Energy storage container package level sprinkler

How much water does a sprinkler system need?

The applicable sprinkler system demand area for water supply calculations is typically 230 m2 (2,500 ft2) for both DS 3-26 and NFPA 13. Sprinkler protection requirements for ESS will soon be addressed in NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems .

Is sprinkler protection sufficient for ESS in commercial occupancies?

These recent efforts provide confidence that sprinkler protection can be sufficient for ESS in commercial occupancies. However, there are limited real-scale data available to support a fire hazard assessment of Li-ion based ESS and there are no experimental data to support sprinkler protection guidance. (e.g., battery, module).

Does ceiling-level sprinkler protection reduce fire intensity?

Both the LFP and NMC tests showed that ceiling-level sprinkler protection can reduce the overall fire intensity but does not adequately cool the modules within the rack to suppress the fire. This was an expected result because the solid walls of the ESS rack direct the sprinkler water away from the modules causing a deep-seated fire.

Are ESS batteries good for sprinkler protection?

A series of small- to large-scale free burn fire tests were conducted on ESS comprised of either iron phosphate (LFP) or nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries. Coupled with large-scale sprinklered fire tests, the performance of sprinkler protection common to commercial facilities where ESS are being installed was evaluated.

How much space does a sprinkler system need?

With sprinkler protection, the minimum space separation from any part of the ESS is 0.9 m (3 ft) from non-combustible objects and 1.5 m (5 ft) from combustible objects. The sprinkler system water supply should be designed for a minimum 230 m2 (2,500 ft2) demand area and a duration of at least 90 minutes.

Should ESS racks be separated as combustibles if sprinkler protection is not provided?

For ESS comprised of multiple racks, each individual LFP or NMC rack should be separated as combustibles per Table 7-2 when sprinkler protection is not provided. Refer to Section 7.1.2 for additional guidance when sprinkler protection is provided.