Wärtsilä raises fire safety standards in energy storage systems
The Finnish company Wärtsilä has announced significant advancements in fire safety and noise reduction for its Quantum energy storage systems. These innovations respond to growing regulatory requirements while reducing environmental impact.
New Fire Safety Tests – Above-Standard Security
In collaboration with CSA Group, Wärtsilä has conducted two additional cycles of fire safety tests simulating the worst possible scenarios. The tests involved inducing spontaneous combustion within the system enclosures to observe their reaction.
The tests showed that the Quantum High Energy and Quantum2 systems effectively isolate the fire, preventing its spread to adjacent modules. Internal temperatures did not reach levels that would cause gas release in the cell chambers.
Josh Dinaburg, fire testing specialist at CSA Group, emphasized that Wärtsilä’s design prevents fire spread, enabling local emergency services to quickly and efficiently manage the situation.
Compliance with Modern Standards
Wärtsilä’s new solutions fully meet the requirements of updated regulations, such as:
NFPA 855 (2026) – fire protection standards for energy storage systems,
CSA TS-800 – guidelines to prevent fire propagation.
Thanks to advanced testing, the Quantum High Energy and Quantum2 systems not only meet but exceed international safety standards like UL 9540A.
Chris Groves, Wärtsilä’s safety manager, stated: “These new fire safety measures demonstrate our commitment to staying ahead of industry requirements.”
Noise Control – Minimizing Disruption for Local Communities
In addition to fire safety, Wärtsilä has taken action to reduce noise, addressing the needs of residents near energy storage installations.
Key measures included:
- Adjusting fan speeds in the systems to comply with local noise standards
- Conducting external audits by independent consultants to verify compliance with requirements
These measures are designed to minimize acoustic disruptions in developing energy storage installations.
Tailored Solutions Concept
Wärtsilä emphasizes that close collaboration with clients is key to successfully executing projects, allowing systems to be tailored to specific local requirements. Fadi Zara, Program Manager at Wärtsilä Energy Storage and Optimisation, explained: “Close collaboration with customers enables the development of noise-reducing solutions and system customization.”
This new approach has been positively received by industry experts and stakeholders. Paul Hayes, Vice President of Hiller Companies, highlighted: “Wärtsilä’s actions build trust and demonstrate their commitment to safety.” With these initiatives, Wärtsilä strengthens its position as an industry leader, setting new standards for safety and environmental responsibility in energy storage systems.
Source: internationalfireandsafetyjournal.com