Key Differences in Safety Standards
1. Regional Variations
- North America: Standards like UL 9540 and UL 1973 provide guidelines for energy storage systems but may not fully address flow battery specifics. There is a push to integrate more detailed testing and safety protocols inspired by European and Chinese standards.
- Europe: Europe is at the forefront of developing comprehensive flow battery safety codes, thanks in part to the International Flow Battery Forum (IFBF) and CENELEC. Standards like IEC 62932-2-2:2020 cover safety requirements for indoor and outdoor installations.
- China: Chinese regulations (e.g., GB/T standards) focus on specific aspects like terminology, general specifications, and safety requirements for vanadium flow batteries.
2. Industry-Specific Applications
- Energy Storage and Grid Systems: In the energy sector, safety focuses on preventing electrical, chemical hazards like electrolyte leakage, and ensuring operational safety during power failures.
- Industrial and Commercial Facilities: For these settings, standards emphasize fire safety and personnel protection, with certifications like UL9540A being crucial for ensuring safe operation in potentially hazardous environments.
3. Technological Differences
- Vanadium Flow Batteries (VFBs): These batteries are noted for their inherent safety benefits, including lower fire risk and robust chemical stability. Standards often reflect these characteristics, focusing on aspects like electrolyte handling and system design.
- Redox Flow Batteries (RFBs): While RFBs offer scalability and long lifetimes, their safety standards need to address component durability and potential corrosion issues, as highlighted by UL1973 certification.
Summary of Major Standards
- UL 9540: Focuses on safety requirements for energy storage systems in North America, with limitations regarding flow battery specifics.
- UL 1973: Addresses safety for large-scale stationary batteries, including redox flow batteries.
- CENELEC CWA 50611: Provides guidance on specification, installation, and operation of flow batteries.
- IEC 62932 series: Covers terminology, performance, and safety requirements for flow battery energy storage systems.
- GB/T standards: Specific to China, these cover various aspects of vanadium flow battery technology.
In conclusion, while safety standards for flow batteries share common goals, they differ significantly based on regional regulations, specific industry needs, and technological characteristics.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-the-safety-standards-for-flow-batteries-differ-across-industries/
