Section
12 Batteries
12.1 General
12.1.1 The requirements of this Section apply to aqueous and non-aqueous permanently installed
secondary batteries of the vented and valve-regulated sealed type such that the
following goal and functional requirements are achieved:
- Goal
Safe energy storage and dependable supply of
power to consumers.
- Functional requirements
Reasonably foreseeable hazards
external to the battery shall be identified and managed.
Reasonably
foreseeable hazards internal within the battery shall be identified and
managed.
12.1.2 A vented battery is one in which the cells have a cover provided with an
opening through which the products of electrolysis and evaporation are allowed to escape
freely from the cells to the atmosphere.
12.1.3 A valve-regulated sealed battery is one in which the cells are closed but
have an arrangement (valve) which allows the escape of gas if the internal pressure
exceeds a predetermined value. The electrolyte cannot normally be replaced.
12.1.4 The following Sections apply to lead acid, nickel cadmium and lithium cell
chemistries. Where other chemistries are to be used, the ShipRight Procedure Risk
Based Certification (RBC) is to be followed.
12.1.5 Lithium battery systems are to satisfy the requirements of LR’s Type
Approval System Test Specification Number 5 (2019). Alternative arrangements may
be subject to special consideration.
12.1.6 Lithium battery management systems are to satisfy the requirements of LR’s
Type Approval System Test Specification Number 1 (2018). Alternative
arrangements may be subject to special consideration.
12.1.7 Where the lithium battery total system installation is less than 20 kWh
then it is to be housed in a gastight steel enclosure with a gastight ventilation duct
leading to a safe space on open deck and is to be suitable for withstanding the
temperatures and pressures generated in the worst case thermal runaway condition. The
battery system is to satisfy the requirements of LR’s Type Approval System Test
Specification Number 5 (2019), or an equivalent and acceptable National or
International Standard, amended where necessary for a battery space ambient temperature
of 45°C. Alternative arrangements will be subject to special consideration.
12.1.8 The following Sections apply to lithium battery system installations of a
total system capacity of 20 kWh or greater and are in addition to those applicable in
other Parts of these Rules:
- Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.1 General 12.1.9;
- Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.2 Design and construction 12.2.2 to Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.2 Design and construction 12.2.6;
- Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.3 Location 12.3.12;
- Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.4 Installation 12.4.5 to Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.4 Installation 12.4.11;
- Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.5 Thermal management and ventilation 12.5.8 and Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.5 Thermal management and ventilation 12.5.12;
- Pt 6, Ch 2, 21.1 Testing 21.1.6
12.1.9 For lithium battery system installations of nominal voltages exceeding 1500
V d.c. the LR ShipRight Procedure Risk Based Certification (RBC) is to be
followed.
12.1.10 Additional requirements may be imposed by the National Administration with
which the ship is registered and/or by the Administration within whose territorial
jurisdiction the ship is intended to operate. Where any such requirements exist, in the
event of a conflict with the requirements herein the requirements of the National
Administration will generally take precedence.
12.2 Design and construction
12.2.1 Batteries are to be constructed so as to prevent spilling of the
electrolyte due to motion and to minimise the emission of electrolyte spray.
12.2.2 A Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is to be carried out for the
lithium battery system installation and is to consider the effects of failure upon
safety and dependability of the lithium battery system installation, taking account of
reasonably foreseeable internal and external failures such that the goal and functional
requirements of Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.1 General 12.1.1 are achieved and is to include
but is not limited to the following:
- overpressure, fire and explosion;
- electrical short circuit due to leakage of cell electrolyte or
mechanical impact;
- venting out flammable and toxic gases;
- rupture of the casing of cell, battery module, battery pack or
battery system with exposure of internal components; and
- ingress of water into the battery space from cooling system
leak, fire suppression system release and/or adjacent areas.
No single failure is to directly result in conditions more arduous than
those under which the battery system has been type tested or in the hidden loss of any
monitoring and control, alarm or safety function (either automatic or manual) on which
the battery system installation depends for its safe operation.
12.2.3 The casing of a lithium cell and/or battery module is to incorporate a
pressure relief function(s) that will prevent overpressure, rupture or explosion of the
battery module enclosure (see
Pt 6, Ch 2, 21 Testing and trials).
12.2.4 The lithium battery management system is to continuously monitor the
condition of cells, battery modules or battery packs and to maintain them within their
specified safe operating region. As a minimum the alarms and safeguards as indicated in
Table 2.12.1 Lithium battery system: alarms and safeguards are to be provided:
Table 2.12.1 Lithium battery system: alarms and safeguards
| Item
|
Alarm
|
Note
|
| Cell voltage*
|
High
|
Automatic termination
of the cell charge current. See Notes 1 and 5
|
| Low
|
Per cell. Automatic
prevention of cell discharge. See Notes 2 and 5
|
| Cell temperature*
|
1st stage
high
|
Per sensor.
See Notes 4 and 5
|
| 2nd stage
high
|
Per sensor. Automatic
shutdown of battery system. See Notes 4 and 5
|
| Low
|
Automatic charge and
discharge current limitation. See Notes 3 and 4
|
| Charge current of the
battery cells
|
High
|
Automatic reduction
of charge/discharge current. See Note 3
|
| Communication failure
between battery management system and external charge controller
system
|
Failure
|
Automatic shutdown of
battery system See Note 6
|
| Battery management
system
|
Failure
|
Automatic shutdown of
battery system
|
| Temperature
sensor
|
Failure
|
Automatic shutdown of
battery system
|
| Voltage
sensor
|
Failure
|
Automatic shutdown of
battery system
|
| Emergency
trip*
|
Active
|
Automatic shutdown of
battery system See Note 5
|
| Insulation
resistance
|
Low
|
-
|
|
Note 1. Cell voltage is to be maintained below the cell manufacturer
specified upper limit charge voltage.
Note 2. Cell voltage is to be maintained above the cell manufacturer
specified lower limit discharge voltage.
Note 3. Cell charge/discharge current is to be controlled within cell
manufacturer specified current limits.
Note 4. Cell temperature is to be controlled within the cell manufacturer
specified temperature limits.
Note 5. For lithium batteries used as an emergency source of power, only
items marked * are to initiate automatic shutdown.
Note 6. For lithium batteries used as an emergency source of power,
communication failure is to automatically stop and prevent
charging.
Note 7. Automatic shutdown of battery system includes termination of
battery charging and discharging and disconnection from electrical
distribution network.
|
12.2.5 A fully independent hard-wired means to disconnect the battery system in an emergency
from power distribution is to be provided. This emergency trip is to be located outside
of the battery space and situated such that it will remain accessible in the event of an
emergency inside the battery space and is to initiate an audible and visual alarm at the
relevant control stations to advise duty personnel of the emergency condition.
12.2.6 For lithium battery system installations the following is to be measured and displayed
at control stations relevant to the system in which the battery system is installed:
- State of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) are to be
displayed at relevant control stations and on the navigating bridge.
- System alarms are to be displayed at relevant control stations
and at least a common alarm displayed on the navigating bridge.
12.3 Location
12.3.1 Vented batteries connected to a charging device with a power output of more
than 2 kW, calculated from the maximum obtainable charging current and the nominal
voltage of the battery, are to be housed in an adequately ventilated compartment
assigned to batteries only, or in an adequately ventilated suitable box on open
deck.
12.3.2 Vented batteries connected to a charging device with a power output within
the range 0,2 kW to 2 kW, calculated from the maximum obtainable charging current and
the nominal voltage of the battery, are to be installed in accordance with Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.3 Location 12.3.1, or may be installed within a well ventilated
machinery or similar space.
12.3.3 Vented batteries connected to a charging device with a power output of less
than 0,2 kW, calculated from the maximum obtainable charging current and the nominal
voltage of the battery, may be installed in an open position or in a battery box in any
suitable space.
12.3.6 Where lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries are installed in the same
compartment precautions are to be taken, such as the provision of screens, to prevent
possible contamination of electrolytes.
12.3.7 Where batteries may be exposed to the risk of mechanical damage, or falling
objects, they are to be suitably protected.
12.3.8 Batteries installed in crew and passenger cabins, together with their
associated corridors, are to be of the hermetically sealed type.
12.3.9 A permanent notice prohibiting smoking and the use of naked lights or
equipment capable of creating a source of ignition is to be prominently displayed
adjacent to the entrances of all compartments containing batteries.
12.3.10 Only electrical equipment necessary for operational reasons and for the
provision of lighting is to be installed in compartments provided in compliance with
Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.3 Location 12.3.1, the compartment ventilation exhaust ducts and
zones within a 1,5 m radius of the ventilation outlet(s). Such electrical equipment is
to be certified for group IIC gases and temperature Class T1 in accordance with the
applicable parts of IEC 60079: Explosive atmospheres, or an acceptable and
relevant National Standard.
12.3.11 A permanent notice is to be prominently displayed adjacent to battery
installations advising personnel that replacement batteries are to be of an equivalent
performance type. For valve-regulated sealed batteries, the notice is to advise of the
requirement for replacement batteries to be suitable with respect to products of
electrolysis and evaporation being allowed to escape from cells to the atmosphere,
see also
Pt 6, Ch 2, 1.5 Additions or alterations 1.5.3.
12.3.12 The lithium battery space is to be separate from other spaces and
compartments, is not to be located forward of the collision bulkhead and is not to be
contiguous to the boundaries of machinery spaces of Category A or those spaces
containing the main source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment (if
any) or the main switchboard. The boundaries of the lithium battery space are to be part
of a vessel structure or enclosures and provided with ‘A-60’ insulation of the bulkhead
unless the space is adjacent to spaces of negligible fire risk such as cofferdams, void
spaces or similar, in which case consideration may be given to reducing the insulation
to ‘A-0’. Penetrations through these boundaries are to be protected to the same fire
protection standard. Special consideration will be made for a ship not built of steel or
equivalent material. All other safety systems within the lithium battery spaces are to
be in accordance with the requirements of this Section or, if not made explicit, at
least equivalent to those of a machinery space of Category A.
12.4 Installation
12.4.1 Batteries are to be arranged such that each cell or crate of cells is
accessible from the top and at least one side and it is to be ensured that they are
suitably secured to move with the ship's motion.
12.4.2 The materials used in the construction of a battery rack or stand are to be
resistant to the battery electrolyte or suitably protected by paint or a coating.
12.4.3 Measures are to be taken to minimise the effect of any electrolyte spillage
and leakage, for example the use of rubber capping around the top of the cells and the
provision of a tray of electrolyte-resistant material below the cells, unless the deck
is suitably protected with paint or a coating.
12.4.4 The interiors of all compartments for batteries, including crates, trays,
boxes, shelves and other structural parts therein, are to be of an electrolyte-resistant
material or suitably protected, for example with paint or a coating.
12.4.5 Battery systems are to be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
taking account of the results of the FMEA study.
12.4.6 The lithium battery space and the crates, trays, boxes, shelves and other structural
parts therein are to be designed and constructed such that the structural integrity of
the battery space will not be compromised in the event of a lithium fire.
12.4.7 The lithium battery space is to be fitted with suitable fixed detectors in accordance
with manufacturer’s recommendations and which are capable of providing early
identification of a fire or thermal runaway condition. Early identification is to
include high cell temperature or detection of electrolyte solvent vapours and a
combination of smoke and heat detectors. When activated, the fire
detection system is to initiate an alarm to the relevant control stations and on the
navigating bridge and is to initiate the automatic isolation of electric systems
within the lithium battery space, except as described below, and activate the fixed
fire-fighting system.
12.4.8 In the event that a fire or thermal runaway condition is identified, the
battery monitoring system is to initiate protective features such as automatic safe
isolation of the batteries. Ventilation necessary for extraction of gases, active
cooling systems, and thermal/safety monitoring and alarm are to be continued prior to,
during and after an overheating or fire event. Failure of the monitoring system is to be
alarmed to the ship's safety system and is to result in the battery system automatically
reverting to a defined safe state.
12.4.9 An appropriate water-based fixed fire-fighting system in accordance with SOLAS II-2,
Part C, Regulation 10 - Fire fighting
10.4.1.1.3 and the manufacturer’s recommendation is to be provided for the
lithium battery space. The fixed fire-fighting system is to be suitable for heat
removal, boundary cooling and/or extinguishing for the duration that the heat and/or gas
release are present. Fixed fire-fighting systems using a medium other than water which
provide equivalent heat removal, boundary cooling and/or extinguishing for the duration
that the heat and/or gas release is present can be taken into consideration provided
that appropriate fire tests have been conducted. In particular, the fire-extinguishing
media are to be chosen as appropriate for the specific type and characteristics of fire
foreseen.
12.4.10 The fixed fire-fighting control system is to be located outside the battery
space, be activated automatically and be capable of manual activation. In addition to
the fixed fire-fighting system, the battery space is to be provided with a minimum of
two (2) portable and suitable fire-extinguishers located outside the space at or near
the entrance(s). The number and position of hydrants are to be such that at least two
jets of water not emanating from the same hydrant, each from a single length of hose,
can reach any part of the lithium battery space. Such hydrants are to be positioned in
close proximity to the lithium battery space. Any part of the fire-fighting system which
crosses through the lithium battery space without serving it is to be avoided.
12.4.11 The fire detection and alarm systems are to be in accordance with the recommendations of
the battery manufacturer and the following sub-Sections of these Rules:
12.4.12 The technical description detailed in Pt 6, Ch 2, 1.2 Documentation required for design review 1.2.17.(b) is to consider the actual battery system
installation and its integration into the ship, including but not limited to the
following:
- arrangement of battery compartment (location, including fire
risk of adjacent spaces/compartments, fire burden from equipment other than
batteries, heat sources, etc.);
- temperature control arrangements for the battery space and their
contribution to system safety;
- ventilation arrangements to prevent concentrations of gasses
within the space in case of uncontrolled thermal runaway;
- hazardous area(s) requirements;
- reasonable gas tightness of ventilation ducting;
- fire integrity of the space;
- the use of fire extinguishing arrangements for cooling in the
case of uncontrolled thermal runaway.
The FMEA referenced in Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.2 Design and construction 12.2.2 should address any additional failure modes
identified during the preparation of this technical description.
12.4.13 The lithium battery space is to be provided with two means of escape, at least one
independent of any watertight door and leading to a safe position outside the space. One
of the escapes is to be suitable for the passage of a stretcher. At each entrance/exit
an emergency escape breathing device (EEBD) is to be provided. Where the maximum travel
distance to the door within the lithium battery space is less than 5 m, a single means
of escape is acceptable. The lithium battery space is not to be considered as part of an
escape route (primary or secondary) from any other accommodation, control, service
space, machinery space of Category ‘A’ and high fire risk area such as a garage, paint
store, etc.
12.5 Thermal management and ventilation
12.5.1 Battery compartments and boxes are to be ventilated to avoid accumulation of
dangerous concentrations of flammable gas.
12.5.2 Where a battery compartment ventilator is required to be fitted with a
closing device in accordance with Pt 3, Ch 12, 2.3 Closing appliances 2.3.9, a warning notice clearly stating the
purpose of the closing device, for example:
'This closing device is to
be kept open and only closed in the event of a fire or flooding – Explosive gas
atmosphere'
is to be provided at the closing device to mitigate the
possibility of inadvertent closing of the ventilator. Furthermore, means to lock the
battery compartment ventilators in the open position are to be provided.
12.5.3 Ducted natural ventilation may be employed for battery installations
connected to a charging device with a power output of 2 kW or less, provided the exhaust
duct can be run directly from the top of the compartment or box to the open air above,
with no part of the duct more than 45° from the vertical. A suitable opening is also to
be provided below the level of the top of the batteries, so as to ensure a free
ventilation air flow. The ventilation duct is to have an area not less than 50
cm2 for every 1 m3 of battery compartment or box volume.
12.5.4 Where natural ventilation is impracticable or insufficient, mechanical
ventilation is to be provided, with the air inlet located near the floor and the exhaust
at the top of the compartment.
12.5.5 Mechanical exhaust ventilation complying with Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.5 Thermal management and ventilation 12.5.9 is to be provided for battery installations
connected to a charging device with a total maximum power output of more than 2 kW.
Also, to minimise the possibility of oxygen enrichment, compartments and spaces
containing batteries with boost charging facilities are to be provided with mechanical
exhaust ventilation irrespective of the charging device power output.
12.5.6 The ventilation system for battery compartments and boxes, other than boxes
located on open deck or in spaces to which Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.3 Location 12.3.2, Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.3 Location 12.3.3 and Pt 6, Ch 2, 12.3 Location 12.3.5 refer, is to be separate from other ventilation
systems. The exhaust ducting is to be led to a location in the open air, where any gases
can be safely diluted, away from possible sources of ignition and openings into spaces
where gases may accumulate.
12.5.7 Fan motors associated with exhaust ducts from battery compartments are to be
placed external to the ducts and the compartments.
12.5.8 Ventilating fans for battery compartments are to be so constructed and be of
material such as to minimise risk of sparking in the event of the impeller touching the
casing, and are to be suitable for the potentially hazardous and corrosive gases
produced in a thermal runaway condition. Non-metallic impellers are to be of an
anti-static material.
12.5.9 Battery boxes are to be provided with sufficient ventilation openings
located so as to avoid accumulation of flammable gas whilst preventing the entrance of
rain or spray.
12.5.10 The ventilation arrangements for all installations of vented type batteries
are to be such that the quantity of air expelled is at least equal to:
where
|
n
|
= |
number of cells in series |
|
= |
maximum current delivered by the charging equipment during gas
formation, but not less than 25 per cent of the maximum obtainable charging
current in amperes |
|
Q
|
= |
quantity of air expelled in litres/hr. |
12.5.12 Thermal management of the lithium battery space is to be assessed, including the
criticality of any cooling systems required to ensure reliable operation and to prevent
thermal runaway within the marine environment. See also
Pt 6, Ch 1, 1.4 Control, alarm and safety equipment 1.4.3.
12.6 Charging facilities
12.6.1 Charging
facilities are to be provided for all secondary batteries such that
they may be completely charged from the completely discharged state
in a reasonable time having regard to the service requirements.
12.6.2 Suitable
means including an ammeter and a voltmeter, are to be provided for
controlling and monitoring charging of batteries, and to protect them
against discharge into the charging circuits.
12.6.3 For
floating circuits or any other conditions where the load is connected
to the battery whilst it is on charge, the maximum battery voltage
is not to exceed the safe value for any connected apparatus.
12.6.4 Where
valve-regulated sealed batteries are installed, the charging facilities
are to incorporate independent means such as overvoltage protection
to prevent gas evolution in excess of the manufacturer's design quantity.
12.6.5 Boost
charge facilities, where provided, are to be arranged such that they
are automatically disconnected should the battery compartment ventilation
system fail.
12.7 Recording of batteries for emergency and essential services
12.7.1 A
schedule of batteries fitted for use for essential and emergency services
is to be compiled and maintained.
12.7.3 When
additions or alterations are proposed to the existing batteries for
essential and emergency services, the schedule and replacement procedure
documentation are to be updated to reflect the proposed installation
and submitted in accordance with Pt 6, Ch 2, 1.5 Additions or alterations 1.5.2.
12.7.4 The
schedule and replacement procedure documentation are to be made available
to the LR Surveyor on request.
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