#China #Shenzhen #Huawei #Energy Storage #Smart String

Huawei's Revolutionary Energy Storage Technology

In an impressive display of innovation and safety, Huawei Digital Power's Smart String & Grid Forming Energy Storage System (ESS) has recently triumphed in a groundbreaking extreme ignition test. This test, witnessed by customers and conducted by DNV, a globally recognized independent assurance and risk management organization, marks a significant milestone in the certification of energy storage solutions. The successful completion of this rigorous evaluation underscores Huawei's commitment to enhancing the safety standards in the energy storage industry.

The Extreme Ignition Test: A New Benchmark

Conducted under real-world conditions, the extreme ignition test adhered to the stringent international testing method UL 9540A. Huawei elevated the test's rigor by significantly increasing the number of cells subjected to thermal runaway. This meticulous approach aimed to comprehensively assess the safety protection capabilities of the Smart String ESS in extreme ignition scenarios, setting a new benchmark for safety testing in the industry.

Real-World Verification

The test was performed using four fully manufactured Smart String ESS units, designated as containers A, B, C, and D. Each unit was charged to 100% state of charge (SOC) and deployed in accordance with the minimum safety and maintenance authorizations required for an operational facility. Notably, the entire testing process was spontaneous and automated, ensuring a fully realistic and comprehensive extreme verification environment.

Safety Mechanisms in Action

One of the most remarkable outcomes of the testing involved the thermal runaway of 12 cells within container A. Typically, a single cell experiencing thermal runaway can lead to combustible gas release, potentially resulting in fires or explosions in conventional ESS units. However, Huawei's innovation in safety mechanisms shone through, as the system successfully managed the situation without any incidents, thanks to its unique defensive features, including a positive pressure oxygen barrier and a directional smoke venting channel. This system effectively ventilated combustible gases and resolved safety threats automatically, demonstrating the Smart String ESS's capability in preventing fires and the spread of failures at the battery level.

Advanced Fire Resistance

To further test the limits of combustion scenarios, the test gradually increased the number of thermally compromised cells while supplying maximum oxygen to create stringent combustion conditions. Even under these extreme circumstances, the maximum temperature recorded in the adjacent cells of containers B, C, and D was only 47 °C, well below the thermal runaway threshold. This impressive result, confirmed during post-test disassembly, highlighted the integrity of the ESS's enclosure, fire-resistant layer, and internal battery packs, showcasing the system's resilience under severe conditions.

Critical Time for Emergency Intervention

Unlike conventional ESS systems that face immediate fire or explosion risks upon thermal runaway in a single cell, the Huawei Smart String ESS provided a crucial advantage. In the extreme scenarios tested, the onset of ignition was delayed by 7 hours, even as the number of compromised cells increased. This slow progression of failure allows emergency personnel to respond in a timely manner, significantly reducing risks and enhancing the safety of personnel and property.

Advancing Safety in Energy Storage

The safety of ESS technologies is paramount for the sustainable and high-quality development of the renewable energy sector. Huawei's success in this extreme ignition test not only showcases its advancements in safety but also reflects a broader commitment to redefining safety protocols in energy storage. Through continued architectural innovation, Huawei has successfully upgraded the safety protection mechanisms of its ESS from a container-level standard to a package-level safeguard, effectively preventing the spread of thermal runaway.

In conclusion, Huawei's Smart String & Grid Forming ESS stands as a testament to cutting-edge technology in the energy storage landscape, bolstered by its recent successful testing results. As the industry continues to evolve, innovations like these play a crucial role in ensuring the future of energy storage remains safe and reliable, further solidifying Huawei's position as a leader in energy solutions globally.