b'BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE TypeApprovalandPropagationTesting:ClassificationFOGHORN FOCUS SYSTEMS IN PASSENGER VESSELS: societies require ESS to undergo fire propagation tests as RISKS AND MITIGATIONS partoftheirtypeapprovalorcertificationprocess.TheseAron Rader // Corvus Energy testsverifythatthesystemcanlimitthespreadoffiretoasingle cell or module.The adoption of hybrid and all-electric propulsion tech-nologiesaboardpassengervesselsintroducesuniquerisks Battery Management SystemandcorrespondingmitigationstrategiesnottypicallyThe battery management system (BMS) plays a critical role encountered with conventional internal combustion en- in ESS safety and performance. It continuously monitors:gines powered by diesel oil. In particular, battery energy storage systems (ESS) require careful design, installation,Cell temperaturesand monitoring to ensure safe operation in the maritime environment. Voltages and currentMaritimeclassificationsocietyrules,producttypeap- Ground faultsprovals,aswellasregulationsfromtheU.S.CoastGuardand flag state authorities guidance all contribute towardsState of charge/dischargedesignandmitigationefforts.Theseregulatorybodies collectivelyshapethedesign,installation,andoperational Additionally, the BMS ensures cell balancing, which pro-strategies for battery systems and their supporting infra- longssystemlifespanandenhancesreliability.Intheeventstructure, ensuring that appropriate safety measures are inof anomalies or emergencies, the BMS can automatically placethroughoutthevesselslifecycle. isolatefaultysectionsordisconnecttheentiresystem. These automated safety features are fundamental to both Lithium-Ion Battery Risks and Thermal Runaway preventativeandreactivesafetystrategies.Lithium-ionbatteriespresentariskknownasthermal runaway (TR)a condition in which a battery cells tem- Battery Room Design and Fire Protectionperature rises uncontrollably, potentially resulting in fire,Battery rooms are designed to meet stringent fire protec-explosion, and the release of toxic gases. TR can initiate intion and containment standards, including:a single cell but propagate to adjacent cells and modules, creating a cascading effect. Critically, the TR process isVentilationSystems:Engineeredtomanageheatand self-sustaining due to internal oxygen generation, makingremove hazardous gases, battery room ventilation isextinguishment particularly difficult. integrated with fire and gas detection systems. It is also designedtopreventwateringress.Mitigation MeasuresTo manage these risks, battery systems are designed with mul-Fire Suppression Systems: Water-based systems are config- tiple layers of protection, key mitigation measures include: ured to respond to incidents originating inside the battery room. Bulkheads of the battery room are fire-rated (typicallyPropagationProtection:PhysicalbarriersandthermalA-60 rating) protecting adjacent spaces as well as the batteryisolationareusedtopreventthespreadofthermalrun- roomincaseofeventsoutsideitsboundaries.away between cells and/or modules.Training, Remote Monitoring, & Emergency ResponseOff-Gas Venting: Battery modules incorporate internalAholisticsafetystrategyalsoincludesoperationaland ventingpathsandpressurereliefmechanismsthatdirect emergency preparedness:gases out through dedicated exhaust ports. These ports areconnectedtoindependentventductsthatroutegases CrewTraining:Operators,maintenancestaff,anden-toadesignatedexclusionzoneoutsidethevessel,avoiding gineers must be trained in both normal operations and contamination of occupied or enclosed spaces. emergency procedures specific to ESS.FOGHORN 14'