Energy storage cabinets are becoming the key to energy self-sufficiency for every household and business alike, able to store excess generated electricity via solar generation systems and provide power support during grid outages or peak electricity prices. However, facing the dazzling array of battery energy storage products on the market, how to choose a battery energy storage cabinet that meets their needs and has high cost-effectiveness has become a difficult problem for many people. This article will take you deep into understanding factors to consider when choosing a battery energy storage cabinet to make wise choices and make sure your investment can bring long-term value and convenience.

The necessity of a battery energy storage cabinet

In recent years, lithium-ion batteries have been a key player in energy storage based on their high energy density and long cycling performance. However, such chemical batteries also run the danger of thermal runaway, which can then cause the release of toxic gases and lead to fires or even explosions.

Hence, it has become very relevant to use battery energy storage cabinets to manage these batteries, as safety and efficiency go hand-in-hand. Battery Energy Storage Cabinet not only offers centralized storage but also integrates safety features like an automatic fire extinguisher and thermal management systems that help  prevent and control fires that may arise.

For instance, the automatic fire extinguishing system of the prefabricated cabin lithium-ion battery energy storage power station should be able to respond within ≤2 seconds and put out open flames within 15 seconds. Within 24 hours after the open flame is extinguished, the lithium-ion battery module shall not explode or reignite.

Meanwhile, designing battery energy storage cabinets features some optimization by considering the fire distance for optimization of layout to reduce accident scopes and the footprint of the energy storage power stations themselves. The internal structure of one energy storage cabinet usually covers: battery modules, BMS-Battery Management Systems, energy conversion system, control and protection systems and ventilation and cooling systems.

All of these are to prevent battery overheating and control thermal runaway events.

Therefore, battery energy storage cabinets have been extremely indispensable not only because they providing highly efficient energy storage, but they will play a significant role in dramatically reducing the risk of lithium-ion battery explosion and failure for protect personnel safety and equipment integrity. Therefore, the battery energy storage cabinet will need to integrate advanced monitoring and managing fire protection systems, in guaranteeing the safety of lithium-ion battery use.

Points to consider when choosing a battery energy storage cabinet

1. With security warnings and monitoring

It is important to make sure that your battery storage cabinets are fitted with an appropriate alarm system that must be connected to the electronic control unit, including a passive alarm contact for the building management system. Some different alarm modules exist on the market that allow the sending out of alarm signals via a centralized alarm system or via SMS. Furthermore, there are battery storage cabinets-an efficient fire suppression system that is important for fire limitation. It can provide precious time to on-site personnel, allowing them to respond and act in emergency mode.

2. Ensure safe charging of lithium-ion batteries

If you intend that a battery storage cabinet will be used as a charging station, it is important to ensure that it has been designed and constructed with this use in mind and contains all the necessary safety features. Adding charging facilities after the fact is not only costly but can also pose a safety hazard. Professional lithium-ion battery cabinets should include high-standard features such as a metal enclosure and grounded power outlets, which should be pre-configured and mounted on the back wall of the cabinet to ensure ease and safety when in use.

3. Thermal management measures

Ensure that your battery storage cabinet should have thermal management measures, which can be liquid cooling or air cooling and other means to control the battery temperature and reduce the risk of overheating and fire.

4. With fire and explosion-proof design

Ensure that the battery storage cabinets you purchase should at least meet the IP54 protection level, have good corrosion, fire, water, dust (sand), shock, UV, anti-theft, and other functions. The battery storage cabinets should be equipped with automatic fire extinguishing devices that can be quickly turned on in case of a fire to extinguish the fire. Storage of lithium-ion batteries: the combustion performance of indoor decorative materials should be class A; you can ask the supplier to verify the question, understand for how long the cabinet can resist fire so that you are fully protected. If necessary, please ask for the tests carried out and the relevant certificates.

5. Consider battery storage cabinets with integrated bases

To make it easier to quickly move the battery storage cabinet outdoors in the event of a fire, it is recommended that the cabinet be located near an exit. Since storage cabinets designed for lithium-ion batteries usually weigh more, around 500 kg, it is necessary to choose a battery storage cabinet equipped with an integrated base. This facilitates an easy evacuation and shifting with the forklift during a fire or need for the shift of the cabinet. Without a base for the cabinet but instead placed on the floor, the evacuation and shifting during emergency will be extremely hard to carry out.

6. A battery management system is required

Battery management system technology is guarantee of the safety and stability of the operation of battery cabinets, providing real-time monitoring of the voltage, current, temperature, and other important parameters of the battery for accurate data support in health. This system not only prevents overcharge and over-discharge, avoids damage to the battery, and avoids safety risks, but also optimizes the charging and discharging efficiency of the battery and prolongs the service life of the battery. The high-performance battery management system is essential for the battery storage cabinet, which not only improves the overall performance of the storage system but also provides users with a more reliable and economical energy solution.

We hope this article can help you. If you have any questions about energy storage, please contact us. Huijue Energy Storage is happy to serve you!