Energy Storage Safety: How to Achieve the Transition from “Post-Event Alarm” to “Pre-Event Prevention”?

Amid the global transition in energy structure, electrochemical energy storage power stations have become a core pillar of the new power system. According to CNESA DataLink statistics, by the end of 2024, the cumulative installed capacity of new energy storage in China has exceeded 100 GWh, with a year-on-year growth rate of over 120%. Globally, newly installed capacity in 2024 is expected to reach 175.8 GWh.

However, behind this rapid growth, frequent fire and explosion incidents in energy storage stations have become an unavoidable “minefield” for the industry. Thermal runaway, deflagration, and poor environmental adaptability—these safety challenges are evolving from technical issues into the lifeline of the energy storage industry.

Limitations of Traditional Fire Protection from the Perspective of Thermal Runaway Mechanism

Lithium battery fires are often highly concealed and sudden. When a battery enters thermal runaway due to overcharging, overheating, or mechanical damage, internal chemical reactions generate a large amount of heat within seconds and release flammable and toxic gases such as hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO).

“Time Lag” of Traditional Detectors

Traditional fire protection methods mainly rely on smoke sensors or temperature sensors. However, in the highly integrated and enclosed environment of energy storage cabinets, by the time smoke reaches detectable levels or ambient temperature rises significantly, the battery is usually already in a severe combustion stage. At this point, firefighting measures can only cool and prevent spread, but cannot save damaged battery clusters or stop chain explosions.

The “Golden Window” for Early Warning

Studies show that carbon monoxide (CO) is typically released earlier than smoke and open flames. With high-sensitivity gas sensing technology, signals can be captured at the early stage of thermal runaway—when battery swelling occurs and the pressure relief valve opens. This transition to “pre-event prevention” can provide valuable minutes or even hours for proactive pressure relief, power cutoff, and nitrogen-based fire suppression.

Nexisense FC-CO-5000: The “Precision Sentinel” for Energy Storage Fire Protection

To meet the urgent need for ultra-early warning in the energy storage industry, Nexisense has independently developed the FC-CO-5000 button-type carbon monoxide sensor. This compact, coin-sized component not only obtained the UL 2075 certification from UL Solutions—the first button-type electrochemical CO sensor in China to do so—but also achieved multiple breakthroughs at the core technology level.

Solid-State Electrolyte Technology: The Driving Force for Second-Level Response

The FC-CO-5000 adopts advanced solid-state electrolyte technology. Unlike traditional liquid electrolytes, its internal electrochemical reactions are based on fuel cell principles. When CO gas diffuses to the electrode surface, the sensor immediately generates a current signal, enabling precise concentration quantification. Its response time reaches seconds, allowing it to detect extremely small gas emissions in the early stages of thermal runaway and ensure real-time warning signals.

Zero Power Consumption and 10-Year Long-Term Protection

For large-scale energy storage stations, the power consumption and maintenance costs of thousands of monitoring nodes must be considered.

Energy Self-Supply: Thanks to the fuel cell principle, the FC-CO-5000 requires no external power during operation, achieving true zero power consumption.

10-Year Lifespan: Its solid-state structure eliminates risks of leakage and drying, with a service life of up to 10 years. This aligns well with the lifecycle of energy storage systems and significantly reduces total cost of ownership.

Resistance to Poisoning and Interference in Extreme Environments

The internal environment of energy storage cabinets is extremely complex, often filled with high concentrations of silicone vapors, salt spray, and various VOC gases.

Anti-Poisoning Catalyst: Nexisense uses composite anti-poisoning catalysts prepared through targeted reduction methods to effectively resist the coverage of active sites by substances such as siloxanes.

Wide Temperature Range: The operating temperature range covers -40°C to 70°C. Whether in extremely cold regions or desert high-temperature environments, the FC-CO-5000 maintains high-precision detection output.

Authoritative Endorsement: The Value of UL 2075 Certification

At the Third New Energy Industry Chain Conference held on March 20, 2025, the FC-CO-5000 officially received certification from UL Solutions.

UL 2075 is a stringent testing standard for gas detection sensors and systems. Certification indicates that the FC-CO-5000 meets international market requirements in long-term stability, alarm accuracy, and environmental robustness. For system integrators, this serves not only as a guarantee of product quality but also as a “passport” to enter high-end overseas markets such as Europe and the United States.

FAQ: Advanced Technical Q&A for Integrators and Engineers

Conclusion

Driven by carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, the energy storage industry has entered its second phase—focused on quality and safety. The transition from “post-event alarm” to “pre-event prevention” represents not only a shift in fire protection philosophy but also a breakthrough in sensor technology.

With the FC-CO-5000 at its core, Nexisense enables precise detection of early thermal runaway signals, building a robust safety firewall for global energy storage systems. Choosing Nexisense means choosing not only a certified sensor but also a firm commitment to energy storage safety.