Page | 014 In this way, the BMS ensures that the batteries are continually monitored and protected to prevent problems and to ensure the batteries are ready to deliver power to the grid when needed.11
As soon as the BMS detects that a specific battery cell, or group of cells, is acting in a way that it should not it can instantly reduce the flow of electricity through the cell, switch it off or disconnect it completely from the power supply depending on the seriousness of the problem. This minimises the risk of a problem escalating in a cell or group of cells and spreading to others.
5.5 Mitigation
In the unlikely event that a problem occurs such as thermal runaway that could lead to a fire, energy storage systems have additional design measures such as smoke sensors and alarms to detect the issue and measures such as deflagration venting and fire suppression systems to contain and reduce it.
These suppression systems use techniques such as inert gas, foam suppression, fire sprinklers or water mist etc. to control fires. In the first instance an inert gas or clean agent suppression system that either targets oxygen or cooling may be used to extinguish a single cell fire, or an electrical fire not related to the battery, to prevent it spreading to other modules. In the second instance a water-based suppression system may be used to cool the system completely and prevent escalation.
These measures, or combination of measures, help ensure that the risk of fire or accumulation of toxic or flammable gases within the container is minimised.
Before constructing the project battery energy storage project developers should work with the Local Authority, first responders and fire services to ensure they understand the kinds of batteries and fire suppression technologies used in the storage facility and how best to work together to deal with any problem that might arise. This should involve incident pre-planning and the arranging of a site visit before the facility is operational.
As battery fires can release flammable gases, it is important that first responders and fire services are aware of these risks and have plans in place on how to deal with any potential hazards. Two resources to assist in this regard are as follows:
• The Energy Institute, which is a chartered professional membership body for the global energy industry, has produced a guidance note for battery energy storage system fire planning and response.12 This document is intended to help developers to understand and plan for potential risks and provides guidance to first responders on how to respond to BESS fires.
• The European Advanced Rechargeable and Lithium Batteries Association (RECHARGE)13 provides technical and legislative expertise on lithium batteries and works to ensure best practices and standards for the use of this technology. They carry out work on lithium-ion battery safety and have published a rescue and training manual for first responders and fire services regarding lithium batteries in storage facilities.14
11 https://www.mpoweruk.com/bms.htm
12 https://publishing.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/702095/Battery-Storage-Guidance-Note- 2jk.pdf
13 https://www.rechargebatteries.org/
14 https://www.rechargebatteries.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/RESCUE-AND-TRAINING-MANUAL- LITHIUM-BATTERY-IN-STORAGE-2014-12-05.pdf
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