Hithium Sets New Standards in Energy Storage Safety Testing
Hithium, a pioneer in energy storage technology, recently presented an extraordinary advancement in product safety at the 18th SNEC event. With a dedication to redefining safety benchmarks for energy storage, the company proudly unveiled the full results of the world’s first all open-door large-scale fire test of its innovative ?Block 5MWh energy storage system. This significant milestone in safety was recognized with a certification from renowned international testing authority UL Solutions.
Understanding the Fire Test
The fire test, conducted by Hualei Wang, project manager, demonstrated the rigorous procedures and outcomes of this pioneering evaluation. Attendees were offered a comprehensive view of the test process through a detailed video presentation that illustrated the various technical highlights and results of the open-door test.
Test Procedures
This momentous fire test began with intentionally heating eight battery cells placed inside container A. This action triggered a thermal runaway, which subsequently led to cell propagation. During the test, the battery's pressure relief vents opened, causing a release of gases that were ignited by an ignition system. Keeping the container doors wide open allowed for continuous oxygen flow, setting the stage for full combustion and maximizing heat exposure to adjacent containers B, C, and D.
Extreme Conditions of the Test
The test was rigorously executed under four extreme conditions. It featured all open-door combustion, dual 15 cm extreme spacing between containers, deactivation of the fire suppression system, and operation at 100% State of Charge (SOC). These conditions were essential to accurately evaluate the performance of Hithium's storage systems when exposed to potential emergencies.
Key Findings from the Fire Test
During the fourth hour of testing, a remarkable event occurred. The fire reached a peak temperature of 1,372°C. Even under such extreme conditions, temperature monitoring confirmed that adjacent containers remarkably maintained temperatures well below the thermal runaway initiation threshold specified by the UL9540A cell-level test. Specifically, Container B recorded temperatures of ?42°C, while Containers C and D registered ?80°C and ?70°C respectively.
Phases of Combustion
The test progressed into a sustained combustion phase that lasted for 15 hours. Following this phase, the open flame was extinguished, and the initial container remained structurally intact without any significant deformation or collapse. Remarkably, the adjacent containers did not experience any combustion or propagation of thermal runaway. They only displayed minor surface damage, with internal battery modules completely unaffected.
Safety Architecture and Certification
Hithium's success in completing the fire test can be attributed to its advanced multi-layered safety architecture that spans across cell, module, and system levels. At the cell level, the company's use of heat-resistant anode and cathode materials, functional electrolyte additives, and high-temperature separators significantly increased thermal thresholds. To further mitigate risks, modules incorporated low-conductivity insulation and flame-retardant top covers.
At the system level, Hithium utilized a high-strength container frame and heat-resistant enclosure materials designed to maintain structural integrity even under extreme heat. At the certification event, UL Solutions recognized Hithium's achievement with a certification, affirming compliance with UL 9540A and NFPA 855 safety standards.
During the ceremony, Qifeng Xiao, General Manager of the Energy and Automation Division for Asia Pacific, emphasized the importance of Hithium's pioneering open-door extreme fire test. He noted that it represented the industry’s first test conducted under full oxygen exposure, far exceeding the traditional closed-door test models. The successful outcome underscores the potential for self-contained fire protection in energy storage systems and holds significant implications for establishing global safety standards.
Looking Ahead
This groundbreaking test showcases not just Hithium’s technical prowess, but also its unwavering confidence in the safety performance of its energy storage systems. Through a fully transparent testing process, the company has gathered vital data and industry practices that will benefit the energy storage sector. Moreover, Hithium remains committed to investing in innovations that ensure the highest safety standards, reinforcing the importance of these advancements in the global transition to green energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Hithium's fire test unique?
Hithium's fire test is notable for being the first all open-door large-scale test, providing essential insights under conditions of full oxygen exposure.
What were the peak temperatures recorded during the test?
The fire reached a peak temperature of 1,372°C, while the adjacent containers maintained significantly lower temperatures.
How does Hithium ensure safety in its energy storage systems?
Hithium employs a multi-layered safety architecture across cell, module, and system levels, using advanced materials and designs to mitigate risks.
What certifications did Hithium receive for the fire test?
The test results earned Hithium a certification from UL Solutions, confirming compliance with relevant safety standards.
How does this fire test benefit the energy storage industry?
The results contribute critical data and practices that can inform future safety standards and improvements within the energy storage sector.
