Huawei's Smart String Energy Storage Triumphs in Extreme Ignition Test
In a remarkable feat for renewable energy technology, Huawei Digital Power's Smart String Energy Storage System (ESS) has successfully passed an extreme ignition test, a significant milestone that underscores its advanced safety mechanisms. This test, conducted in the presence of clients and DNV, a globally recognized independent risk management organization, was rigorous and showcased the capabilities of Huawei's ESS under severe conditions. The test results not only confirm the system's reliability but also set a new benchmark for security standards in energy storage systems.
Real-World Conditions
The extreme ignition test was conducted according to international standard UL 9540A, but with an increased severity, significantly raising the number of cells subjected to thermal runaway. This approach was necessary to thoroughly evaluate the safety functions of the Smart String ESS in actual use-case scenarios. Uniquely, the test utilized four fully manufactured ESS platforms (Containers A, B, C, and D), fully charged to 100% state of charge (SOC), and adhered to the minimal maintenance and safety protocols required for installations. The entire testing process was autonomously operated, ensuring a realistically extreme verification environment without any manual intervention.
Safety in Extreme Conditions
One of the most instrumental parts of the test revealed that after numerous ignition attempts during thermal runaway, the Smart String ESS (in Container A) safely managed to endure thermal runaway in twelve cells without resulting in any fires or explosions. This was achieved due to the innovative combined protection mechanism of the system, which integrates a positive pressure oxygen barrier and a directed fume exhaust duct. Consequently, harmful gases were effectively eliminated, avoiding any potential incendiary situations. Unlike conventional ESS systems, where thermal runaway in a single cell can lead to catastrophic risks, Huawei's system effectively contained the crisis.
Fire Resistance and Testing Parameters
In the test designed to simulate large-scale combustion scenarios, the number of cells undergoing thermal runaway gradually increased until the entire battery pack was involved, all while maintaining optimal oxygen levels to create extreme combustion conditions. Interestingly, the maximum temperature reached in the adjacent Containers B, C, and D only climbed to 47°C, which is significantly below the thermal runaway threshold. Post-test dismantling confirmed the integrity of the ESS platform structure, fire-resistant layers, and internal battery packs, demonstrating resilience even under substantial challenges.
Emergency Response Time
An essential highlight is the gradual progression of failures, allowing critical time for timely emergency responses, which conventional ESS solutions typically lack. The delay in ignition provided by Huawei's system in extreme scenarios—extending up to 7 hours despite an increase in thermal runaway cells—enables emergency personnel to act swiftly, thereby mitigating risks and protecting both individuals and property from potential disasters.
Redefining Safety Logic
This successful test not only reinforces Huawei Digital Power's technical innovations but also redefines safety logic in energy storage systems, a crucial aspect for sustainable growth in the renewable energy sector. The insights gained from this examination underscore comprehensive protection that spans from individual battery cells to entire system configurations, effectively stopping the escalation of thermal runaway incidents. Huawei’s advancements in architecture have fortified the ESS safety protection mechanism from container level (industry standards) to battery pack level, appropriately addressing concerns about thermal runaway's spread. Thus, this test marks a pivotal advancement that reinforces the company's commitment to excellence and safety in energy technology.