to monitor for early signs to prevent it.

2. Off-Gassing

Another critical issue in BESS is off-gassing, which occurs during battery operation. As batteries charge and discharge, they can emit gases like hydrogen and CO₂. If these gases accumulate within a battery energy storage system container, they pose serious safety risks, including fire and explosion hazards.

To detect off-gassing, sensors monitor hydrogen and CO₂ levels in real time. Early detection enables battery management systems to take corrective action, such as adjusting charging cycles or activating ventilation systems, to prevent thermal management events and ensure safety.

3. Safety Standards

Stringent safety standards are essential for BESS installations. Key standards include:

• UL 9540 (Standard for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment): This comprehensive set of guidelines covers various aspects of BESS safety, including electrical safety, thermal management, and fire protection.
• UL 2075 (Standard for Stationary Battery Containers): This standard focuses on the safety of battery containers, ensuring they are designed and constructed to mitigate fire and explosion risks.
  
  

The Role of Sensors in BESS Safety

Sensor technology is essential for overcoming design challenges that threaten safe and efficient BESS operation. Here's how:

1. Monitoring Environmental Conditions

Sensors continuously monitor key environmental parameters within the BESS container, including:

• Temperature sensors: Track battery temperature and ambient temperature within the container. This data is crucial for implementing thermal management strategies, such as ventilation systems or cooling units.
• Humidity sensors: Monitor moisture levels within the container. Excessive humidity can corrode batteries and accelerate degradation.
• Gas sensors: Detect the presence of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Early detection allows for prompt intervention to prevent safety hazards.
• Leak Detection Sensors: Monitor for breaches or leaks in the container, helping ensure structural integrity and prevent potential safety risks.
  
  

2. Preventing Failures

While sensors cannot directly prevent thermal management events, they are critical to early detection. 

For instance, if a temperature sensor detects a rise in battery temperature, it alerts the battery management system. This system initiates corrective actions, such as reducing charging or discharging rates, or activating cooling systems to bring the temperature back to a safe range. Similarly, the detection of hydrogen or CO₂ by gas sensors can trigger alarms and initiate ventilation procedures to purge the container of these hazardous gases.

3. Improving Design Efficiency

Sensor data helps optimize BESS design and operation. Analyzing historical data on temperature, humidity, and gas emissions gives engineers insights into factors affecting BESS performance. This data can help you:

• Improve thermal management system design: Optimize the placement and sizing of cooling units for more efficient heat dissipation.

• Enhance ventilation strategies: Design systems that ensure adequate air circulation and prevent gas buildup.

• Predict potential issues: The battery management system identifies areas of concern within the BESS container based on sensor data input.
  
  

Ensuring BESS Safety With Smart, Sensor-Driven Solutions

Battery energy storage systems are revolutionizing renewable energy, but safety and efficiency remain top priorities. Advanced sensor technology is crucial for monitoring temperature, humidity, and off-gassing, enabling proactive intervention to prevent failures and ensure reliability.

As BESS adoption grows, integrating smart sensors will be essential for optimizing performance and meeting strict safety standards. These innovations enhance system longevity and support a more resilient energy infrastructure.

Want to learn more about keeping your battery energy storage safe with advanced sensing? Click the button below to consult with one of our engineers: