Turnkey, Coordinated Protection for Battery Energy Storage

Fire detection is a critical component of BESS safety. Early detection helps identify abnormal conditions, limit escalation, and reduce the risk of fire impacting people, assets, and operations.

BESS environments often require a layered detection approach, combining multiple technologies for effective coverage:

• Smoke Detection – Identifies smoke particles and provides early warning of combustion. Specifically, Aspirating Smoke Detection (ASD) systems, such as VESDA, offer highly sensitive, allowing for detection far earlier than conventional spot detectors. These systems provide multi-level warnings (from incipient smoke to full alarm) to prevent downtime and protect assets.
• Heat Detection – Detects abnormal temperature increases within battery systems.
• Infrared (Thermal Imaging) – Identifies hotspots and overheating components before visible fire develops.
• Flame Detection – Detects open flames, particularly in installations with combustible support equipment.
• Video Detection – Uses cameras and analytics to identify visible signs of smoke or fire and enhance situational awareness.

Using a combination of detection technologies offers code-compliance solutions that improves response time and supports safer, more reliable BESS operation.

Fire suppression systems are designed to extinguish fires or limit their spread, reducing damage and risk. Each solution can be customized to meet the specific requirements of an ESS installation.

• Water Mist Systems – Use fine water droplets to cool the fire and displace oxygen. The mist is effective at suppression while minimizing damage to sensitive equipment.
• Dry Chemical / Aerosol Systems – Discharge fine powders or aerosols that interrupt the chemical chain reaction of combustion.
• Inert Gas Systems – Suppress fires by reducing oxygen concentration within the protected enclosure.
• NOVEC 1230 (FK-5-1-12) Systems – Extinguish fires by cooling and rapidly removing heat from the flame without leaving residue.
• Sprinkler Systems – Control or extinguish fires, limiting damage and preventing fire spread to adjacent areas.

Selecting the right suppression strategy is critical to meet the high demands of a BESS application. Consulting with an ORR Protection ESS specialist ensures a code-compliant solution is safe, effective, and aligned with your system design and operational goals.

A site-specific Hazard Mitigation Analysis (HMA) is developed for every project to assess risks and define an effective fire protection strategy. ORR’s HMA evaluates appropriate codes and standards, site conditions, battery characteristics, and operational factors to ensure clear response procedures for operators, technicians, and maintenance staff.

The analysis addresses critical considerations such as off-gassing during thermal runaway, including pressure buildup and gas accumulation within containers. This information drives appropriate detection, venting, and deflation strategies.

The HMA also forms the basis of the site’s emergency response plan, providing essential guidance for authorities having jurisdiction and first responders. By understanding every layer of BESS fire risk, ORR ensures comprehensive protection of people, property, and the surrounding community.

An Emergency Power Off (EPO) system allows a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to be shut down quickly in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or system fault. While EPO activation disconnects power, it is important to note that batteries may still retain stranded energy, requiring additional safety considerations.

Key benefits of an EPO system include:

• Ease of Use – A single, clearly marked switch or button enables rapid shutdown during conditions such as overheating, overcharging, or other critical faults.
• Safety – Provides a fast means to de-energize the system and reduce risk during emergencies.
• Compliance – Often required by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and applicable energy storage codes, with switches typically located outside the BESS unit or at facility entry points.
• Protection – EPO switches should be weather-protected and secured against access by unauthorized personnel.

 A fully integrated ventilation system plays a critical role in maintaining a safe BESS environment by preventing the accumulation of hazardous gases and heat. Properly designed ventilation supports the controlled release and dilution of off-gassing events, helps manage temperature, and reduces conditions that could lead to ignition or fire escalation. When integrated with detection, suppression, and emergency response systems, ventilation becomes a key layer of code-compliant protection, supporting safer operation, improved system reliability, and reduced overall fire risk.

An emergency response plan is essential to ensure a swift, coordinated, and effective response to a fire or other critical incident. The plan should clearly define procedures for safely evacuating personnel, initiating Emergency Power Off (EPO) functions, and securing the BESS to reduce further risk. It should also establish communication protocols for notifying emergency services, site management, and local authorities having jurisdiction. Regular review and training ensure all personnel understand their roles and can act quickly and confidently to protect people, property, and surrounding communities.

Our branch managers and techs answer the phone when you are in your darkest hour, they dispatch in a timely fashion, no matter what with a singular focus to minimize downtime, mitigate the damage and risk to property and people, and get the system restored and back on line as quickly as possible.

Your emergency is our emergency mentality, no matter how big or small the overall install is and if you’ve been a customer for a week or more than 25 years.

Off-gas detection is an essential safety feature in Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, offering early warning of battery cell failure prior to the onset of thermal runaway. Through continuous monitoring for trace gases emitted during abnormal cell conditions, off-gas detection systems offer quick warning and mitigation responses to prevent the dangers of fire and explosion. Effective integration with ventilation, fire suppression, and control systems can improve site safety.

Our branch managers and techs answer the phone when you are in your darkest hour, they dispatch in a timely fashion, no matter what with a singular focus to minimize downtime, mitigate the damage and risk to property and people, and get the system restored and back on line as quickly as possible.

Your emergency is our emergency mentality, no matter how big or small the overall install is and if you’ve been a customer for a week or more than 25 years.