We have a project with Lithium-Ion Batteries stored in racks, not to be confused with Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
This will be for an electric vehicle assembly facility. NFPA 13 to my knowledge is silent, despite some joint testing/assessment by FM Global and NFPA. The storage height of the test array was only 15-ft if memory serves which could be a significant limiting factor (link below) https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Hazardous-Materials/Lithium-ion-batteries-hazard-and-use-assessment My initial thought is to have a risk assessment completed by an Engineer, and have them set some design considerations based on the applicable storage parameters. I believe we're looking at single and double-row racks in excess of 15-ft in height. Has anybody else protected a similar storage array with sprinklers? Would you have any suggestions on how best to approach this hazard? Thanks in advance. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
12 Comments
Dan Wilder
4/18/2022 08:42:18 am
Last I knew, there wasn't a conclusive protection criteria available due to limited testing thus far. Using a FPE for a risk assessment will be the best route forward because it provides you direction as an installing contractor and the AHJ has already been involved (hopefully).
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OP
4/19/2022 07:26:06 am
Yes the testing data is still quite limited, due from my understanding to the significant cost of the batteries. Also my role here is the AHJ, though I am an ex-fitter and still operate as a designer (in other municipalities only) to keep my skills up-to-date - I often forget which perspective to write from, so I apologize if that was misleading.
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Alex
4/18/2022 09:27:18 am
I attended a seminar on Lithium Ion Storage. They stated the following:
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Franck
4/18/2022 10:32:42 am
I concur with Alex, when stored and not connected as "batteries", they are to be considered as unexpanded Group A plastic (like any battery, in fact), as the thermal runaway is normally not present.
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Joshua Freedman
4/18/2022 11:33:30 am
There is only one place where you can find the requirements for lithium ion battery storage. FM Global Data sheets. Go to FM-Global and download FM 8-01. Go to section 2.4.2 and it basically has a single page with the design requirements. Though it is more complicated, here is the excerpt.
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Mike
4/18/2022 03:29:25 pm
If you get an FPE, require specific spacing, k-factors, density etc. or else you'll get a report full of gobbly goop. FPE's love to copy and paste reports.
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4/18/2022 04:20:28 pm
FPE here. I'd be happy to copy/paste some gobbly goop for you. Ha!
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David Andersen
5/2/2023 09:39:02 am
Hi Corey, reaching out to you since you apparently have experience with 7+ Li plants. We are in the process of building a LI battery plant (LFP) and Fire department is wanting a design of our fire suppression system for battery cell storage. They believe it may have to be in our Rack storage. I'm not convinced since they will be Cells (not batteries) and will not exceed 30% SOC. I have worked at two previous Li battery manufacturing plants and never had anything more than high volume sprinkler systems.
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5/2/2023 11:16:31 am
Hey David. A battery manufacturing plant has different levels of hazards and various rack configurations compared to a storage warehouse. I'm not sure which you have in mind. FM updated DS8-1 in January this year with revised guidance, it may apply to your situation. Happy to discuss further with you corey@the-fpi.com
glenn semanisin
4/20/2022 06:30:35 pm
We had a battery fire started by faulty AGM battery in a rack within a comm tower building. Wiped out all the radio and 911 servers even after the gas fire suppression system were triggered.
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OP
4/25/2022 08:01:01 am
So, turns out the batteries in question will be of the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry. The batteries are to be stored at less than 10% state of charge. Anybody know of any special concerns or characteristics regarding this battery chemistry?
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Ralse
6/30/2022 09:35:45 am
No one is concerned that all the other batteries would short-circuit and cause problems when they are drowned by the sprinklers because one battery caught fire?
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