How can you ensure the safety of Energy storage systems in your career as an Energy Engineer?

1 ESS types and hazards

The first step to ensure ESS safety is to understand the different types of ESS and their associated hazards. ESS can be classified into four categories: mechanical, electrochemical, electrical, and thermal. Each category has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as specific safety challenges. For example, mechanical ESS, such as pumped hydro and compressed air, have low energy density and high land use, but also low fire risk and long durability. Electrochemical ESS, such as batteries and fuel cells, have high energy density and efficiency, but also high fire and explosion risk and complex recycling. Electrical ESS, such as capacitors and flywheels, have high power density and fast response, but also high voltage and rotational risk and low energy capacity. Thermal ESS, such as molten salt and ice storage, have low cost and high scalability, but also low efficiency and high temperature risk and corrosion.

2 ESS standards and regulations

The second step to ensure ESS safety is to follow the relevant standards and regulations for ESS design, installation, operation, and maintenance. Standards and regulations are developed by various organizations, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). They provide guidelines and requirements for ESS performance, quality, reliability, safety, and environmental impact. As an energy engineer, you need to be familiar with the applicable standards and regulations for your ESS project and comply with them throughout the ESS life cycle.

5 ESS testing and inspection

The fifth step to ensure ESS safety is to conduct regular testing and inspection for your ESS project. Testing and inspection are used to verify and validate the ESS functionality, quality, reliability, and safety. They also help to identify and correct any defects, faults, or errors in the ESS components and systems. As an energy engineer, you need to perform various types of testing and inspection, such as factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning testing, routine testing, and periodic testing, for your ESS project. You also need to follow the testing and inspection protocols and procedures, as well as document and report the testing and inspection results and actions.

6 ESS training and education

The sixth step to ensure ESS safety is to provide adequate training and education for yourself and other stakeholders involved in your ESS project. Training and education are used to enhance the knowledge, skills, and awareness of ESS principles, technologies, applications, standards, regulations, risks, and best practices. They also help to foster a culture of safety and responsibility among the ESS users, operators, managers, and regulators. As an energy engineer, you need to participate in continuous training and education programs, such as workshops, seminars, courses, and certifications, to update and improve your ESS expertise and competence. You also need to provide or facilitate training and education programs for other stakeholders involved in your ESS project, such as contractors, technicians, customers, and authorities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?