CLOU Releases Whitepaper on Active Ventilation and Explosion-Proof Systems After Major Fire Test
CLOU, a leading Tier 1 provider in energy storage systems, has officially released a comprehensive whitepaper focused on active ventilation and explosion-proof systems. This document provides vital insights into the next-generation fire protection architecture specifically designed for the company’s energy storage solutions. The release follows a groundbreaking fire test that lasted 59 hours and 10 minutes, conducted on CLOU's liquid-cooled 5-MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) known as Aqua C2.5.
In April, the CSA Group meticulously observed and documented the extensive fire test. This test simulated an extreme thermal runaway scenario by stacking four fully loaded Aqua C2.5 containers (labeled A/B/C/D) back-to-back and side-by-side, thereby replicating a high-density station's actual configuration. Container A was ignited deliberately and burned for nearly 60 hours, with temperatures exceeding 1300 °C. Impressively, no fire suppression system was activated during the burn, allowing an in-depth evaluation of the inherent fire resistance within a single container and the operational effectiveness of CLOU's active ventilation and explosion protection system. Notably, there was no thermal propagation to adjacent units, highlighting the system's reliability in dense installations.
Recently, the Energy Storage System (ESS) sector has faced increasing safety concerns due to numerous reported fire and explosion incidents globally. In response, North America, recognized for having the world’s most stringent safety standards for energy storage, has implemented a rigorous regulatory framework that encompasses risk management throughout the lifecycle of energy systems—from the cell level to station-wide protective measures. Essential standards include NFPA 855, NFP A68, NFPA 69, UL 9540, and CSA/ANSI C800.
To align with these stringent standards, CLOU has developed a comprehensive multi-layered fire protection system designed to safeguard customer assets throughout their entire lifecycle. The safety system outlined in the whitepaper incorporates principles of lean engineering and features numerous safety measures, including:
CLOU’s recent advancements reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to enhancing safety standards within the industry. The whitepaper is now available for download and serves as a crucial reference for developers, EPCs, regulatory bodies, and facility owners seeking improved safety and long-term system reliability. You can download the whitepaper here. Additionally, a video related to the test can be viewed here.
Details of the Fire Test
In April, the CSA Group meticulously observed and documented the extensive fire test. This test simulated an extreme thermal runaway scenario by stacking four fully loaded Aqua C2.5 containers (labeled A/B/C/D) back-to-back and side-by-side, thereby replicating a high-density station's actual configuration. Container A was ignited deliberately and burned for nearly 60 hours, with temperatures exceeding 1300 °C. Impressively, no fire suppression system was activated during the burn, allowing an in-depth evaluation of the inherent fire resistance within a single container and the operational effectiveness of CLOU's active ventilation and explosion protection system. Notably, there was no thermal propagation to adjacent units, highlighting the system's reliability in dense installations.
Addressing Industry Concerns
Recently, the Energy Storage System (ESS) sector has faced increasing safety concerns due to numerous reported fire and explosion incidents globally. In response, North America, recognized for having the world’s most stringent safety standards for energy storage, has implemented a rigorous regulatory framework that encompasses risk management throughout the lifecycle of energy systems—from the cell level to station-wide protective measures. Essential standards include NFPA 855, NFP A68, NFPA 69, UL 9540, and CSA/ANSI C800.
To align with these stringent standards, CLOU has developed a comprehensive multi-layered fire protection system designed to safeguard customer assets throughout their entire lifecycle. The safety system outlined in the whitepaper incorporates principles of lean engineering and features numerous safety measures, including:
- - Early Warning and Detection of Thermal Runaway: The Battery Management System (BMS) continuously monitors voltage and temperature in real-time, triggering alarms and disconnecting circuits to prevent the spread of fire.
- - Dynamic Explosion Protection: Active ventilation systems are automatically engaged to suppress explosive risks before fire ignition occurs.
- - Dual-layer Fire Suppression: CLOU has enhanced traditional gas fire suppression systems with complete flooding by introducing water mist, which cools quickly to prevent re-ignition and works in tandem with the ventilation system to reduce flammable gas concentrations.
- - Active-Passive Explosion Defense: Preventative control ventilation systems maintain flammable gas concentrations below 25% Lower Explosive Limit (LEL), effectively averting explosive conditions right at the source based on NFPA 69 guidelines. The planned ventilation also features directional pressure relief structures that localize explosion impacts and prevent chain reactions.
- - Innovative Ventilation and Explosion-proof Design: This includes five natural exhaust vents and two inlets, designed to keep flammable gases below 25% LEL, even if one inlet fails. These vents simultaneously serve as pressure relief openings during explosions, directing flames vertically upwards to prevent spread while maintaining continuous ventilation through thermal pressure differences during power outages.
CLOU’s recent advancements reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to enhancing safety standards within the industry. The whitepaper is now available for download and serves as a crucial reference for developers, EPCs, regulatory bodies, and facility owners seeking improved safety and long-term system reliability. You can download the whitepaper here. Additionally, a video related to the test can be viewed here.
Topics Energy）
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