Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a vital role in the transition to renewable energy, offering flexibility and efficiency. However, this innovation comes with responsibility, especially regarding fire safety. At Pixii, we take fire safety seriously, ensuring our systems meet and exceed safety standards to protect people, property, and the environment.

What are the fire risks?

Fire risks in BESS generally stem from factors like overheating, overcharging, mechanical damage, and short circuits, which can lead to what’s known as thermal runaway. In this process, the heat generated by a malfunction can cause adjacent battery cells to overheat, triggering a cascading effect. This is particularly a concern for lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used due to their high energy density and efficiency. When a battery reaches critical temperature levels, it can cause gases to vent and, in extreme cases, ignite.

Additionally, improper installation or insufficient ventilation can increase these risks, particularly in industrial and residential environments where systems are in constant use.

While the likelihood of such incidents is extremely low – studies show only a few incidents per million batteries produced – the potential consequences of thermal events in larger systems necessitate strict safety measures.

How international standards reduce these risks

To mitigate these fire risks, Pixii adheres to a range of international standards designed to enhance battery safety. These standards guide the design, installation, and operation of BESS units to prevent malfunctions that could lead to fires.

Key international standards we follow include:

• IEC 62619:2022: This standard focuses specifically on the safety of rechargeable cells and batteries. The standard outlines necessary safety measures to mitigate risks such as thermal runaway, fire, and electrical malfunctions. It includes testing procedures for foreseeable misuse scenarios, like short circuits and overcharging. 
  
• UN38.3: This standard describes the testing requirements for lithium batteries to ensure their safety during transportation. It includes a series of tests such as altitude simulation, thermal testing, vibration, and short circuit tests to assess the batteries’ performance under various conditions, thereby minimizing risks associated with their transport as dangerous goods.
  
• IEC 63056:2020: This standard outlines safety requirements and testing protocols for secondary lithium cells and batteries in electrical energy storage systems. It enhances the existing guidelines from IEC 62619 by incorporating additional safety measures and testing procedures tailored for diverse applications like telecommunications and residential energy storage.
  
• UL 1973:2022: This standard specifies safety requirements for batteries used in stationary applications, vehicle auxiliary power, and light electric rail systems. It includes detailed guidelines for construction, performance testing, and safety analyses, ensuring that energy storage systems are reliable and safe for real-world use.

Key safety features of Pixii BESS

1. Thermal management: Our systems incorporate active cooling and thermal management to prevent overheating, which is a common trigger for fires. This ensures batteries operate within their safe temperature ranges.
   
2. Overcharge and over-discharge protection: Pixii BESS solutions include integrated monitoring systems that prevent batteries from being overcharged or excessively discharged, which can lead to heat buildup.
   
3. Battery monitoring systems: We use sophisticated monitoring tools to detect early signs of malfunction, allowing real-time intervention to stop potential incidents before they escalate.
   
4. Fire detection and suppression: Many of our systems come equipped with advanced fire detection and suppression technologies. Should a fire risk arise, these systems automatically act to contain the threat.
   
5. High-quality batteries: Pixii partners with reputable suppliers to use high-quality, proven battery cells that comply with or exceeds strict global safety regulations. Each cell undergoes rigorous testing to ensure performance and safety over time.

The batteries used by Pixii are additionally required to pass a Thermal propagation test which is described in, but a non-mandatory test by the IEC 62619 standard.

Regional compliance and innovation

In addition to adhering to international standards, we work closely with regional safety guidelines, like those in Sweden and across the EU, to ensure our products meet all necessary local fire safety regulations. These partnerships allow us to stay updated on new safety requirements and incorporate them into our designs and operations.

A commitment to continuous improvement

As part of our commitment to innovation and safety, Pixii actively monitor developments in fire safety technology. We integrate the latest advancements into our systems, ensuring that we not only meet current safety standards but also anticipate future requirements.

Why choose Pixii?

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business using our industrial systems, we believe in transparency and ongoing support. Our team provides in-depth guidance on how to safely install and maintain BESS solutions in line with all relevant safety guidelines. Our Pixii Academy also offers certification to ensure that your installation is carried out by qualified professionals who understand both performance and safety needs.

By choosing Pixii, you’re not just investing in reliable and efficient energy storage; you’re partnering with a company that puts safety at the forefront. Our solutions are designed with transparency, trust, and reliability, ensuring you can focus on your energy needs while we handle the safety. Our adherence to leading international standards, combined with cutting-edge technology, ensures that your energy storage system is as safe as it is powerful.

For more information about our commitment to safety, visit our Quality and Cybersecurity page.