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Ensuring the Safe Transportation of Commercial Battery Energy Storage Systems
Transportation is one of the most important steps for the completion of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). In addition to providing high amounts of power, lithium-ion phosphate batteries (LFP) can produce high amounts of heat that can cause fires.
As a result, these batteries are classified as Class 9 Miscellaneous hazardous materials in the U.S. Improperly shipping an LFP-based BESS could result in financial losses, equipment damage, or even harm to individuals. To ensure safe shipping of an LFP-based BESS, the following aspects should be considered.
Battery Testing – DOT/UN 38.3
Lithium batteries utilize metal lithium in their chemistry, providing exceptionally high-energy density and minimal self-discharge. However, this element is inherently volatile and reactive. Incidents such as transportation mishaps or disruptions to the battery packs may result in the release of dangerous hot gases or trigger a thermal runaway, leading to explosions or fires. As a result, unlike alternative battery options, Lithium Metal or Lithium Ion battery packs must undergo strict testing measures to prevent potential hazards during transport for the safety of the public.
The DOT/UN 38.3 testing is conducted for lithium batteries during transportation, adhering to both UN Manual of Tests and DOT regulations. This standard applies not only in the US or North America but also internationally, as lithium batteries may be transported across borders and bodies of water.
The entire DOT/UN38.3 package encompasses a total of 8 assessments, encompassing Altitude Simulation, Thermal Test, Vibration Test, Shock Test, External Short Circuit Test, Impact Test, Overcharge Test, and Forced Discharge Test. Renewal of battery test certification is required in specific situations, such as alterations to the battery or product design prior to shipping.
The UN38.3 testing is a crucial requirement for batteries being shipped domestically or internationally, by air, sea, or land. It serves as evidence that the battery can be transported safely by all modes of transportation.
When it comes to moving materials, it's important to have the necessary safety information readily available. That's why we always make sure to provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all our transported items.
Transporting Material – Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
An essential document for the safe handling, storage, and use of a controlled product is the material safety data sheet (MSDS), also known as Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in China and Europe. This technical document contains detailed information on the potential health effects of exposure to the product, an evaluation of hazards related to its handling and storage, protective measures for workers at risk of exposure, and emergency procedures. Most dangerous goods transportation companies require an MSDS to effectively manage and mitigate risks during transport. It should be noted that not only batteries, but all components of a battery energy storage system (BESS), including enclosures, battery cells, packs, and racks, require an MSDS when being shipped.
Battery Specific Packaging
When transporting lithium-based batteries, the key consideration is preventing short circuits. This can be achieved by individually placing each battery in a plastic bag and covering the terminals with non-conductive tape. Additionally, it's crucial to protect the batteries from vibration and shock. A common practice is to insert cushioning material between the batteries before placing them in a box.
Certification for Safe Transportation of Goods
The Certification for Safe Transportation of Goods streamlines the MSDS process by evaluating and providing recommendations for the safe transportation of hazardous materials in compliance with regulations and standards. This certification will assess UN 38.3 testing and battery packaging for LFP based BESS transportation. It covers all four modes of transportation, namely sea, air, road, and railway. Since each mode has its own specific criteria, the report will only show the determination result for that particular mode.
Longevity
According to recent studies, LFP batteries have a greater lifespan compared to NMC batteries. Commercial Lithium-ion chemistry batteries were tested at the Sandia National Laboratories and compared in terms of discharge rate, depth of discharge (DOD), environment temperature, capacity, discharge energy retention, and round-trip efficiency. The published findings reveal that LFP cells consistently showed longer cycle lifetimes under all tested conditions among various lithium-based chemistries. Overall, both chemistries demonstrate success in terms of battery longevity.