Fire Dispersion Modelling Assessment – Suffolk Solar Farm

Redmore Environmental Ltd was commissioned to undertake a Fire Dispersion Modelling Assessment of potential emissions associated with an unexpected fire at a proposed Solar and Battery Energy Storage in East Suffolk.

Battery Energy Storage Systems

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are facilities that store electricity in batteries for use at a later time. They charge during periods of low demand or high renewable generation and discharge electricity back to the grid or local users when demand is higher. This flexibility helps balance energy supply and demand and supports the transition to a low-carbon power system by enabling energy from renewables, like wind and solar, to be stored and then released when the power is required.

Battery storage is essential in the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy and the systems will play an increasingly important role between green energy supplies and responding to electricity demands.

Most modern systems use lithium-ion batteries due to their efficiency and proven performance, although other technologies such as flow or sodium-sulphur batteries are also used. A typical Battery Energy Storage System includes the batteries themselves, a power conversion system to manage electricity flows, and advanced control software to optimise operation and ensure safety. Larger installations also include fire protection, cooling systems, and secure housing.

Battery Energy Storage Systems can operate at a range of scales, from domestic units paired with rooftop solar to large, grid-scale projects capable of powering thousands of homes. They provide multiple benefits, including storing renewable energy, improving grid reliability, and reducing reliance on fossil fuel generation during peak demand. This makes them an increasingly important feature of modern energy infrastructure.

Project Scope

The proposed development included the operation of a 50MW Solar Farm and associated Battery Energy Storage System on a site in East Suffolk. The Battery Energy Storage System element was designed to store excess energy generated during the day by the solar panels.

Emissions associated with an unexpected fire at the site may cause air quality impacts in the local area. A Dispersion Modelling Assessment was therefore undertaken in order to quantify pollutant concentrations at sensitive locations and identify any exceedences of the relevant air quality standards should a fire occur.

Fire Dispersion Modelling Assessment

To assess potential air quality impacts from an unexpected fire involving lithium-ion batteries, the team used the ADMS 6 dispersion modelling software. Emissions from the incident were represented using an area source, with hydrogen fluoride identified as the key pollutant of concern due to its high toxicity. The emission rate for hydrogen fluoride was established through reference to the scientific report ‘Toxic fluoride gas emissions from lithium-ion battery fires’. The model was run using five years of meteorological data from Wattisham observation station, with the year producing the highest concentrations selected to represent a worst-case scenario. The assessment also considered sensitive locations that could have been affected, including nearby residential properties and local footpaths.

Outcome

The dispersion modelling results were compared against the relevant air quality standards to identify any areas of concern. The findings were subsequently utilised to inform the emergency response procedures for the proposed scheme.

If you require a Dispersion Modelling Assessment for a Battery Energy Storage System, be it in support of a planning or Environmental Permit Application, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our specialist Air Quality Consultants today to find out more about how we can help you with your project.