Olympus Power designs high quality Battery Energy Storage Systems (“BESS”) focused on risk-management and utilising AI-based algorithmic revenue stacking to trade for in-front of meter systems and advanced monitoring for behind-the-meter systems.
With industry-leading features such as real-time thermal monitoring, staged auto shut down for the prevention of thermal runaway and advanced temperature control, we were interested to hear the latest on ensuring safe and reliable battery storage systems.
Insights on safe and reliable battery storage systems
The team are back from winning an award at the annual Solar and Storage Live Show at the NEC in Birmingham, the premier event showcasing technologies spearheading transition to greener, smarter and decentralised energy systems. With 400 plus exhibitors of solar products and battery storage solutions, insightful conference talks and speakers with backgrounds from government agencies to installers, we have some insights to share.
Sophie Boldon from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) initiated a discussion on battery storage regulation, focusing on ever-increasing deployment. She stressed how the renewable industry and government are working to ensure a robust regulatory framework is sustained as battery storage increases rapidly.
Robust safety guidance for on-site energy storage
Battery storage systems are a safe way to manage on-site energy, working with solar and wind power generation. As the use of renewable energy generation increases, so will the use of battery storage. This allows solar and wind power to be used in down times, and to balance demand in real time.
In May 2021, a government consultation report looked at whether guidance notes needed to be updated to cover new storage capacity and technologies. The paper covered new forms of chemical batteries but concentrated on the more established use of lithium-ion.
The report recognised that overall legislation was already in place but confirmed that it was ad hoc and difficult to find in its various locations across different regulatory bodies. It was “complex and somewhat challenging to navigate with different requirements across lifecycle stages and development scales,”
In addition, DESNZ spokeswoman Sophie Boldon reported that other nations enforced more stringent requirements such as spacing of modules in installs; recommending the UK should mirror them. This year the government has confirmed that regulations for industrial lithium-ion batteries will be updated to ‘more properly take into account potential fire hazards.’ They now require an industrial installation permit that falls under environmental regulation – this is something that Olympus Power advises on for our clients.
Planning Guidance has also been strengthened, asking that developers “engage with the relevant local fire and rescue service” before submitting their applications. This is now required as lithium battery fires can pose a hazard in terms of gas emission, with the potential of explosion and high-heat production. Prior notice of batteries in situ allows firefighters to be more prepared.
Sophie commented on the awareness within government that the response should be robust and proportionate – not slowing planning, but safeguarding people living and working near battery storage sites as well as first response and firefighters. We agree that this should be the case.
second life batteries reduce waste
Panel member, Adrian Butler, Principal Consultant of the Fire Protection Association, discussed possible hazards with lithium batteries, principally by overheating (a process called ‘thermal runaway’) and fire. Adrian talked about how runaway, or short circuits, can cause the release of flammable electrolytes and how it was possible for these to explode. The ways to mitigate risk include installing the systems in dedicated fire-proofed areas, at minimum distances from other materials, and by notifying local fire authorities of the battery type, size and location.
Adrian covered the topic of batteries which have reached the end of their designated first use. Batteries degrade over time as they are cycled, and when they are not giving optimum performance for their first use, there are further applications termed ‘second life’. For example, when batteries can no longer be used in electric vehicles, they can be used for storing solar or wind generated electricity. Giving batteries a second life reduces waste and saves the use of more raw materials, so lowering their carbon footprint significantly.
Wojciech Mrozik, Faraday Institution Senior Research Fellow, Newcastle University confirmed that the capacity for re-purposed batteries is typically 70-80%. Second life batteries were seen as a great opportunity for recycling, re-using or repurposing, but with a higher safety risk to be addressed via good management and maintenance.
Risk arises from not being sure of the history of the batteries and therefore the level of degradation. If, for example, they were used in a company’s fleet, then records would probably be comprehensive. Battery management systems were held up as the key to flagging possible problems before they occurred. Planned maintenance was also central to prevent failures.
An insurer’s point of view was provided by Andrew Sinclair, Head of Renewable Energy for PIB Insurance Brokers. His concern was where batteries were housed- recommending that they be away from anything else, in a place with controlled access so that any fire could be contained, and to prevent accidental damage or tampering. Installing a sprinkler system (or gaseous fire suppressant) was discussed, with both seen as ways to deal with thermal runaway or fire but both would destroy the batteries in the process.
David Roissé, Asset Manager – Team Leader Storage, Greensolver UK also recognised the benefits of second life batteries in terms of saving precious resources and reducing waste, and their particular risks. He stressed how second users should be aware of previous use and the potential level of battery degradation, and once they had started reusing batteries, the need to maintain and monitor the system. Fires were relatively unlikely but with a plethora of batteries and ever-rising numbers of installs, the chance of a fire increased.
Future-proof battery systems
The overall message from the panel was how the use of battery storage is set to increase and how high-quality management and maintenance systems, as well as proper installation is essential.
The team at Olympus Power are confident that their battery management systems which are focused on risk management are in advance of legislation, offering future proof systems for businesses to take control of their own energy generation and storage.
Interested in the future of battery storage systems, to use all the renewable power you generate? Perfect for large industrial sites – get in contact today