The energy storage system has emerged as a crucial component in residential settings for people to embrace renewable energy sources. It combines the functions of a standard solar inverter with batteries, allowing homeowners to store excess solar energy for later use.

This integration enables households to maximize self-consumption of solar energy and provides backup power during grid outages, making home energy storage systems increasingly popular. In Germany, the number of installations of home solar batteries has grown between 2020 and 2023, from 272K to around 1.2M[1].

As a result, there is a trend that many people are now investing or trying to invest in energy storage systems for the first time. However, as with any electrical system, ensuring safety is paramount, particularly when integrating batteries into the setup.

In today’s article, we are going to tell you the top 4 practical tips on lithium-ion safety in your new energy storage system, assisting those who are embarking on their first try at this technology.

Energy Storage System’s Working Procedure, Explained

An energy storage system often has these parts: a battery, charging controller, transfer switch (optional), and converters (for some solutions). These parts work together smoothly and take on each responsibility.

Here’s how the energy storage system works for you when the power failure comes:

Solar Power Generation

The process commences with solar panels harvesting sunlight and converting it into direct current (DC). This DC power is then directed into the energy storage system for further processing.

Battery Charging

Excess solar energy or off-peak grid electricity is utilized to charge the battery. During this step, the charge controller regulates the battery's charging process to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Specifically, MPPT controllers are designed to maximize the efficiency of solar panel output by continuously tracking and adjusting the operating point to extract the maximum available power from the solar array.

Battery Backup

In the event of a grid outage, the battery acts as an energy reservoir, and the transfer switch automatically disconnects from the grid and utilizes stored energy from the battery to power critical loads.

The battery ensures an uninterrupted electricity supply during emergencies. Rather than relying solely on grid-supplied electricity, homeowners can use energy stored in the battery to power their household appliances when the emergency comes, further reducing their carbon footprint and energy expenses.

At the same time, you cannot overlook battery safety because it is paramount to maintaining the integrity and functionality of the energy storage system. Otherwise, the potential risks of malfunction, such as thermal runaway, could lead to system failure, resulting in fires, and even personal injury.

Let’s examine what you should notice when operating the battery in your new home energy storage system.

The Hidden Dangers: What Might Be Brought by Battery in Energy Storage System

Compatibility Issues

The components that are not compatible with grid facilities can lead to inefficiencies and, more importantly, safety hazards. Mismatched components may lead to unexpected failures or malfunctions, potentially exposing users to electrical hazards or accidents during installation or operation. Ensuring compatibility between components and batteries is vital to safeguarding users' safety and preventing accidents.

Impact on People’s Health

Ignoring the specific characteristics and requirements of the battery chemistry being used in energy storage systems can compromise users' health. Different battery chemistries have unique handling and maintenance requirements, and failure to follow manufacturer guidelines can result in accidents or injuries.

For example, mishandling lead-acid batteries can lead to acid spills or exposure to toxic fumes, posing health risks to users. It's crucial to educate users about the proper handling and maintenance procedures for the specific battery chemistry to ensure their safety.

Thermal Runaway or Explosion

Temperature extremes can not only affect the battery’s performance but also pose risks to users' safety. Overcharging is one of the common reasons that causes overheating, which can lead to thermal runaway. It would further render the release of hazardous gases or even explosions if handled wrong.

Top 4 Practical Tips to Ensure Battery Safety in Your New Energy Storage System

The safety of the battery in your energy storage system is crucial for both its smooth operation and the safety of its users. To avoid any unnecessary financial and physical loss, here are the top 4 tips to prevent common dangers and ensure the safety of the energy storage system:

Ask Professionals to Install

To mitigate compatibility issues and ensure proper setup, always enlist the help of certified professionals for the installation of your energy storage system in your new home. Professionals are trained to identify and address compatibility issues between components, ensuring the system operates safely and efficiently from the start.

Monitor Operation Status Remotely

Monitoring the battery status is important for ensuring safety when using. Nowadays, more and more energy storage systems can be monitored remotely through the apps on your smartphone or computer. This allows users to check real-time performance data, including battery temperature, voltage, and charging status. And, it can push notifications to you promptly when there is anything wrong. Consequently, you can prevent safety hazards from happening, like thermal runaways and explosions.

Choose a Battery with Overcharging Protection

The overcharging protection is also the key to preventing an explosion. Select a battery equipped with built-in overcharging protection mechanisms when you choose your residential energy storage system in the market. These mechanisms help prevent the battery from overcharging, reducing the risk of overheating, thermal runaway, and potential battery damage. Overcharging protection ensures the battery operates within safe voltage and current limits, promoting longevity and safety.

Select an LFP-Batteries Backed Energy Storage System

Opt for an energy storage system that is equipped with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries. LFP batteries are known for their enhanced safety features, including stable chemistry and a lower risk of thermal runaway compared to other battery chemistries, such as lead-acid batteries. Choosing LFP batteries reduces the likelihood of safety incidents related to battery chemistry and ensures safer operation over the system's lifespan.

Introducing Sigenergy Sigenstor: A Safe Choice for Your Home

Above all, safety is the key consideration when choosing an energy storage system for your new home. For novice homeowners venturing into the world of energy storage systems, selecting a trusted, reliable, and safe one is paramount. One such option is our Sigenergy’s flagship energy storage system, SigenStor.

Combined with a solar inverter, EV-DC charger, battery, PCS, and EMS, our SigenStor is also equipped with up to 6 safe battery packs, the Sigen Battery, protecting your safety during operation. Here’s how:

LFP Battery Chemistry

Our Sigen Battery utilizes lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is known for its inherent safety characteristics. LFP batteries have a low risk of thermal runaway compared to other lithium-ion chemistries, making them a safer choice for energy storage applications.

High-Temperature Resistance Insulated Pad

Attached to the inner wall of battery packs, our Sigen Battery features high-temperature resistance insulated pads with excellent insulation performance. These pads help mitigate the risk of overheating and thermal events, ensuring the safe operation of an energy storage system even in challenging environmental conditions.

Internal Fire Extinguisher

The Sigen Battery in Sigenstor is equipped with an internal fire extinguisher that neutralizes flammable gases and reduces thermal runaway within just four seconds of activation. This rapid response mechanism helps contain and extinguish fires, minimizing the potential for damage and ensuring user safety.

7 Temperature Sensors

The battery in our Sigenergy’s energy storage system is equipped with seven built-in temperature sensors (8 kWh battery), providing real-time full-coverage temperature detection. These sensors continuously monitor battery temperature levels, enabling early detection of overheating or abnormal temperature fluctuations. By detecting potential risks early, the Sigen Battery helps our customers prevent safety incidents and ensures the whole energy storage system’s performance.

Simplified Control by mySigen APP

In the mySigen app, ensuring battery safety is simple. You can easily monitor the battery's status and performance, receiving notifications if any abnormalities are detected. Additionally, the app allows you to conduct system self-checks, ensuring that potential issues are promptly identified and addressed.

Conclusion

As the popularity of energy storage systems continues to rise, it is essential for newcomers to understand how it works and how to make it safe to work.

To address these risks and ensure lithium-ion safety, the top 4 tips above are for users investing in hybrid solar inverters for the first time. And, our Sigenergy’s Sigenstor is the perfect choice for novices of energy storage systems because of its smartness and safety. Want to learn more? Contact Sigenergy now!

[1]https://www.statista.com/statistics/1446315/home-solar-storage-batteries-installations-germany/