As the world becomes increasingly reliant on renewable energy sources and strives for sustainability, the role of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) has grown exponentially. Energy Storage Systems play a crucial role in balancing energy supply and demand, enhancing grid stability, and ensuring uninterrupted power delivery. In this blog, we look at the fascinating history and evolution of ESS, and how advancements in safety testing have paralleled that journey.
Our journey begins over 2,200 years ago near Baghdad, Iraq, where it is said that the first known battery was invented. A simple clay pot, approximately 6 inches tall, housed a copper foil-wrapped tube immersed in grapefruit juice or vinegar. When connected to an iron rod, this primitive battery generated a low-intensity current - our earliest glimpse into energy storage.
Fast-forward to the 18th century and Benjamin Franklin coined the term “battery” to describe arrays of charged glass plates. Luigi Galvani’s work on nerve impulses laid the groundwork for inventors like Alessandro Volta, who created the first true batteries. These early batteries were far from today’s sophisticated systems, but they marked the beginning of our energy storage journey.
The 20th century witnessed significant strides in battery technology. Single-cell lead-acid batteries powered early electrical systems, followed by rechargeable variants. However, it was the advent of lithium-ion batteries that revolutionized energy storage. Initially used in consumer electronics, these compact powerhouses soon found applications in large-scale systems, including electric vehicles and grid storage.
It can be head-spinning to look at the advancements in our lifetimes; the first cell phones were heavy, bulky brutes, today, they fit snuggly in our pockets, thanks to lithium batteries. These advancements have fueled the growth of electric vehicles and large-scale battery storage and have reshaped our energy landscape.
However, as ESS technologies evolved, so did safety concerns. Lithium-ion batteries, initially fielded without comprehensive safety knowledge, led to high-profile incidents in consumer electronics. Simultaneously, their potential for large battery systems became evident. Safety incidents like the 2013 Storage Battery Fire at The Landing Mall in Port Angeles underscored the need for robust safety measures.
Safety testing for ESS has become paramount. Some of the areas that engineers and compliance managers now focus on include:
Several standards guide the safety assessment of ESS, including but limited to:
As we embrace new energy storage technologies - such as advanced aqueous batteries - safety research must keep pace. Grid-scale systems, with their complexity and power electronics, demand thorough testing. Stakeholder input, subject matter expertise, and full-scale testing are essential to ensure safe adoption and informed risk management.
In conclusion, the evolution of ESS mirrors our quest for sustainable energy. As manufacturers, engineers, and product managers, let’s continue this journey, prioritizing safety and innovation in equal measure.
To delve deeper into ESS safety, download our whitepaper: “Ensuring the Safety of Energy Storage Systems”. Gain insights, stay informed, and contribute to a safer energy future.
Remember, safety isn’t an option - it’s our shared responsibility.
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