Off-grid energy systems are powering a growing industry as carbon-conscious companies make longer strides in ‘going green’ with more efficient distributed energy resources. Common examples of once nascent technologies gaining market traction are lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, and solar and wind renewable energy systems. Although cutting-edge companies deserve a collective pat on the back for diminishing humanity’s scourge on Mother Nature, off-grid energy systems come with similar risks as traditional hydrocarbon and flammable chemical storage. Most new energy systems are rapidly advancing past public knowledge, causing vexing consternation for firefighters and first responders. Only specialized fire suppressants can effectively douse lithium-ion battery fires with dry chemical solutions when readily available hydrant water can’t effectively extinguish the flames. Off-grid chemical storage protects volatile green energy equipment and lubricants from personnel while alerting rescue crews of jobsite hazards should they initiate a hazmat response at your operations.
While the chasm between public knowledge and emerging technologies remains agape, the NFPA and U.S. Department of Energy have launched a new on-site training program focused on distributed energy resources. The initiative improves firefighter preparedness for fires and chemical incidents originating from off-grid energy systems. Most community fire departments are woefully unprepared to fight long-lasting and resilient chemical fires at facilities with renewable energies, including solar panels and electric vehicle storage areas. Furthermore, the training provides first-hand experience and real world simulations for containing fires at off-grid facilities. Renewable energy companies or facilities producing or housing green technologies can better safeguard their communities and environment with off-grid chemical storage. Our fire-rated storage lockers centralize and separate flammable and toxic renewable energy technologies in prominent storage areas with bright signage, alerting firefighters of the unique dangers lying ahead.
“As more distributed energy resources are deployed nationwide, the fire service needs to be properly prepared to respond to them safely and effectively,” said Andrew Klock, senior manager of education and development at NFPA. “This second phase of field-based familiarization trainings provides firefighters with the skills and know-how to address a wide range of installations, including battery energy storage systems, solar panel farms, lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle storage areas and/or demonstration centers.”
source: www.nfpa.org
What is a Chemical Energy Storage System?
A chemical energy storage system is a supplemental or primary energy source that provides surplus power from a renewable driver, such as solar, wind, and battery technologies, to an established power grid. While “green energy” sounds clean and efficient, ancillary maintenance chemicals and energy transfer liquids are highly flammable and toxic. Although finished manufactured solar panels aren’t toxic or prone to explosion, comprising chemicals, like cadmium telluride and ethylene-vinyl acetate can release dangerous toxins if burned. Lithium-ion batteries are prone to thermal runaway, a rapid chemical reaction potentially resulting in fire, and require compliant onsite chemical storage between manufacturing and application stages. Our OSHA-compliant off-grid chemical storage lockers help maintain green energy’s pristine, clean reputation without jeopardizing firefighters should they respond to a chemical incident at your facility.
What is the Best Battery Storage for Off-Grid Operations?
Green manufacturers should store lithium-ion batteries in a centralized, climate-controlled storage separate of incompatible chemicals, like combustible materials, acids, oxidizers, and chemically active metals. Employees should also store solar panels and precursors away from moisture prone areas, cleaning agents, and coated steel products. Our fire-rated off-grid chemical storage lockers and warehouses protect necessary, yet dangerous renewable energy systems without interfering with workflow operations. Optional climate control and mechanical ventilation in our chemical storage models prevent product degradation while mitigating inadvertent sparks and container breaches that could escape into nearby waterways. Moreover, our off-grid chemical storage lockers’ customizable wide-swinging or roll-up doors allow for the easy removal and storage of off-grid power drive materials and chemicals.
