Energy storage safety - Responsible installation, use and disposal of domestic and small commercial systems

[摘要] Energy storage technologies are undergoing rapid development. Their uptake is predicted to track a similar path to that of market-driven solar panels (photovoltaics), or to be even faster. Industry is determined to be prepared for this predicted disruptor.This report focuses on the diverse range of energy storage safety considerations for technologies with the potential for rapid uptake. Specifically, it describes a desktop study of safety performance in the Australian context that aimed to identify the present status, potential gaps and requirements for domestic and small commercial energy storage systems of greater than 1 kWh and less than 200 kWh. In this report, safety is considered in terms of the installer and designer working with energy storage, the consumer using energy storage and the effects of energy storage on the environment.The investigation covered the following:- description of the various energy storage technologies, compositions and functions, including battery chemistries- installation and safety requirements common to technologies in the domestic and commercial stationary energy storage sector, and additional requirements specific to various chemistries- present standards and best practice, as well as potential gaps that apply to existing chemistries and installation scenarios, transportation and handling, disposal and recycling- operation information for storage installation and for the life cycle of that storage system, to ensure a safe environment for the batteries, their surroundings and residents- advice on emergency response requirements in the event of a fault or unsafe condition- advice on appropriate training and accreditation for energy storage designers and installers. If the key findings and recommendations given below are addressed in a timely fashion, Australia will not only be prepared for the predicted energy storage uptake but will potentially be a world-leading example of safety performance for distributed energy storage.Key findings1. There is a lack of knowledge on the variety of energy storage technologies, and thus on how to care for and operate them in a safe manner in the domestic and small commercial scale context. Although battery storage is a low-risk technology, it is important that systems are installed and maintained by an accredited installer, and that industry best practice is developed.2. There is currently no consensus on the appropriate method to extinguish a lithium battery storage fire in the event of an incident.There are many suggestions for extinguishing a lithium fire, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Research is needed into the appropriate method for dealing with such an incident.3. There is insufficient accreditation and training to support and provide qualifications for designers and installers of energy storage systems. The lack of accreditation and training is particularly relevant for the emerging lithium-ion battery technologies. The training and accreditation needs to cover safety protocols, and signage related towarnings and battery chemistry types.4. Emergency response teams (fire brigade, police and ambulance) have limited education about the issues related to an energy storage technology in the event of an incident. Relevant safety signage needs to be on display and the response team needs to take into account the location of the battery system.5. There is a lack of standards for battery storage system disposal and recycling (except in the case of lead-acid battery system).Battery storage systems can contain heavy or toxic metals that can be harmful to the environment if disposed of in a landfill. Consumers, designers and installers should be aware of and consider whole-of-life recycling practices.6. Australian standards for battery energy storage and connection to the electricity network are incomplete. For the domestic storage market especially, there is a need to develop standards that incorporate instal...

[发布日期] 2015-11-13 [发布机构] CSIRO

[效力级别] Power and Energy Systems Engineering (excl. Renewable Power) [学科分类] 地球科学(综合)