Wärtsilä enhances fire safety and noise control in energy storage systems
Iain Hoey
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Wärtsilä exceeds fire safety standards with large-scale testing
According to Wärtsilä, the company has introduced advancements in fire safety and noise mitigation for its Quantum energy storage systems (ESS).
These updates aim to help customers comply with evolving regulations while reducing environmental impact.
The company has conducted extensive large-scale fire testing of its Quantum High Energy and Quantum2 ESS units, surpassing the requirements of the UL 9540A testing standards.
In collaboration with the CSA Group, Wärtsilä performed two additional rounds of fire testing.
This involved igniting the enclosures until the fire sustained itself, simulating a worst-case scenario.
Test results indicated that the Quantum High Energy and Quantum2 units self-contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjacent units and keeping module temperatures below cell venting thresholds.
Test approach aligns with industry safety and regulatory standards
Wärtsilä’s recent testing meets the intent of updated standards, including NFPA 855 2026 and the CSA TS-800 standard.
These standards set benchmarks for energy storage safety, specifically addressing the prevention of fire propagation.
“Large scale energy storage system installations must address the safety concerns of the broader community,” said Josh Dinaburg, Fire Test Specialist at CSA Group.
He noted that Wärtsilä’s design prevents fire spread, allowing local fire services to contain and control incidents.
The tests were observed by stakeholders, including utility representatives, fire consultants, and insurance engineers, who assessed the systems’ response.
Chris Groves, Wärtsilä’s Product Manager for Safety Engineering, said: “These new fire safety measures demonstrate our commitment to going above and beyond existing industry standards.”
Commitment to community safety with noise control advancements
In addition to fire safety, Wärtsilä has prioritised noise mitigation, addressing concerns in residential areas near ESS sites.
Wärtsilä’s systems now incorporate noise control measures, such as fan speed adjustments, to meet local noise limits.
These measures also undergo verification by third-party consultants, providing assurance of compliance with specific community standards.
As energy storage installations expand, these noise reduction measures are designed to minimise disturbances.
Wärtsilä stated that its operational controls and customisable noise attenuation solutions enable clients to adapt the systems to site-specific requirements.
Collaborative development of tailored safety solutions
Wärtsilä has involved clients in developing these fire safety and noise control systems to ensure they align with both safety standards and site-specific needs.
Fadi Zara, Program Manager at Wärtsilä Energy Storage and Optimisation, stated: “Close collaboration with clients allows us to develop tailored noise reduction solutions, such as low fan speed controls and third-party-verified noise attenuation solutions.”
Stakeholders and industry experts have supported Wärtsilä’s safety-focused approach.
Paul Hayes, Vice President of Energy Structure at Hiller Companies, commented: “This reassures us of their commitment to safety and instils confidence in their capabilities.”
Wärtsilä enhances fire safety and noise control in energy storage systems: Summary
Wärtsilä has introduced new fire safety and noise control measures for its Quantum energy storage systems to meet changing regulatory standards and minimise environmental impacts.
Following two additional rounds of large-scale fire tests, Wärtsilä’s systems surpassed the UL 9540A standards, containing fires within the initiating units and preventing spread to adjacent ones.
These measures comply with standards including NFPA 855 and the forthcoming CSA TS-800.
The company has also prioritised noise mitigation to address community concerns, using adjustable fan controls and third-party-verified noise assessments to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Industry experts and stakeholders have commended Wärtsilä’s commitment to safety, with clients able to tailor these systems to specific site requirements.
