#USA #Energy Storage #fire safety #Sungrow #Hefei

Introduction

In recent years, as homeowners increasingly adopt residential energy storage systems (ESS), safety considerations have become paramount. Incidents in residential settings can lead to dire consequences, raising public concern. In response to these challenges, Sungrow, a leading global player in renewable energy technology, has made significant strides to enhance industry safety standards and build user confidence.

Milestone Achievement

Sungrow has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully passing the world’s first UL 9540B large-scale fire test for its SBH Series Residential ESS. This rigorous test, conducted by UL Solutions, underscores Sungrow's commitment to safety and innovation in the energy storage sector. The company's expertise in managing thermal runaway and controlling fire spread has been validated, establishing a new benchmark for residential ESS safety globally.

The Importance of UL 9540B Testing

The UL 9540B standard is recognized as one of the strictest safety assessments for residential energy storage systems with capacities of 20kWh and below. This test simulates extreme fire scenarios, including dangerous gas build-up and external ignition options, to evaluate how effectively a system can prevent fire spread and explosions. The SBH Residential ESS underwent a thorough evaluation based on stringent criteria, including system insulation, gas management, thermal runaway suppression, and overall design integrity.

Performance Overview

During a rigorous 24-hour trial, Sungrow's SBH Residential ESS demonstrated outstanding resilience against the demanding requirements of the UL 9540B test. The testing conditions included multiple challenges such as closely spaced battery units, inactive fire suppression systems, persistent ignition sources, and no external firefighting assistance. Remarkably, the system successfully met all evaluation criteria, showcasing its robust inherent safety features.

Fire Containment Features

One critical area of the SBH Residential ESS’s performance was its ability to contain fire spread effectively. The system was equipped with advanced safety measures, including fire-resistant insulation at the cell level, efficient heat dissipation from the bottom, and multi-directional pressure relief mechanisms. When one unit experienced thermal runaway during testing, the flames were restricted to the designated pressure relief area. Internal temperatures in adjacent units safely hovered at 21°C, significantly lower than the 154°C venting threshold, while peak eave temperatures reached only 35°C, well within safe limits.

Self-Extinguishing Capabilities

The system’s innovative structural design played a vital role in its self-extinguishing capabilities. By ensuring rapid heat dissipation and thermal isolation among modules, the SBH Residential ESS was able to confine thermal runaway to the bottom module during testing. Notably, open flames extinguished themselves autonomously within one hour, and further attempts to ignite resulted in no re-ignition, illustrating the system's exceptional safety profile.

Maximum Safety Assurance

Throughout the UL 9540B testing, the active fire suppression system remained disabled, yet the SBH Residential ESS experienced no incidences of combustion, explosions, or projectiles. The cabinet’s structural integrity remained intact, emphasizing the unit's outstanding fire resistance and safety features. Having surpassed the UL 9540A Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation Test earlier, this successful certification further confirms the system's comprehensive safety protocols.

Commitment to Safety

As a global leader in energy storage, Sungrow is dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards in the industry. The company aims to encourage worry-free energy usage for homeowners, driven by a commitment to cutting-edge technology and innovation.

About Sungrow

With over 28 years of experience, Sungrow has established itself as a pioneer in renewable energy technology. By June 2025, the company had installed 870 GW of power electronic converters worldwide, being recognized as the world's most bankable PV inverter and energy storage provider by BloombergNEF. Sungrow prioritizes sustainability and customer satisfaction through a network of 520 service outlets globally. For more information, visit sungrowpower.com.