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Huawei Digital Power's C&I GFM ESS Achieves Success in Extreme Ignition Testing

Huawei Digital Power has made significant strides in energy storage technology with its Commercial and Industrial Hybrid Cooling Energy Storage System (C&I GFM ESS). Recently, this innovative system successfully cleared an extreme ignition test, demonstrating its outstanding safety and reliability under harsh conditions. Conducted by TÜV Rheinland at a notable national fire safety laboratory, this test is a groundbreaking assessment, marking the industry's first fire evaluation of an Energy Storage System (ESS) compliant with the latest UL 9540A2025 standards.

Testing Under Extreme Conditions

The extreme ignition test was designed to push the boundaries of safety performance for ESS systems, evaluating their ability to withstand extreme ignition scenarios. A group battery overload method was utilized to trigger simultaneous thermal runaway in 60 battery cells, intensifying the testing circumstances exponentially compared to tests that only involve one or a few cells. The testing rigor was heightened by several factors:

• - Open Door Testing Method: To maximize oxygen availability, the test employed an open-door ignition testing method as specified in UL 9540A2025.
• - Fully Charged Batteries: All battery modules were charged to 100% State of Charge (SoC).
• - Disabled Fire Suppression Systems: During the tests, all proactive and passive fire suppression systems were deactivated, compelling the ESS to rely solely on its intrinsic structure for combustion resistance at full power capacity.

Robust Five-Level Protection System

Even under these formidable conditions, Huawei's C&I GFM ESS showcased exceptional safety performance, backed by its innovative five-level protection design. This design includes:

• - Thermal Isolation Between Cells: Effectively slows down the propagation of thermal runaway between cells, providing the first line of defense for system safety.
• - Fully Metal Enclosure: The enclosure can withstand temperatures exceeding 1500°C, maintaining structural integrity even in the event of intense fires and minimizing damage.
• - Positive Pressure Oxygen Block and Smoke Directional Discharge: An innovative design redirects combustible materials, significantly diminishing the fire's impact.
• - Fireproof Labyrinth Design: All sealing surfaces of the ESS employ a labyrinth structure to effectively prevent flame propagation.
• - Enhanced Fire Resistance of Container: The container has been reinforced to ensure comprehensive fire protection.

Data Validation and Performance Indicators

Test data strongly validate the safety and reliability of the C&I GFM ESS. At a fire temperature of 961°C, the temperature of the adjacent cell was recorded at only 45.3°C, which is well below the threshold for the bursting valve of the cell. The system fully complies with UL 9540A2025 requirements, without any fire propagation between units. The peak Heat Release Rate (HRR) recorded stood at 3 MW, and total combustion lasted less than three hours before self-extinguishing. In conditions with an open door, the system rapidly effectively released heat, demonstrating superior thermal management capabilities.

Conclusion

With such groundbreaking test results, Huawei Digital Power underscores its commitment to delivering safe, innovative, and reliable energy storage solutions. The successful completion of the extreme ignition test not only highlights the resilience of the C&I GFM ESS but also sets a new benchmark for safety standards in the energy storage industry.