What is NRTL testing for residential lithium energy storage systems?

NRTL testing for residential lithium energy storage systems (ESS) encompasses a suite of standards that collectively ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of these systems.

What are lithium-ion battery standards?

Many organizations have established standards that address lithium-ion battery safety, performance, testing, and maintenance. Standards are norms or requirements that establish a basis for the common understanding and judgment of materials, products, and processes.

What standards are used in a battery room?

Common standards in the battery room include those from American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Model codes are standards developed by committees with the intent to be adopted by states and local jurisdictions.

What is a standard in battery testing?

In layman's terms, a standard provides minimum requirements and/or instructions in agreement within the industry for common reference. Common standards in the battery room include those from American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

Do energy storage sites have different safety codes and standards?

Yes, different safety installation codes and standards are used for energy storage sites with large utility-owned systems where the inverters and batteries are housed in separate locations and the entire project is often far from other buildings. For instance, the 1,600-MWh setup at Moss Landing in California follows these specific codes and standards.

What are the UL standards for energy storage systems?

These standards, specifically UL 1973, UL 9540A, and UL 9540, are designed to assess different aspects of energy storage systems, from individual battery safety to the overall system's thermal management and operational reliability. Here's a brief overview of what each standard covers: