Essential Safety Distances for Large-Scale Energy Storage Power Stations

As the adoption of large-scale energy storage power stations increases, ensuring proper equipment layout and safety distances is crucial. These facilities house essential components such as battery containers, Power Conversion Systems (PCS), and transformers. Proper spacing prevents risks such as thermal runaway, fire, and explosion while optimizing performance. This article explores the key principles and recommended safety distances for energy storage station layouts.

Key Principles for Safe Layout
1. Safety First
Safety is the top priority when designing an energy storage station. High-voltage equipment must have adequate clearance to prevent electric shock hazards. The layout should allow easy installation, maintenance, and expansion while meeting fire protection regulations.
2. Fire Protection and Safety Measures
    •    Fire safety spacing should comply with the High Voltage Power Distribution Device Design Standard (DL/T 5352-2018).
    •    If required spacing is not met, firewalls can be installed to ensure adequate fire separation.
    •    Perimeter walls, gates, and internal roads should facilitate emergency access, equipment transportation, and maintenance.
    •    Roads within the facility should have a minimum width of 3 meters, and fire truck access routes should have a minimum turning radius of 7 meters.
3. Efficient and Practical Layout
The equipment layout should consider site conditions and power line direction. It should minimize cable crossing between different voltage levels to enhance system efficiency. The PCS and transformer should be integrated into prefabricated containers for easier installation.
4. Maintenance and Accessibility
Proper spacing should be maintained to allow easy equipment access for maintenance and inspections. There should be sufficient room for personnel to operate safely.
5. Space Optimization
To reduce land usage, energy storage stations can adopt compact designs, including back-to-back battery container arrangements with firewalls. Additionally, stacking containerized battery systems can further minimize the footprint.

Recommended Safety Distances for Equipment Layout
Battery Containers
    •    When surrounded by ventilated protective walls, heat dissipation surfaces should be at least 1 meter from the wall.
    •    For solid protective walls, the spacing should be 4 meters for heat dissipation surfaces and 0.5 meters for non-dissipating short sides.
    •    The distance between battery containers should be 3 meters (long side) and 4 meters (short side). If a firewall is installed, the short side distance can be reduced to 0.5 meters.

Fire Protection for Battery Containers
    •    Per T/CEC 373-2020, battery containers should be arranged in a single-layer configuration.
    •    Without a firewall, the fire separation should be at least 3 meters (long side) and 4 meters (short side).
    •    Firewalls should extend 1 meter beyond the container’s outline for effective fire containment.
    •    Outdoor battery enclosures should be at least 3 meters from station roads.
    •    The maximum energy storage capacity within a single fire zone should not exceed 50MWh, with a minimum spacing of 10 meters between adjacent fire zones. If this is not feasible, a fire-resistant wall (≥4-hour rating) should be installed.

Ensuring proper safety distances in large-scale energy storage power stations is essential for risk mitigation and operational efficiency. By following standardized layout principles, maintaining adequate fire protection, and optimizing space usage, energy storage facilities can operate safely and effectively. For reliable and compliant energy storage solutions, TLS Energy provides high-quality battery container systems designed for enhanced safety and efficiency.

Would you like more details on optimizing energy storage system layouts? Contact TLS Energy today for expert guidance on secure and efficient energy storage solutions.

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