Navigating NFPA Standards for Safe Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Widespread electrification, rising energy costs, and more frequent extreme weather events are compounding to create challenges for the country’s traditional electrical grid. And, with our aging unidirectional model under strain, there is an increasing need to rethink how power is generated and delivered.
As a result, energy users are turning to alternatives solutions to ensure that that the increasing electrical demand continues to be satisfied. With this, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are emerging as a critical resource.
With BESS’ growing momentum, it is predicted that by 2029 the market will reach USD 25.6 billion, up from 7.8 billion in 2024. This popularity is fueled by their many benefits. Not only in maintaining grid resilience, but by integrating with renewable energy sources, supporting the management of peak demand, and offering reliable back up capabilities.
While Battery Energy Storage Solutions provide many advantages, it is essential that they are designed, maintained, and operated in the correct way, ensuring performance, but also guaranteeing safety.
That’s where safety standards come in, such as those developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Playing a vital role in protecting people, and property, compliance with these standards is a must.
Safety in standards
From design to installation, and from operation, to maintenance, safety must be embedded at every stage of BESS development, avoiding risks, such as chemical burns, fires, and even explosions. These types of hazards are exactly why recognized standards and certifications exist.
Fundamental codes and certifications, developed by the NFPA and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) ensure safety every step of the way. Providing a unified approach to BESS, helping designers, engineers, and operators to work to cohesive guidance for maximum safety.
These standards are some of the most regularly associated with BESS. However, others are likely to apply; dependant on the type of facility installing the BESS, its location, and the phase of its lifecycle. For example, UL 9540 addresses design and testing, while NFPA 855 outlines regulations for safe installation.
It is important to note here, that NFPA standards and the National Electrical Codes (NEC) that support them, may be enforced differently from state-to-state. Therefore, to ensure compliance, it is vital that those involved in Battery Energy Storage System projects understand how to apply the standards according to their location, in line with their specific responsibilities.
Maintaining safety every step of the way
Relevant standards must be observed at each stage of a BESS’ lifecycle, requiring specific considerations during each phase to ensure reliability and safety.
Here are the key considerations for each stage:
Product Design
Professionals looking to implement BESS should ensure its manufacturer has designed the system with fire prevention and protection at the forefront. To achieve this, the BESS should be built in compliance with the relevant and recognized standards and certifications.
Installation
A BESS must be installed by a qualified professional to its manufacturer’s guidance, in accordance with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) – the organization that enforces the relevant regulations in the area.
Operation and maintenance
To maintain safety, once in use, the Battery Energy Storage System should be operated and maintained according to manufacturer instructions. Those working with the system should receive regular, detailed training to ensure compliance.
End of life
At the end of a BESS’ service life, the system must be decommissioned and disposed of, or recycled, by an accredited party.
Supporting BESS safety with microgrid control systems
A holistic approach is needed in ensuring Battery Energy Storage System safety, given their complexity and potential risks. One way to support this is by operating the system through a configured-to-order microgrid control solution, such as Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Microgrid Flex, which is inclusive of a BESS.
Systems such as the EcoStruxure Microgrid Flex, offer pre-engineered, modular microgrid support, integrating a range of energy sources, including the BESS. Managing energy flow, optimizing usage for cost benefits, and ensuring grid resilience, a configured-to-order microgrid control system is operated within one, intelligent platform.
Not only this does this improve performance, but it can also mitigate safety risks. For example, the EcoStruxure Microgrid Flex is designed to code and holds the relevant certification, reducing issues that could arise due to non-compliance, thus simplifying the AHJ approval process and accelerating project timelines.
In addition, being factory-assembled and tested, such systems reduce the chance of errors at the commissioning and installation stages.
Furthermore, once in operation, they allow for real-time monitoring, fire suppression system integration, automatic fault alerts, and emergency shutdown capabilities, further supporting safety.
Smart controls, via such a system, also contribute to safety with load management benefits that prevent overloading and promote the safe transition of loads.
In addition, with one single point of contact, teams using microgrids in unison with BESS also benefit from the use of one interface, and a clear chain to rely on for advice and support, reducing the complexity of BESS operation.
As our energy landscape continues to evolve, BESS are ever-present; essential for a flexible, resilient and sustainable grid. While the benefits of such technology are clear, theses relatively new systems can pose risks.
However, when safety is prioritized by all the key players involved in BESS adoption, the risk of potential hazards is greatly reduced. This is made possible through collaboration, compliance and care, which is why knowledge sharing is vital. From designers, to installers, and from operators to local authorities, all should be aware of the relevant codes and standards related to BESS. Careful planning for such projects is also recommended, with AHJs engaged early in the process to ensure both efficiency and safety.
With efficiency in mind, solutions like Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Microgrid Flex can also play a key role in the implementation of BESS. This is because combining a code-compliant design, a streamlined commissioning and installation process, and intelligent controls, can not only bolster performance but safety too.
With the correct systems and knowledge in place, professionals in the energy space can harness the value of BESS. Powering a resilient future, all without a compromise on safety.
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