Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are a critical, advanced technological solution that enables renewable energy (like wind and solar) to be stored and released when the power is needed. With global demand on the energy sector higher than ever, the requirement for well maintained and operational BESS is crucial.
BESS are central to accelerating the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy and safeguarding energy supplies, which can experience fluctuations as a result of blackouts, weather and geopolitical reasons.
Implementing BESS continues to revolutionise global electricity generation, and effective cooling solutions are pivotal to maintain optimal battery temperatures, durability, battery performance and safe operations.
We explore the critical importance of thermal management in battery energy storage systems and how high-performance silicone materials contribute to safer, more efficient operations.
Why effective cooling is critical for BESS
Cooling is one of the most important factors in a BESS — safety, performance and lifespan of batteries in a BESS are significantly influenced by temperature, and it is crucial to keep batteries at a temperature that allows them to operate safely.
Specific temperature ranges that batteries require to operate safely vary, depending on design and type, however, lithium batteries typically operate safely from -20°C up to 60°C, nickel-metal hydride batteries between -20°C and 45°C lead-acid batteries between -15°C and 50°C.
Ensuring BESS safety requires a strategy that mandates systems are compliant with recognised standards, such as UL 9540, UL 9540A, and NFPA 855. These cover the safety of the full system, including batteries, a testing method to assess the potential for thermal runaway fire spread, and the safe installation of stationary energy storage systems.
With energy storage significantly vulnerable to overheating, it’s important to have an effective system in place to maintain thermal stability.
Challenges in managing BESS temperature
There are several factors that can lead to challenges in managing BESS temperatures, which include:
Outdoor environments and heat build up
BESS sites are predominantly located outside and could be vulnerable to outdoor environmental factors. Extreme weather conditions can leave a BESS vulnerable and put their operation at risk. Without effective thermal management, excessive heat build-up can compromise battery safety, efficiency and lifespan.
While higher temperatures during the summer months can be dangerous, as they could overwhelm the cooling systems located within the batteries and could cause them to overheat, winter brings its own challenges. Cooler winter months expose a BESS to other risks, such as sites becoming susceptible to flooding, freezing, excessive moisture and increases in humidity. These could all lead to moisture reaching parts of the battery that must remain dry and resulting in costly damage and potential thermal runaway.
Risks of overheating and thermal runaway
BESS overheating can lead to thermal runaway. This can be potentially catastrophic as it is a self-sustaining chain reaction that releases heat and flammable gases. It can potentially cause fires, explosions and release toxic gas, alongside leading to significant BESS damage. Causes of thermal runaway can include poor ventilation, internal cell defects, overcharging batteries and mechanical damage.
Silicone-based solutions for BESS thermal control
Sealing battery enclosures and HVAC units
Due to its robust properties, silicone rubber can withstand high temperatures, vibration and environmental factors, making it incredibly suitable to provide high standard sealing, insulation, protection and thermal control for battery enclosures and HVAC units.
Silicone sponge for insulation and fire safety
Silicone sponge is widely used within the energy sector due to its high performing properties, ability to withstand extreme temperature ranges (-60°C – 230°C) and its sealing properties.
kSil® closed cell silicone sponge provide sealing, insulation and protection to BESS, which all help to maintain optimal battery temperatures, system reliability and required safety standards.
Ensuring reliability and safety with silicone
Silicone Engineering has been leading the way in silicone innovation since 1959. We work to the highest standards ensuring you are supplied with a product which is fabricated to your exacting standards, is contaminant free, highly stable and meticulously precise.
Our highly skilled workforce is ready to help you today, so contact us to find out more about the thermal management solutions we can provide for BESS.
