#China #Shenzhen #Huawei #Energy Storage #Safety Standards

Huawei's Smart String & Grid Forming Energy Storage System Triumphs

In a significant development for energy storage technology, Huawei Digital Power has announced that its Smart String & Grid Forming Energy Storage System (ESS) has successfully passed rigorous ignition tests, a milestone acknowledged by customers and DNV, a global independent quality assurance and risk management organization. This test, which was conducted under real-world conditions using innovative methods, validates the capabilities of Huawei’s ESS in extreme conditions and marks a substantial advancement in safety standards within the energy storage industry.

Testing Methodology

The tests were conducted in accordance with the international standard UL 9540A, and Huawei intensified the testing rigor by significantly increasing the number of cells subjected to thermal runaway. This approach allowed for a comprehensive verification of the safety features of the Smart String & Grid Forming ESS in extreme ignition scenarios, thereby setting new benchmarks for safety testing across the industry.

Real-World Conditions

One of the standout features of the test was its execution under conditions that accurately reflect real applications. Four units of the Smart String & Grid Forming ESS—designated as Container A, B, C, and D—were utilized, all of which were mass-manufactured products. They were fully charged to 100% State of Charge (SOC) and deployed according to the necessary safety and maintenance protocols. The test process was spontaneous with no manual interventions, ensuring a realistic environment for the extreme verification at the system level.

Key Findings

1. Thermal Runaway without Incident: Under the testing conditions, a thermal runaway was induced in 12 cells without resulting in any fire or explosion. Traditional ESS systems often face combustion risks from overheating in a single cell, leading to the release of flammable gases. In Huawei's system, a combination of an overpressure oxygen barrier and a directed gas venting channel effectively channeled the gases, preventing any incident from occurring.

2. Ultimate Fire Resistance: The tests simulated extensive fire scenarios by gradually increasing the number of thermally defective cells while ensuring maximum oxygen supply. Notably, the highest cell temperature in adjacent containers was only 47 °C, well beneath the threshold for thermal runaway. Post-test inspections confirmed the structural integrity of the ESS housing and internal batteries, underscoring the system's resilience in extreme conditions.

3. Delayed Failure Progression: Traditional ESS systems often risk immediate fire or explosion upon thermal runaway. Conversely, Huawei’s ESS demonstrated a delay in ignition by up to seven hours even as the number of thermally unstable cells increased. This feature offers vital time for early intervention during emergency situations, significantly improving the safety of personnel and property.

A Technological Breakthrough

The safety of energy storage systems is paramount for the sustainable development of the renewable energy sector. The successful outcomes of these tests highlight a major breakthrough for Huawei Digital Power, demonstrating comprehensive protection that spans from battery cell levels to complete system safety. By innovatively expanding the safety protection mechanism from the container level (industry standard) to the pack level, Huawei effectively prevents the escalation of thermal runaway, redefining the safety parameters for energy storage systems.

In conclusion, Huawei Digital Power’s investment in creating a safer and more reliable energy storage solution shows a significant leap forward in technology, enhancing both performance and safety standards in the industry. With such advancements, Huawei continues to pave the way for the future of energy storage, proving its commitment to innovation and safety.