Energy

Energy

Project Highlight

Nuclear Facility

Multiple Locations

RAN Fire Protection Engineering has worked on projects at a Department of Energy nuclear facility, involving energy storage systems. A primary concern was the potential for a massive failure of an energy storage system, which could trigger a thermal runaway reaction. To address this, we conducted protection evaluations that focused on several key areas. We assessed criteria like site selection to minimize risk, developed methods for the control or extinguishment of a system fire, and implemented strategies for the protection of surrounding structures. These evaluations were critical in determining the necessary level of protection to ensure the facility’s safety and operational integrity.

More Energy Projects

Battery Recycling Facility
Energy Storage Locations
Energy Storage Systems
Gore Mountain
Waste to Energy Plant

Battery Recycling Facility

Rochester, NY

RAN Fire Protection Engineering was retained to provide professional engineering services for a lithium-ion battery recycling facility. Our work began with a feasibility study for a localized fire extinguishing system, which led to design services for an automatic dry chemical system. This system is engineered to protect specific high-risk areas by deploying a specialized powder that both interrupts the chemical reaction of a fire and smothers its fuel source. Its ability to quickly contain initial flames is critical for preventing fire spread and mitigating the risk of thermal runaway in a facility with high concentrations of batteries.

Energy Storage Locations

Multiple Locations

RAN’s engineers evaluated fire protection concepts for two containerized energy storage systems within racks of a 40-foot shipping container. The project’s scope included a detailed assessment of the effectiveness of dry chemical, wet chemical, clean agent, aerosol, carbon dioxide, and water mist systems for protecting the energy storage systems. This evaluation was comprehensive, incorporating considerations for the local fire department’s response capabilities, the potential impact on adjacent buildings, the existing building’s sprinkler systems, the available firefighting water supply, maintenance requirements, and the listing requirements for the energy storage systems themselves.

Energy Storage Systems

Staten Island, NY

RAN Fire Protection Engineering provided professional engineering and consulting services for multiple energy storage system installations across Staten Island. The work focused on developing fire detection and protection strategies appropriate for lithium-ion battery energy storage hazards.

RAN designed specialized fire detection systems utilizing infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), and combined UV/IR flame detection devices integrated with a central fire alarm system that reports directly to the Fire Department. For select installations, RAN also designed fire spray extinguishing systems that operate without connection to an automatic water supply, with the design basis coordinated and verified with the FDNY prior to system layout.

Gore Mountain

Johnsburg, NY

RAN Fire Protection Engineering performed a Hazard Mitigation Analysis (HMA) for a lithium-ion battery energy storage system supporting battery-powered zip line vehicles at the North Creek Ski Bowl facility. The system includes multiple lithium-ion battery packs used to power the vehicles, with charging operations occurring within the zip line building. RAN evaluated potential failure modes such as thermal runaway, battery management system failures, and detection or suppression system failures in accordance with NFPA 855 requirements for stationary energy storage systems.

Based on the analysis, RAN developed a layered fire protection strategy for the energy storage system that incorporated early-warning air-aspirating smoke detection, linear heat detection, and a deluge-style water mist fire suppression system designed to control a potential lithium-ion battery fire event and support safe occupant evacuation. RAN also prepared fire protection construction documents including sprinkler and fire alarm system designs coordinated with the facility layout to support the safe operation of the energy storage installation.

Waste to Energy Plants

Kent, MI

RAN Fire Protection Engineering provided fire protection engineering consulting and design services for a municipal waste-to-energy facility. The work began with a facility-wide fire protection assessment that included site visits to evaluate the condition and performance of existing fire protection systems and identify potential improvements for the facility.

Based on the findings of the assessment, RAN developed fire protection design solutions for select process areas within the plant. The work included the design of fire suppression systems to protect critical electrical equipment rooms and specialized process areas associated with plant operations. The final design approach was developed in coordination with the facility owner to support reliable fire protection for the facility’s energy generation operations.

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