In a groundbreaking achievement for energy storage technology, Huawei Digital Power announced that its Commercial and Industrial Hybrid Cooling Grid Forming Energy Storage System (CI GFM ESS) has successfully completed an extreme ignition test. Conducted at a prominent national fire safety laboratory and witnessed by TÜV Rheinland, this test is a significant milestone as it is the first fire safety assessment for energy storage systems (ESS) following the latest UL 9540A2025 standard.
A Rigorous Testing Environment
The test focused on creating the most challenging and rigorous verification environment, evaluating the CI GFM ESS's safety performance against extreme ignition scenarios. Using a pack-level overcharge method, simultaneous thermal runaway events were triggered in 60 battery cells. This approach, which presents a far greater challenge than tests involving only a single cell, is designed to assess the robustness of the system under severe conditions.
To ensure the test's accuracy, the following stringent conditions were implemented:
- - The test employed the open-door ignition method as outlined in UL 9540A2025, maximizing oxygen availability to simulate real-life scenarios effectively.
- - All battery packs were fully charged to 100% state of charge (SOC) prior to testing.
- - Fire suppression systems, both proactive and passive, were disabled, meaning that the ESS had to rely solely on its design and engineering to withstand combustion at maximum energy capacity.
Innovative Safety Features
Under such extreme conditions, Huawei's CI GFM ESS showcased its impressive safety performance, bolstered by its innovative five-level protection system:
1.
Inter-cell Thermal Isolation: This feature effectively mitigates thermal runaway propagation between cells, serving as the first line of defense in ensuring system safety.
2.
All-metal Pack Enclosure: The outer enclosure of the battery pack can endure temperatures exceeding 1500°C, preserving structural integrity even in intense fires to minimize damage.
3.
Positive-pressure Oxygen Blocking and Smoke Exhaust: This innovative design directs combustibles away from the system, significantly reducing fire damage potential.
4.
Fireproof Labyrinth Design: The sealing surfaces of the ESS units are designed with a labyrinthine structure that effectively prevents the spread of flames.
5.
Enhanced Container Fire Resistance: The container has been fortified to provide comprehensive fire protection against extreme conditions.
Validated Performance with Data Evidence
The test results provide substantial evidence supporting the safety and reliability of Huawei's CI GFM ESS. At a peak fire temperature of 961°C, the adjacent ESS's highest cell temperature was recorded at only 45.3°C, far below the critical threshold for the opening of the cell explosion-proof valve. Throughout the testing process, the system remained fully compliant with UL 9540A2025 standards, with no fire propagation between the units, which is a critical factor for safety in energy storage systems.
The test recorded a peak heat release rate (HRR) of 3 MW, with total combustion duration of less than three hours before the system self-extinguished. Remarkably, under open-door burning conditions, the energy storage system managed the heat release effectively, demonstrating exceptional thermal management capabilities that further emphasize its robust design.
In summary, Huawei's achievement in passing this extreme ignition test illustrates not only the safety and reliability of its CI GFM ESS but also paves the way for confidence in advanced energy storage technologies in contemporary applications. As industries continue to adopt such technologies, Huawei sets a high standard for safety that can reshape the future of energy storage systems.