Inim for Energy Conservation
The Inim Previdia Compact Fire Suppression System Previdia Compact Protecting BESS Systems
Battery energy storage systems, known as BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems), are revolutionizing the global energy sector.
Designed to store energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind power, BESS systems allow energy to be released during periods of peak demand, improving the stability of the power grid and supporting the transition to a more sustainable future.
According to recent estimates, the global operational capacity of BESS will exceed 330 GWh in 2024, representing an increase of more than 130 GWh compared to the previous year; against this backdrop of growth, Inim has been called upon to protect these systems.
BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) are designed to store electrical energy in batteries, making it available for future use, especially in combination with renewable sources such as solar and wind power. These systems rely on lithium cells (often using LFP, lithium iron phosphate, technology) due to their high safety and thermal stability. Energy is stored in chemical form within the cells and subsequently converted back into electricity via an inverter.
China has emerged as a global leader in the BESS sector thanks to its ability to produce advanced batteries at competitive prices and in high volumes. With its dominance in lithium-ion cell production, China is driving technological development and the integration of BESS into complex projects, many of which are intended for export to Europe.
Here, compliance with stringent European safety regulations—including the adoption of certified fire protection systems—represents a crucial competitive advantage for Inim, which, thanks to its high quality standards, is establishing itself as a leading supplier of fire protection systems in these markets.
The Use of the Previdia System in BESS
In China, the world’s leading manufacturer of batteries and BESS systems, these devices are often assembled for export to markets such as Europe, where high safety standards are required. The adoption of fire suppression systems certified to European standards is a key competitive factor for suppliers of these types of technologies, capable of tipping the scales in a company’s decision-making process.
Thanks to its leading position in the global market, Inim has been chosen by several manufacturers and has established itself as one of the leading suppliers of fire protection systems for these devices.
In BESS systems, Inim installs Previdia Compact control panels Previdia Compact suppression channels, integrating them with smoke, temperature, and gas detectors. These devices are not limited to automatically activating the suppression system when a combination of two different detectors (for example, smoke + gas, temperature + smoke) triggers an alarm. This approach ensures high sensitivity and accuracy in detecting potentially hazardous conditions.
Previdia Compact units, renowned for their efficiency and modularity, are interconnected via the HORNET+ network. This network system enables the simultaneous management and control of all units, optimizing monitoring and intervention operations. Thanks to advanced connectivity, it is possible to ensure complete coverage of the BESS system and a rapid response to critical events.
Previdia Compact control units Previdia Compact additional benefits, including compliance with international safety standards and an intuitive user interface that simplifies programming and maintenance. The integration of advanced technologies and flexible configuration options make these control units an excellent choice for complex applications such as energy storage systems.
Investing in certified systems, such as those provided by Inim, not only improves overall safety but also complies with the most stringent European regulations, making BESS systems reliable and competitive in international markets.
Inim Technologies for Fire Protection in BESS Systems
BESS systems are among the most critical energy applications from a fire safety perspective. The high energy density of lithium-ion batteries, combined with the risk of thermal runaway (thermal escape or chain reaction), requires extremely fast, reliable, and integrated emergency detection and management systems.
To meet these requirements, Inim uses Previdia Compact fire alarm control panels in BESS installations like this one; these panels are designed for high-criticality applications and comply with the European EN 54 standards.
The solution adopted integrates various detection technologies:
- ED100 / FA100 optical smoke detectors
- ED200 thermal sensors
- Sensors for combustible gases and compounds generated by the electrochemical degradation of the cells. CO, methane, and hydrogen detectors.
The multi-criteria approach enables the early detection of abnormal conditions inside energy containers, reducing the risk of fire spread and improving the reliability of the alerts.
A particularly important aspect of BESS installations is alarm logic management. Inim’s Previdia series control panels implement correlation logic between different sensors, allowing suppression systems to be activated only when conditions validated by multiple parameters occur simultaneously. This approach significantly reduces false alarms and ensures greater operational precision.
From an architectural standpoint, the proprietary HORNET+ network enables the distributed connection of multiple Previdia Compact units Previdia Compact large-scale energy systems (so that they function as a single, coordinated system even in very large installations, such as BESS systems).
The network structure allows for:
- centralized monitoring and integration with battery management systems;
- business continuity;
- redundancy in communications;
- rapid response, even in geographically dispersed installations.
The adoption of systems certified in accordance with European standards is now a strategic requirement for exporting BESS systems to the European market. In this context, Inim technologies contribute not only to system protection but also to regulatory compliance and the operational reliability of the entire energy system.
