Sodium Batteries: The Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Alternative to Lithium
As residential energy storage systems (ESS) become more common, it’s important to ensure they are installed safely. This is where PAS 63100:2024 comes in. PAS 63100 is a specification that outlines fire safety guidelines for installing home battery energy storage systems in the UK. It provides clear instructions on how to minimise fire risks, where to safely install batteries, and what protective measures to take. While primarily aimed at professionals, these guidelines also help homeowners make informed decisions about safe battery installations.
Eleven’s sodium battery system, with its wide operational temperature range (-20°C to 55°C), and IP65-rated hybrid inverter and optional IP65 battery pack enclosure, offers flexibility in installation. However, following PAS 63100 ensures that your installation is not only effective but also compliant with safety standards, keeping your home and family protected.
1. Outdoor Installation
Given that Eleven’s sodium battery system is both dust-tight and water-resistant (IP65), it is ideal for outdoor installations. According to PAS 63100:2024, outdoor installation is generally preferred as it reduces fire risks by isolating the battery from living areas.
- Benefits:
- Reduced risk of fire spreading to habitable rooms.
- Improved natural ventilation, helping maintain the battery’s optimal operating temperature range of -20°C to 55°C.
- Proximity to renewable energy sources such as solar panels, enhancing system efficiency.
Best Outdoor Locations:
- Garages or Outbuildings: Detached or attached garages provide a sheltered outdoor setting. As recommended by PAS 63100, ensure fire separation with a performance rating of at least REI 60 (for load-bearing capacity, integrity, and insulation).
- External Walls: Wall-mounted installations, away from direct sunlight, ensuring protection from both fire and mechanical impact.
Considerations:
- Follow PAS 63100 recommendations to keep the battery at least 1 metre away from escape routes, windows, and doors to prevent fire hazards or complications during emergencies.
2. Indoor Installation
Although PAS 63100 prioritises outdoor installations for safety, indoor installations are permissible under certain conditions, particularly when outdoor installation is impractical.
Best Indoor Locations:
- Utility Rooms or Basements: These areas are well-suited for housing energy storage systems, provided they meet the ventilation and fire compartmentation requirements outlined in PAS 63100. Ensure that any indoor location has fire detection systems in place, interlinked with the dwelling’s alarm system.
- Storage Rooms: If the battery is installed in a storage room, PAS 63100 specifies that it must be equipped with a smoke or multi-sensor detector linked to the home’s fire alarm system.
Considerations:
- The indoor location must offer adequate fire separation, with walls, ceilings, and floors rated at least REI 30.
- Avoid placing the battery in corridors, staircases, or rooms used as escape routes, and never in rooms where people sleep.
3. Semi-Outdoor or Covered Spaces
Covered areas, such as carports or sheds, offer a compromise between full outdoor exposure and indoor safety. These locations can protect the battery from direct weather while offering good ventilation.
Best Semi-Outdoor Locations:
- Carports or Breezeways: PAS 63100 encourages the use of such spaces, especially when there are physical barriers protecting the battery from fire or impact risks.
- Garden Sheds: Well-ventilated sheds can house the battery safely, provided there is sufficient fire separation from flammable materials or other hazards.
Considerations:
- Keeping the battery at least 1 metre away from escape routes and combustible materials, and providing appropriate ventilation to avoid overheating.
Key Installation Guidelines from PAS 63100
- Avoid Fire-Prone Areas: PAS 63100 prohibits installation in areas like bedrooms, corridors, and escape routes to minimise fire risks. Instead, focus on isolated or well-ventilated spaces.
- Ventilation: Proper airflow is essential for indoor or semi-outdoor installations, in line with PAS 63100. It helps prevent heat build-up, especially in confined spaces.
- Fire Detection: PAS 63100 mandates that any location where the battery is installed must be equipped with appropriate fire detection systems, such as smoke or multi-sensor alarms, particularly in areas that are infrequently visited (e.g., basements or storage rooms).
Conclusion
When installing Eleven’s sodium battery system, it’s essential to balance flexibility with safety. Outdoor installations are generally the best option, offering safety and ease of access. However, if indoor or semi-outdoor installations are necessary, ensure compliance with the standard’s fire protection, ventilation, and detection requirements. By doing so, you can maximise the battery’s performance and safety for your home energy storage needs.
