#China #Shenzhen #Huawei Digital Power #Energy Storage System #Smart String

Huawei's Smart String Energy Storage System Triumphs in Extreme Ignition Test

A Major Achievement in Energy Storage Safety
On March 7, 2025, Huawei Digital Power announced a significant milestone for its Smart String & Grid Forming Energy Storage System (ESS). The system successfully passed an extreme ignition test, impressing both customers and experts from DNV, a globally recognized independent organization in risk assurance and management. This groundbreaking test evaluated the system's capabilities under harsh conditions, marking a pivotal step forward in establishing safety standards in the energy storage sector.

The Extreme Test Details

Conducted in accordance with the international testing standard UL 9540A, Huawei enhanced the criteria by drastically increasing the number of cells exposed to thermal runaway. This strategy rigorously validated the security features of the Smart String Grid Forming ESS during extreme ignition scenarios, setting new benchmarks for safety testing in the industry.

Test Outcome 1: Real-World Verification with 100% Production Models

The test utilized four identical, unmodified production units of the Smart String Grid Forming ESS (Containers A, B, C, and D). Each system was charged to 100% State of Charge (SOC) and operated under stringent maintenance and safety distance requirements that reflected actual operational environments. The entire testing process was spontaneous and devoid of manual interventions, ensuring that the system was evaluated under realistic and complex conditions.

Test Outcome 2: Thermal Runaway in Twelve Cells Didn't Cause Explosion or Fire

In conventional ESS, a thermal runaway event in a single cell can lead to the release of flammable gases into the container, precipitating a fire or explosion. However, during the test, thermal runaway occurred in twelve cells of the Huawei Smart String Grid Forming system (Container A) without triggering any incidents. The innovative dual defense mechanism comprising a positive pressure oxygen barrier and a smoke diversion channel effectively vented flammable gases, preventing any fire or explosion. This result proved the ESS's capacity to contain thermal events effectively.

Test Outcome 3: Superior Fire Resistance Prevented Fire Spread

To simulate large-scale fire scenarios, the test progressively increased the number of cells experiencing thermal runaway until the entire battery block was involved. Simultaneously, maximum oxygen supply was provided to create intense combustion conditions. Remarkably, even in this extreme scenario, the peak temperatures in the adjacent containers B, C, and D were only 47 °C—well below the threshold for thermal runaway. Post-test disassembly confirmed the integrity of the ESS body, fire-resistant layers, and internal batteries, cementing the system's reliability under severe conditions.

Test Outcome 4: Gradual Failure Development Provided Critical Response Time

In standard ESS, a thermal runaway in a single cell can lead to immediate fire or explosion, frequently resulting in severe accidents. In contrast, the Huawei ESS (Container A) postponed ignition for seven hours, despite an increase in the number of thermally compromised cells. This gradual failure progression offers responders critical time for intervention, thereby reducing risks and enhancing personnel and asset safety.

A Breakthrough in Energy Storage Safety Logic

The importance of safety in energy storage systems cannot be overstated, particularly for the sustainable and quality-driven growth of the renewable energy sector. The success of this test underscores Huawei Digital Power's pivotal advancement in energy storage system safety, providing comprehensive protection from the level of individual battery cells to the entire ESS. Through architectural innovations, Huawei has enhanced the safety mechanisms of its energy storage systems from container level (industry standard) to block level, effectively mitigating thermal runaway risks.

The significance of this achievement is not only a testament to Huawei's dedication to advancing technological safety but also a game-changer for the future of energy storage solutions.