I am currently in the beginning stages of design for a 200,000 sqft warehouse which will be used for production and assembly of electric generators (picture the gas/diesel trailer-mounted generator you would see on a construction site but battery powered). There will be three separate areas where the batteries will be stored.
The overhead system will be an ESFR k-25.2 system. The specs for the job are calling out a rated, freestanding, sprinklered canopy structure above the battery storage areas as an additional requirement to the overhead system which does make sense to me. Is there anyone who has advice or experience with this type of commodity and coverage of it? What code references should we be looking at, if any exist? FM Global released a study on lithium ion batteries but from reading over it they were testing smaller power-tool-sized batteries and not large battery banks. To my knowledge this is a relatively new hazard for the industry and the code requirements are having to play catch up. Again, any guidance would be appreciated. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
14 Comments
Pete H
12/30/2022 07:03:51 am
https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Hazardous-Materials/Lithium-ion-batteries-hazard-and-use-assessment
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sean
12/31/2022 05:32:24 pm
that study seems to focus on the individual cells being stored not assembled batteries
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Franck
12/30/2022 08:28:08 am
When batteries are stored without being charged, it is generally considered as exposed group A plastic (to be protected accordingly).
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Todd E Wyatt
12/30/2022 08:29:29 am
The scoping Code (e.g. 2021 IBC) identifies if an automatic sprinkler system is required for the Occupancy Classification(s) (OC). The manufacturing areas would be classified as Group F-1 Moderate-hazard Factory Industrial and the storage areas would be classified as Group S-1 Moderate-hazard Storage.
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Eric R
12/30/2022 09:03:58 am
When you say storing "batteries" you need to be very clear on if these areas are holding bulk lithium-ion pouches/packs/cells, or if these areas are storing pre-assembled battery ESS modules (usually in metal cases with associated BMS circuitry for sliding into racks.
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Jay Whisenant
12/30/2022 09:52:35 am
Please see International Fire Code Chapter 12, 2021, and recent code changes to the 2024 edition. NFPA 855 is a new standard for installation. UL 9540, 1973, 1642, and 1741 are background on LI-IO batteries and testing, although not directly applicable to your situation. What they show is these are very nasty fires when they occur.
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Eric R
12/30/2022 10:12:36 am
Is there a way to access the 2024 edition changes yet? I thought we were still many months away from seeing the books made available?
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Todd E Wyatt
12/30/2022 10:35:22 am
The applicable Codes and Standards are those that are adopted by the jurisdiction at the date of Plan Submittal for permitting purposes.
Dan Wilder
12/30/2022 10:28:28 am
Get an FPE, insurance agency, and the local AHJ to all agree to design intent prior to design. Clearly designate areas of storage, battery size and expected charge %, wall ratings, egress, packaging, detection, and smoke/heat mitigation (to name a few items). The 3 areas may require different approaches due to the assembly process...raw stacked/palleted materials, assembly where I have seen the outer casing look like bin box storage (ESFR usage), charging/testing areas, final packaging....
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Franck
1/2/2023 08:12:18 am
The main issue is that the FPE will have no guidance at all to make his assessment... I really wonder on what he will make his evaluation...
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Daniel Garcia
12/30/2022 01:28:32 pm
See NFPA 855 (2023 edition) section 4.9.2 for requirements. If the batteries have a maximums stored energy less than 50 kWh, you can use a density of 0.3 gpm/ft^2 over the area of the room or 2500 ft^2 (whichever is smaller). If the stored energy exceeds 50 KWh, you need fire and explosion testing data to determine the density.
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Eric R
12/30/2022 02:08:01 pm
Remember that 855 is only for ESS systems in an operational use environment. These design criteria are based on relatively specific arrangements. These setups are generally not more than 8’ tall, and with requirements for spacing of rack groups to prevent fie jumping.
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sean
12/31/2022 05:29:37 pm
codes have not covered this you will need to get a PE involved
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Alex
1/5/2023 09:36:43 am
In further reading of NFPA journals and fire studies with respect to lithium ion batteries. adding water can exacerbate the flame spread and heat production.
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