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CLOU Unveils Comprehensive Fire Safety Solutions

CLOU, a leading provider of energy storage systems recognized by BNEF as a Tier 1 company, has formally launched its latest white paper on an innovative fire safety architecture, titled the Active Ventilation and Explosion-Proof System. This important release comes on the heels of a significant achievement—a 59-hour and 10-minute large-scale fire test conducted on the company’s 5MWh Aqua C2.5 liquid-cooled battery energy storage system (BESS). The test was executed earlier this April and documented meticulously by CSA Group, underscoring CLOU's commitment to safety and innovation in energy storage.

Overview of the Fire Test

The large-scale fire test was designed to simulate extreme conditions, specifically a scenario of thermal runaway. This was achieved by positioning four Aqua C2.5 containers—labeled A, B, C, and D—in close proximity to one another, effectively creating a 20MWh system configuration. During this critical test, Container A was deliberately ignited, which resulted in an extended combustion period that lasted for nearly 60 hours, reaching internal temperatures soaring above 1300°C.

Remarkably, throughout this rigorous examination, no fire suppression systems were triggered, effectively validating the capabilities of CLOU's Active Ventilation and Explosion-Proof System to withstand such harsh environments without incident. Crucially, despite the intense heat from the combustion of one container, no thermal propagation was recorded among the adjacent units, highlighting the effectiveness of the design for dense energy storage deployments.

Addressing Industry Safety Concerns

In recent years, the energy storage sector has encountered escalating safety concerns due to numerous fire and explosion incidents across the globe. North America, known for having the strictest safety standards in the energy storage industry, has responded to these concerns with comprehensive regulations aimed at ensuring safety throughout the lifecycle of energy storage systems. These standards encompass various measures, from risk management at the cell level to broader protective systems that ensure station-wide safety.

CLOU has taken these regulatory frameworks into account, which include NFPA 855, NFPA 68, NFPA 69, UL 9540, and CSA/ANSI C800. Documented in the newly released white paper, CLOU’s response is a well-structured, multi-tiered fire protection system designed to safeguard customer assets at every stage of use. This system, developed using lean engineering principles, includes several key features:

• - Early Warning Detection of Thermal Runaway: The Battery Management System (BMS) monitors voltage and temperature in real-time, capable of triggering alarms and disconnecting circuits to prevent the spread of fire.
• - Dual-Layer Fire Suppression: Incorporating a water spray alongside traditional gaseous fire suppression systems, CLOU's approach efficiently cools the environment and synchronizes with the ventilation system to lower flammable gas concentrations, offering enhanced safety.
• - Active-Passive Explosion Protection: The fire safety framework maintains flammable gas levels below 25% LEL, proactively preventing explosive conditions as per NFPA 69 requirements.
• - Active Ventilation and Explosion-Proof Design: This feature integrates natural exhaust louvers and intakes to ensure the gas concentration remains safe. It also channels any flames vertically during explosions to minimize risk and ensure steady ventilation, even in power outages.

A Step Forward for the Industry

CLOU’s recent innovations underline their ongoing pledge to elevate safety standards within the industry. The white paper serves as a significant resource for developers, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms, regulators, and asset owners who are keen to improve fire safety and enhance long-term reliability in energy storage systems.

For detailed insights, the white paper is now available for download, serving as an extensive reference point for all stakeholders invested in ensuring safety in energy storage operations. CLOU's commitment to innovation and safety could set a new benchmark in energy storage solutions, addressing industry-wide concerns effectively and efficiently.

To access the white paper, visit CLOU's official website.