#China #Shenzhen #Energy Storage #Huawei Digital Power #CI GFM ESS

Huawei Digital Power's CI GFM ESS Shines in Rigorous Ignition Test

In a significant development for the energy storage industry, Huawei Digital Power's Commercial and Industrial Hybrid Cooling Grid Forming Energy Storage System (CI GFM ESS) has successfully passed an extreme ignition test. Conducted under the scrutiny of TÜV Rheinland at a national key fire safety laboratory, this feat marks a pioneering moment, as it adheres to the latest UL 9540A2025 fire safety standards.

The Challenge of Extreme Testing

The test was meticulously crafted to simulate an environment with stringent industry requirements, evaluating the safety of energy storage systems (ESS) under extreme ignition scenarios. A method known as battery pack overcharging was employed to induce simultaneous thermal runaway in 60 battery cells. This approach starkly contrasts with previous tests that examined only a handful of cells, emphasizing the importance of this evaluation.

To enhance the test's rigor, several conditions were met:

• - The ignition test followed an open-door method outlined in UL 9540A2025 to maximize oxygen intake.
• - All batteries were fully charged to 100% capacity.
• - Active and passive fire extinguishing systems were disabled, compelling the ESS to rely solely on its internal design for fire resistance during the test.

Five-Level Protective System

Under these extreme conditions, Huawei’s CI GFM ESS demonstrated impressive safety features, fortified by an innovative five-level protective architecture. The construction is designed to effectively slow down thermal runaway between cells, acting as the first line of defense for system safety.

1. Thermal Insulation: Inter-cell thermal insulation significantly hampers the spread of thermal runaway, protecting neighboring cells.
2. Metal Shell: The battery pack’s all-metal shell withstands temperatures exceeding 1500°C, maintaining structural integrity even in intense fires, thus minimizing potential damage.
3. Oxygen Blocking: An innovative design using positive pressure prevents the oxygen flow, combined with directional smoke ventilation, drastically reducing the impact of fire incidents.
4. Labyrinthine Fire-Resistant Design: All sealing surfaces of the ESS employ a labyrinth structure that effectively hinders flame propagation.
5. Reinforced Container: The container is enhanced to provide comprehensive fire protection against external threats.

Confirmed Performance Data

Data from the tests affirm the safety and reliability of Huawei’s CI GFM ESS. When fire temperatures soared to 961°C, the peak temperature in the nearest ESS cell was merely 45.3°C, significantly below the threshold for the battery's venting valve opening. Notably, the system fully complied with UL 9540A2025 criteria, exhibiting no fire propagation across units.

The maximum heat release rate (HRR) registered was 3 MW, and the entire combustion process ceased in less than three hours, culminating in self-extinguishing. In the open-door combustion conditions, the system adeptly controlled heat release, showcasing excellent thermal management capabilities.

Conclusion

Huawei Digital Power's achievement represents a crucial advancement in fire safety for energy storage systems, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and reliability in the energy sector. The CI GFM ESS stands as a testament to Huawei's dedication to enhancing safety standards in energy technology, paving the way for safer and more efficient energy storage solutions across various industrial applications.