Energy Storage Unit

The document provides guidance for the installation and installation design of VRLA batteries. This recommended practice is intended for all standby stationary installations. However, specific applications, such as emergency lighting units and semi-portable equipment, may have other appropriate practices and are beyond the scope of this recommended practice. Alternative energy applications are not covered.

The document provides alternative approaches and practices for design, operation, maintenance, integration and interoperability, including distributed resources interconnection, of stationary or mobile battery energy storage systems (BESS) with the EPS at customer facilities, electricity distribution facilities or bulk transmission electricity facilities.

NFPA 70E requirements for safe work practices to protect personnel by reducing exposure to major electrical hazards. Originally developed at Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s request, NFPA 70E helps companies and employees avoid workplace injuries and fatalities due to shock, electrocution, arc flash and arc blast, and assists in complying with OSHA 1910 Subpart S and OSHA 1926 Subpart K.

NFPA 400 consolidates fundamental safeguards for the storage, use, and handling of hazardous materials in all occupancies and facilities. The Code does not apply to storage or use of hazardous materials for individual use on the premises of one- and two-family dwellings.

The standard provides fire prevention and protection requirements for safeguarding life and physical property for buildings or facilities that employ stationary fuel cell systems of all sizes. Criteria cover design, construction and installation requirements, including general equipment configuration, siting and interconnections, fuel supplies and storage arrangements, ventilation, exhaust and fire protection. Specific provisions for fuel cell power systems 50 kW or less are also included.

This Part of IEC 62485 specifies the basic requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations. The requirements regarding safety, reliability, life expectancy, mechanical strength, cycle stability, internal resistance, and battery temperature, are determined by various applications, and this, in turn, determines the selection of the battery design and technology. In general, the requirements and definitions are specified for Lead-Acid and Nickel Cadmium batteries. For other battery systems with aqueous electrolyte, the requirements may be applied accordingly.

The document provides recommendations for installation design and for installation, maintenance, and testing procedures to optimize life and performance of vented Nickel Cadmium batteries in stationary standby applications. Also provides guidance for determining when these batteries should be replaced.

The recommended practice is limited to maintenance, test schedules, and testing procedures that can be used to optimize the life and performance of VRLA batteries for stationary applications. Also provides guidance to determine when batteries should be replaced. The maintenance and testing programs described represent “the best program” based on the information reviewed at the time this document was developed. Stationary cycling applications such as those found in alternative energy applications are beyond the scope of this recommended practice.

The document covers descriptions of products, methods, and procedures relating to stationary batteries, battery electrolyte spill mechanisms, electrolyte containment and control methodologies, and firefighting considerations are provided.