Changes in Transportation of Lithium Battery Energy Storage Dvices

Large-scale lithium battery energy storage system devices have been developed and applied more and more, but according to actual needs and design, a considerable part of energy storage devices are bulky, and it is not suitable to use other packaging containers to repack the energy storage devices. Instead, the energy storage device is directly applied for transportation. The general manufacturer uses a customized dedicated container (SOC) to install the energy storage battery module and the power management system. However, the previous United Nations Dangerous Goods Regulations did not have a transport rule for this type of product.

In July 2017, the United Nations officially released the 20th revised edition of the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods-Model Regulations (Model Regulations/UN TDG). 14 UN numbers, one of which is assigned to the “Lithium battery pack, lithium-ion battery pack or lithium metal battery pack installed in the freight unit”, which is classified as Class 9 dangerous goods (Class 9), and at the same time A special provision SP389 has been added to specifically request it. The main rules require:

The lithium battery or lithium battery module (group) must be firmly fixed in the rack and the box to ensure that the rack cannot be moved during transportation; the lithium battery is not required to be labeled with the lithium battery and the type 9 label, but the external demand of the energy storage system is posted. Category 9 dangerous goods label. The addition of the content of the rule complements and complements the more urgent rules of the current large-scale energy storage system.

 

In July 2016, the US PRBA submitted a proposal for the rules for transporting lithium-ion battery storage systems to the Conference Committee at the United Nations Expert Meeting on Dangerous Goods Transport in Geneva. As existing rules are no longer adapted to current developments and needs, the growth and special requirements associated with the transportation of container equipment cannot be resolved. The proposal documents hope to simplify the transportation of lithium batteries in containers while ensuring the safety of transportation.

Before shipping such products in the United States, they must obtain special approval documents from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) PHMSA before they can be transported by road, rail and sea. However, the ability to pass and obtain DOT approval requires the submission of complex documents and lengthy waits, and only a handful of well-known American manufacturers that have received special approval.

The main requirements for special approval documents are:

a), the lithium battery module (group) must pass the test of UN38.3;

b), classified as Category 9 dangerous goods, UN3480 or UN3090;

c), lithium battery or lithium battery module, battery management system must be fixed on the rack;

d) The rack for loading the lithium battery module shall be fixed in the cabinet to prevent movement during transportation, and the rack must be able to withstand the sufficient weight of the battery module;

e), the lithium battery module (group) in transportation cannot be connected by high voltage;

f) designed to prevent reverse current and prevent overcharging of the battery module;

g) that the container energy storage system in transit cannot be electrically connected to internal or external electrical;

The UN TDG Rev.20 rule issued this time specifically states that the new UN3536 refers to “a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-metal battery installed in a cargo transport unit”, which is designed to provide only for cargo transport units. External power and consigned according to the UN3536 lithium battery energy storage system. In order to distinguish between them, it is pointed out that a vehicle equipped with a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-metal battery and powered thereby should belong to UN3171; and a battery equipped with a wet battery, a sodium battery, a lithium metal battery or a lithium ion battery, and is easy to use. A vehicle powered by a liquid or gas-fired internal combustion engine or fuel cell belongs to UN3166.

In accordance with the practice of the United Nations, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG CODE) is expected to introduce the new rules of UN TDG Rev.20 in the 39-18 version, and will be implemented in 2019. Our country will be enforced in 2020, and before that, manufacture The business still has to continue in accordance with the existing rules.

We also specially reminded that some domestic manufacturers lack understanding of the rules. The storage of energy storage containers exported to Europe and the United States has not received special approval from the local government. Other manufacturers mistakenly declare lithium battery storage cabinets as power control. Cabinets, which do not meet the requirements of the rules, are illegal and illegal. Once they are found, they will be severely punished, directly affecting the reputation of the company.

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