The latest standards for energy storage battery cabinets

What does ul 9540 mean for energy storage systems & equipment?

The third edition of the UL 9540 Standard for Safety for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment, published in April 2023, introduces replacements, revisions and additions to the requirements for system deployment.

What is a battery energy storage system?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) stabilize the electrical grid, ensuring a steady flow of power to homes and businesses regardless of fluctuations from varied energy sources or other disruptions. However, fires at some BESS installations have caused concern in communities considering BESS as a method to support their grids.

How can lithium-ion batteries be protected?

These approaches take the form of publicly available research, adoption of the most current lithium-ion battery protection measures into model building, installation and fire codes and rigorous product safety standards that are designed to reduce failure rates.

What is a storage cavity energy containment rating (scecr)?

The storage cavity energy containment rating (SCECR) forms the basis of the size of the fuel package, and the storage cavity with the largest SCECR is tested. Second, there is an internal deflagration test that exposes the product to ignition of a standardized flammable mixture inside the product.

What are battery containment products?

In addition to these prevention strategies, battery containment products have emerged which are purpose-built for mitigation of thermal runaway hazards of lithium-ion batteries and battery-powered devices that are stored and charged inside of them. UL 1487, Battery Containment Enclosures, was created to evaluate these products.

Are lithium battery fires a safety concern?

While BESS technology is designed to bolster grid reliability, lithium battery fires at some installations have raised legitimate safety concerns in many communities. BESS incidents can present unique challenges for host communities and first responders: