Battery energy storage systems combine batteries, electrical connections, control equipment and monitoring components inside relatively compact enclosures. When aerosol fire suppression is considered for a BESS cabinet, simply installing an extinguishing device inside the enclosure is not sufficient.
The protected volume, internal equipment arrangement, enclosure integrity, extinguishing density, detector arrangement, activation logic and aerosol distribution all need to be considered.
According to the QRR3.0G/S-XR design and user manual, hot aerosol extinguishing devices can be applied in the new-energy sector, including energy storage prefabricated cabins, lithium battery PACK enclosures, commercial and industrial outdoor energy storage cabinets and outdoor power supplies.
For this reason, aerosol fire suppression can form part of a BESS cabinet fire protection system when the application is designed within the limitations and installation requirements stated in the manual.
The QRR3.0G/S-XR is a hot aerosol fire extinguishing device designed for fire suppression in relatively enclosed protected spaces.
According to the manual, the device includes:
The manual also distinguishes between an individual aerosol fire extinguishing device and a complete aerosol fire suppression system.
An aerosol fire extinguishing device refers to the extinguishing unit itself.
An aerosol fire suppression system combines the extinguishing device with fire detection and control equipment so that detection, alarm, activation and feedback can operate together as one system.
For BESS applications, this system approach is particularly important because the extinguishing device should be coordinated with fire detection, alarm logic, electrical activation and system feedback.
The product manual specifically lists several energy-storage applications:
These applications are generally relatively enclosed spaces, which is important because aerosol suppression depends on the extinguishing medium being able to spread throughout the protected volume.
However, the manual also warns that fixed equipment occupying a large part of the protected volume, or equipment that blocks the free movement of aerosol, can affect total-flooding performance.
This is highly relevant to BESS cabinets because battery modules, racks, busbars, control modules, cable trays and cooling equipment can create significant internal obstruction.
Therefore, the internal arrangement of the BESS cabinet should be reviewed before determining the aerosol device location and quantity.
The manual describes an automatic suppression sequence in which confirmed fire signals from the same protected area initiate the programmed control logic.
When two or more fire detectors provide a fire signal, the controller can begin the suppression sequence.
A typical sequence is:
Fire Detection → Alarm → Delay → Equipment / Opening Control → Aerosol Release → Feedback
The manual lists detection devices that may form part of the fire protection system, including:
The actual detector selection and arrangement should be determined by the project design.
After confirmed detection, the controller activates audible and visual alarms and provides an evacuation warning.
The controller can then start a programmed pre-discharge delay.
The manual states that the delay time can be adjusted according to the actual application and protected location.
During the delay period, openings, fire doors, ventilation openings, air-conditioning outlets and other openings that may affect fire suppression performance should be closed according to the system design.
At the end of the delay period, the fire suppression controller sends an electrical activation current to the aerosol extinguishing device.
The device then generates and releases the aerosol extinguishing medium into the protected area.
After operation, a feedback signal can be transmitted to the fire protection system so that the system can indicate the discharge condition.
For BESS system design, the product technical parameters should be taken from the actual manual rather than estimated from generic aerosol products.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | QRR3.0G/S-XR |
| Overall Dimensions | H188 × Ø238 ±2 mm |
| Aerosol Agent Mass | 3 kg ±5 g |
| Device Net Weight | 6.5 kg ±10% |
| Nominal Extinguishing Density | 100 g/m³ |
| Nominal Protection Volume | 30 m³ |
| Thermal Element Length | 25 cm ±15 mm |
| Thermal Activation Temperature | 170°C ±10°C |
| Drive Voltage* | DC 24 V |
| Minimum Activation Voltage* | 1.5 V |
| Drive Current* | >700 mA DC |
| Safe Test Current* | ≤150 mA DC for 600 s |
| Discharge Time | ≤15 s |
| Operating Temperature | -50°C to +95°C |
| Service Life | ≥10 years |
| Feedback Contact Rating* | ≤0.5 A at DC 24 V |
The manual identifies items marked with * as optional or configuration-dependent, so the actual supplied configuration should be confirmed before system design or wiring.
This is one of the most important design points.
The standard technical table gives:
Agent Mass: 3 kg
Nominal Extinguishing Density: 100 g/m³
Nominal Protection Volume: 30 m³
However, the manual provides a separate requirement when the product is used specifically for lithium battery thermal-runaway protection.
It states that the extinguishing density should be calculated at:
2 to 5 times the Class A fire density, or according to experimental/test data.
Therefore, for a BESS or battery PACK thermal-runaway application, the designer should not simply calculate:
Protected Volume ÷ 30 m³ = Number of Aerosol Units
The nominal 30 m³ value is a product parameter, but the manual requires a higher design basis or validated test data for lithium battery thermal-runaway protection.
This distinction should be maintained in both engineering design and product marketing.
The manual states that the published extinguishing density is based on experimental data and that the integrity of the protected enclosure must be considered.
Different enclosure sealing conditions may require additional design redundancy.
For a BESS cabinet, the following factors can therefore influence system selection:
A cabinet with significant leakage or major internal obstruction should not automatically be treated as an empty sealed volume.
The manual provides a specific instruction for battery PACK applications.
It states that the extinguishing device may be installed at an appropriate position in the battery PACK enclosure.
Where thermal activation is used, the thermal sensing element should be positioned near the pressure-relief outlet.
The manual also states that an unnecessarily long thermal sensing element does not provide additional benefit.
This means the thermal activation component should be positioned according to the expected high-temperature or pressure-relief path rather than simply routed throughout the enclosure without a design basis.
Correct aerosol distribution is essential.
The manual states that the aerosol flow should not directly strike an obstruction or the protected equipment because this can cause particles to accumulate and reduce the mobility and distribution of the extinguishing medium.
For general installation, it also requires the front of the discharge outlet to remain free of large continuous obstacles for at least 50 cm.
When designing a BESS cabinet installation, particular attention should therefore be paid to:
The extinguishing device should be located so that the aerosol can spread through the intended protected volume rather than immediately impacting nearby equipment.
The manual specifically addresses larger protected volumes.
If a single protected space exceeds 30 m³, multiple aerosol extinguishing devices should be used so that the extinguishing medium can enter and distribute through the protected space more rapidly and uniformly.
The manual also provides the following layout guidance:
When total agent mass exceeds 2 kg:
Devices should be uniformly distributed.
Minimum spacing between devices:
Not less than 2 m.
When protected-space height exceeds 5 m:
Layered installation may be used.
Maximum distance between layers:
Not greater than 5 m.
For protected spaces between 30 m³ and 100 m³, multiple units should also be distributed throughout the protected area. If the height exceeds 3 m, multi-level distribution should be considered.
When multiple devices are installed, their discharge outlets should not directly face each other because interacting discharge streams may cause aerosol particles to accumulate and reduce distribution performance.
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The QRR3.0G/S-XR can be integrated with a compatible fire alarm or suppression control system.
According to the manual:
Drive Voltage: DC 24 V*
Drive Current: >700 mA DC*
Feedback: Switching signal*
Maximum feedback current: 0.5 A at DC 24 V*
The manual further states:
For BESS projects, this allows the aerosol extinguishing device to operate as part of an automatic detection-and-suppression system rather than as an isolated extinguishing unit.
The manual warns that electrical activation depends on a reliable power supply.
If power is lost, the electrical release circuit cannot function.
It also specifically warns that line loss and voltage drop must be considered because the voltage available at the control panel does not necessarily represent the voltage and current available at the aerosol device.
This is especially important where:
Activation current and voltage at the actual device should therefore be checked during system commissioning.
The manual requires an isolation switch where personnel may enter the protected area.
When the isolation switch is active:
Automatic suppression activation must be disabled.
However:
Fire detection and alarm must remain operational.
When the switch is returned to its normal condition, the system should return to automatic control.
For larger BESS containers or maintenance-access areas, this provides an important safety function during inspection or service work.
A BESS application should not be described as equivalent to metallic lithium fire suppression.
The manual specifically provides design instructions for:
Lithium battery PACK enclosures
and
Lithium battery thermal-runaway protection.
However, it separately states that the aerosol system must not be used for fires involving reactive metals including:
Lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, zirconium, uranium and plutonium.
Therefore:
BESS / lithium battery enclosure protection does not mean the system is approved for metallic lithium fires.
The actual battery chemistry and project hazard should always be confirmed before system selection.
Aerosol discharge involves elevated temperature near the outlet.
According to the technical table:
| Distance from Outlet | Maximum Aerosol Temperature |
|---|---|
| 0.25 m | ≤400°C |
| 0.5 m | ≤200°C |
| 1.0 m | ≤75°C |
The manual also states that combustible materials should not be positioned within 5 cm of the housing.
These temperature and clearance requirements should be considered when positioning an aerosol device near battery modules, cables and control electronics.
The manual requires a controlled post-discharge procedure.
After operation, the protected enclosure should remain closed for at least:
30 minutes
During this holding period, ventilation should not operate and doors, windows or other openings should remain closed.
After the holding period:
The manual also states that a discharged device should be replaced rather than reused.
Yes.
The manual states that aerosol discharge may leave black-gray particulate residue containing materials including:
According to the manual, testing found the discharged aerosol to be non-corrosive to common materials such as structural metals, plastics and electrical components.
However, untreated residue may absorb moisture.
If deposits form on a PCBA, the combination of retained moisture and particles may contribute to electrical short-circuit risk.
For BESS systems containing BMS electronics and other sensitive control equipment, post-discharge cleaning should therefore form part of the system maintenance plan.
Although the aerosol extinguishing device is stored without pressure, the manual still requires regular maintenance.
Recommended checks include:
The manual recommends monthly inspection of electrical connections and visual inspection of the extinguishing device.
The stated service life is:
10 years when correctly installed and maintained.
Aerosol fire suppression is not suitable for every hazard.
The manual specifically excludes fires involving:
The manual also states that the device is not intended for commercial, catering, entertainment or other normally occupied spaces, and is not intended for classified hazardous locations under the stated product application scope.
These limitations should be reviewed during BESS system design.
According to the QRR3.0G/S-XR manual, aerosol fire suppression can be applied to energy storage cabinets and battery PACK enclosures.
However, correct application requires more than simply matching a product's nominal protection volume to the cabinet volume.
A BESS aerosol suppression design should consider:
For lithium battery thermal-runaway protection in particular, the manual requires 2–5 times the Class A extinguishing density or validated test data, making project-specific design especially important.
The QRR3.0G/S-XR provides a compact hot aerosol suppression option for suitable energy-storage applications.
Key manual-based specifications include:
3 kg aerosol agent
100 g/m³ nominal extinguishing density
30 m³ nominal protection volume
≤15 s discharge time
-50°C to +95°C operating temperature
≥10 years service life
Electrical activation available*
Thermal activation available
Activation feedback available*
* Configuration-dependent according to the product manual.
For a BESS project, final device quantity and placement should be determined from the actual protected-space conditions rather than from nominal volume alone.
For BESS aerosol fire suppression selection, the following project information should be provided:
This information can be used to assess the protected volume, aerosol quantity, installation positions and control-system arrangement.
ANWETECH can provide not only the aerosol extinguishing device but also support for integrating the extinguishing unit with fire detection and suppression-control equipment.
For a BESS project, system selection should focus on the actual enclosure, device arrangement, activation requirements and fire suppression sequence rather than treating the aerosol device as an isolated component.
Send us the BESS cabinet dimensions, internal layout and application requirements for system selection support.
