Provides guidance on the design, construction, testing, maintenance, and operation of thermal energy storage systems, including but not limited to phase change materials and solid-state energy stor.
The safe operation of advanced energy storage systems requires the coordinated efforts of all those involved in the lifecycle of a system, from equipment designers, to OEM manufacturers, to system designers, installers, operators, maintenance crews, and finally those decommissioning systems, and, first responders.
Designing resilient systems: although it is impossible to design for any scenario, energy storage systems should be designed to withstand common and uncommon environmental hazards in the areas they will be deployed.
Facilities use multiple strategies to maintain safety, including using established safety equipment and techniques to ensure that operation of the battery systems are conducted safely. Energy storage technologies are a critical resource for America's power grid, boosting reliability and lowering costs for families and businesses.
Under the Energy Storage Safety Strategic Plan, developed with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Energy Storage Program by Pacific Northwest Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories, an Energy Storage Safety initiative has been underway since July 2015.
What standards apply to utility electrical equipment?
In addition to standards, codes, and safety practices specifically focused on energy storage systems, there is a wide range of other applicable standards that apply to utility electrical equipment more broadly, for example on electrical substation safety practices, broader electrical codes, and general building codes.
Ultimately, energy storage safety is ensured through engineering quality and application of safety practices to the entire energy storage system. Design and planning to prevent emergencies, and to improve any necessary response, is crucial.