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Huawei's Smart String Energy Storage System Achieves Safety Milestone

In a major advancement for energy storage technology, Huawei Digital Power's Smart String and Grid Forming Energy Storage System (ESS) has successfully passed a series of rigorous ignition tests. Conducted under the watchful eyes of customers and the globally recognized DNV, these tests were designed to assess the system's performance in extreme conditions, marking a significant milestone for safety standards in the energy storage industry.

Validation Under Extreme Conditions

The ignition tests were conducted in accordance with the international standard UL 9540A, which emphasizes comprehensive evaluation in realistic scenarios. Huawei increased the accuracy of these tests by subjecting a larger number of cells to thermal runaway conditions. This innovative approach not only enhanced the safety profile of the Smart String ESS but also set a new benchmark for safety testing in the industry.

Real-World Conditions and Mass Production

The tests were conducted in settings that closely mirrored real-world scenarios. Four Smart String Grid Forming ESS units (designated as containers A, B, C, and D) were deployed as fully mass-produced products. They were charged to 100% state of charge (SOC) and operated according to minimal maintenance and safety protocols typical in factory environments. This rigorous testing environment assured a realistic and comprehensive assessment of the system's performance under extremes, eliminating any manual intervention during the process.

Groundbreaking Thermal Runaway Handling

One of the most remarkable outcomes involved the activation of 12 cells experiencing thermal runaway without any fires or explosions, a situation that typically triggers serious incidents in conventional energy storage systems. In Huawei's Smart String ESS (container A), the system’s combined defense mechanisms successfully channeled flammable gases generated during the thermal runaway process. With a pressurized oxygen barrier and specialized smoke venting designs, the system effectively mitigated safety risks, preventing any ignition incidents, thus demonstrating its courage under fire.

Resilience in Maximum Oxygen Supply Conditions

The tests progressed to simulate large-scale combustion scenarios by increasing the number of thermal runaway cells until the entire battery array was affected. Even under the maximum oxygen supply conditions typical to combustion, the highest recorded temperature in adjacent ESS containers was a mere 47°C, far below the threshold for thermal runaway. Post-test evaluations confirmed the structural integrity of the ESS, showcasing its fire-resistant layers and battery pack design, illustrating the system's resilience.

Critical Delay in Failure Conditions

In stark contrast to conventional ESS, which are prone to immediate fires or explosions following a single cell’s thermal runaway, Huawei's system demonstrated a remarkable delay in ignition—extending to 7 hours—even as the number of thermal runaway cells increased. This crucial delay provides emergency responders ample time for intervention, significantly lowering the risk of catastrophic accidents and ensuring the safety of personnel and property.

Redefining ESS Safety Logic

The safety of energy storage systems is paramount for the sustainable progression of the renewable energy sector. Huawei’s successful performance in these tests signifies a critical breakthrough in energy system safety, enhancing protection from the cell level through to the entire system architecture. Through innovative engineering and design, Huawei has redefined the safety paradigms of energy storage technologies.

This achievement not only reassures industry stakeholders about the robustness of energy storage technologies but also underscores Huawei's commitment to leading the charge towards safer, more reliable energy solutions. As the demand for renewable energy storage solutions continues to rise, innovations like the Smart String ESS are paving the way for safer, more efficient energy systems in the future.