#China #Shanghai #Energy Storage #Hithium #Safety Standards

Hithium Establishes a New Benchmark for Energy Storage Safety

On June 11, 2025, during the 18th SNEC Exhibition, Hithium, a global frontrunner in energy storage technology, conducted a remarkable demonstration that redefined safety protocols in the energy storage sector. This event, themed Leading the Future, Forged for Safety, featured the results of the world's first large-scale open-door fire test of its innovative 5 MWh energy storage system, known as ∞Block. The test garnered certification from UL Solutions, a prestigious authority in safety testing, marking a significant advance in the energy storage landscape.

During the presentation, Hualei Wang, Project Manager for the fire test, provided attendees with insights into the test's background and critical details. The event showcased video footage documenting the entire open-door fire test process, highlighting technical features and outcomes. The intent of the test was to assess the system’s resilience under extreme conditions, thus establishing a comprehensive understanding of its safety capabilities.

The Fire Test Details

The test began with the deliberate heating of eight battery cells within Container A to induce thermal runaway. This action triggered a chain reaction, causing an increase in temperature and pressure. Vent openings on the battery were then opened to allow gases to escape. An ignition system was activated, igniting the released gases, which resulted in a complete combustion scenario under open conditions. This configuration maximized heat exposure to adjacent containers B, C, and D.

The test was carried out under four extreme conditions: open-door combustion, a dual extreme separation of 15 cm, an inoperative fire suppression system, and a 100% state of charge. Notably, at the fourth hour, the maximum temperature peaked at an astonishing 1,372 °C. However, throughout the test, temperature monitoring indicated that the battery cells in the adjacent containers remained significantly below the thermal runaway thresholds established by UL9540A safety standards (≤42 °C in Container B, ≤80 °C in Container C, and ≤70 °C in Container D).

After 15 hours of sustained combustion, the flame was extinguished. Remarkably, the initiating container remained structurally sound, showing no signs of deformation or collapse, while the adjacent containers B, C, and D experienced only minor surface damage. The internal battery modules were untouched, demonstrating the effectiveness of Hithium’s safety architecture.

Multi-Layered Safety Architecture

The success of this fire test can be attributed to Hithium’s multi-layered safety architecture, encompassing cell, module, and system levels. At the cell level, Hithium employed heat-resistant anode/cathode materials, functional electrolyte additives, and high-temperature separators to enhance thermal thresholds. The module level utilized low-conductivity insulation and flame-retardant top covers to reduce propagation risks. Finally, the system level incorporated a robust container framework and heat-resistant housing materials to maintain structural integrity under extreme heat conditions.

During the certification ceremony, UL Solutions awarded Hithium with a certification for the large-scale fire test, affirming compliance with UL 9540A and NFPA 855 standards. Qifeng Xiao, General Manager of UL Solutions' Energy and Automation Division for the Asia Pacific region, remarked on the groundbreaking nature of Hithium's open-door extreme fire test, stating that it significantly outperformed standard closed-door tests with explosion venting.

Implications for the Industry

The positive results not only validate the autonomous fire protection capabilities of Hithium’s system but also serve as a valuable reference for developing global safety standards in energy storage. This pioneering effort reflects Hithium’s unwavering commitment to the safety of their energy storage systems through a fully transparent testing process that provides essential data and practices to the industry.

Looking ahead, Hithium plans to continue investing in safety innovation, ensuring robust safety measures are in place to support the global transition to green energy. By setting new benchmarks for safety in energy storage, Hithium positions itself as a leader in this vital field, ready to address future challenges and advancements.