Trailer BESS Venting and Fire Suppression for Remote Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need for mobile or permanent battery energy storage systems (BESS) that provide electrical power in remote locations without grid connection, addressing inefficiencies and environmental impacts of fossil fuel generators, and ensuring safety and compliance with regulations such as UL 9540 and UL 9540A.
Innovation Solution
A trailer-based BESS comprising a battery rack system with secured battery modules, fire suppression and explosion mitigation systems, including passive and active ventilation, deflagration vents, and inert gas suppression, along with a monitoring and control system for real-time safety management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fossil fuel generators are used to supply electrical power in remote locations, then power supply capability is improved, but environmental pollution and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inert atmosphere by using nitrogen or carbon dioxide suppression agents in the fire suppression system. These inert gases displace oxygen to extinguish fires without producing harmful emissions, resolving the contradiction between providing power supply capability and avoiding environmental pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs replaceable battery modules that can be individually replaced when depleted or malfunctioning. This modular approach allows the system to provide continuous power supply without the need for complex refueling operations, eliminating the environmental harm associated with fossil fuel generators while maintaining power capability.
2Power
If fossil fuel generators are used to supply electrical power, then power supply capability is improved, but operational maintenance and safety risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery energy storage system into modular battery units, each with its own management system. This segmentation allows individual modules to be isolated and replaced without affecting the entire system, improving operational safety and reliability while maintaining power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fire suppression system with detection sensors and suppression agents as an intermediary safety mechanism. This system detects potential hazards early and automatically suppresses fires, preventing catastrophic failures and improving operational safety without compromising power supply capability.
3Quantity of substance
If battery modules are arranged in confined spaces to increase power density, then energy storage capacity is improved, but fire and explosion risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing fire suppression agents and detection systems that prevent fire and explosion hazards before they can cause damage. The system proactively monitors for thermal runaway conditions and automatically suppresses incidents, allowing high-density battery arrangement while mitigating fire risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful heat and gas byproducts of battery operation into beneficial signals for early detection. Temperature sensors and gas detection systems monitor conditions that would otherwise be harmful, enabling preventive action before fires or explosions occur, thus allowing higher energy density while controlling risks.
4Reliability
If explosion mitigation systems are added to battery energy storage systems, then safety is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fire suppression function with the thermal management system by using the same nitrogen or carbon dioxide agents for both cooling and fire suppression. This integration improves safety without proportionally increasing system complexity, as a single system performs multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic detection and suppression systems that operate autonomously without requiring external intervention. The sensors detect hazards and trigger suppression automatically, improving safety while minimizing the complexity of control systems and operational procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures safe and efficient power supply in remote locations, reducing noise and emissions, and meeting regulatory standards by preventing fires and explosions while providing real-time monitoring and control.
Implementation Method 1
inert gas suppression
Implementation Method 2
active ventilation systems
Implementation Method 3
deflagration vents
Implementation Method 4
fire detection and suppressant system are configured to perform at least one of the following responses to sensors indicating a potential hazard
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile or permanent battery energy storage systems provide electrical power to locations with or without connections to the electrical grid or provide a more consistent supply of electricity. A battery energy storage systems meet the requirements of UL 9540, UL 9540A, and other regulations and codes for use due to the structure and control systems incorporated into the battery energy storage system.