APsystems Achieves Major Safety Milestone
In a significant advancement for energy storage safety, APsystems has successfully completed the rigorous UL 9540A fire propagation test for its cutting-edge APstorage 261L, a product specifically designed for commercial and industrial (C&I) applications. This milestone underscores the commitment of APsystems to provide safe and reliable energy solutions in an increasingly electrified world.
The UL 9540A Test
The UL 9540A test is recognized globally as one of the toughest safety standards for energy storage systems. Conducted under the observation of TÜV Rheinland, it evaluates thermal runaway behavior at various levels: cell, module, system, and installation. This comprehensive assessment measures heat output, smoke generation, temperature rise, and system response to ensure its resilience against fire and explosion hazards.
The APstorage 261L was subjected to extreme testing conditions, being operated at a state of charge (SOC) of 100% while deliberately disabling its fire suppression system. Remarkably, no short circuits, fire spread, or explosions were recorded during the test, maintaining the structural integrity of the unit throughout.
Key Testing Outcomes
The test results were noteworthy:
- - Thermal Flow: The measured heat flow near the affected unit reached 0 kW/m², significantly below the UL 9540A threshold of 1.3 kW/m², effectively eliminating the risk of ignition of nearby devices due to thermal radiation.
- - Maximum Module Temperature: Recorded temperatures at the affected and neighboring modules peaked at just 83.9 °C, demonstrating effective prevention of heat spread between modules.
- - Adjacent Wall Temperature: The maximum temperature of the wall adjacent to the APstorage 261L reached 30.6 °C, only slightly elevated above the ambient temperature, confirming minimal thermal impact on the surroundings.
At every level of the testing hierarchy, from cell to cabinet level, thermal runaway remained completely confined to a single unit, successfully preventing spread to adjacent units.
Safety by Design
Safety is intricately woven into the design of the APstorage 261L. The system boasts a liquid cooling architecture that keeps temperature fluctuations within the cells below 3 °C, enhancing battery life and operational safety. Its comprehensive safety framework integrates elements such as:
- - A four-stage fire protection system,
- - Active ventilation,
- - Passive pressure relief mechanisms.
Together, these features create a robust, multi-layered safety strategy that protects the system from the cell level up through to the entire installation.
Compact and Flexible Solutions
The APstorage 261L not only excels in safety but also offers versatility and ease of use in European C&I environments. With a compact footprint of just 1.3 m², the unit features plug-and-play connections for straightforward installation and commissioning. Its modular architecture allows for seamless parallel expansion across multiple cabinets, making it the ideal choice for industrial facilities, commercial buildings, as well as solar energy storage and charging applications.
Supported by APsystems’ extensive European network and a dedicated C&I energy storage warehouse in the Netherlands, the APstorage solution guarantees local product availability, professional training, and reliable on-site technical support.
As APsystems continues to enhance its portfolio of end-to-end energy storage solutions, it remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving higher standards of safety, performance, and reliability. For more information on APstorage and its offerings, please visit
APsystems Energy Storage.