Lithium battery container

[Maxhead]

Bit of left field question.

I have purchased a 48v 15kw battery system for my shed. It’s got 15x3.2v lifepo4 cells @ 320ah from memory with a bms and it’s all enclosed in a shell like a powerwall.
It will be connected to a Growatt 5kw hybrid inverter and 6kw of panels.

My concern is this battery catching on fire inside the shed.
I know the risk is small but I won’t have any insurance so I’m looking to put this battery system outside.

Looking for recommendations of how I need to do this.
It will be right next to the shed so I need something fire proof and obviously water proof.
Not too worried if the heat damaged a sheet or two but need to save the shed
The photo gives an idea of size.
My idea was to just do a cheap metal sheet box with fire bricks all around.

Thoughts??




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[BillsGU]

Remember the batteries will need ventilation for cooling during summer and also I am not sure of the minimum temperature your batteries can handle. I know that here on VIC/NSW border some battery set up's have been damaged because they froze. Don't know if that applies to your type of batteries but it was -7 in the ACT recently.

[Maxhead]

Remember the batteries will need ventilation for cooling during summer and also I am not sure of the minimum temperature your batteries can handle. I know that here on VIC/NSW border some battery set up's have been damaged because they froze. Don't know if that applies to your type of batteries but it was -7 in the ACT recently.

Yes very good point! Summer can get hot but not too bad but winter can get to extreme temps(-16)so I need to think about some kind of ventilation and also insulation which can be implemented for winter.
I’m pretty sure these batteries don’t charge below zero but not sure that is correct.

Maybe a fireproof box inside the shed to eliminate temp problems


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[rusty_nail]

Yes very good point! Summer can get hot but not too bad but winter can get to extreme temps(-16)so I need to think about some kind of ventilation and also insulation which can be implemented for winter.
I’m pretty sure these batteries don’t charge below zero but not sure that is correct.

Maybe a fireproof box inside the shed to eliminate temp problems


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Is it possible to build a separate building? Like a small shed from bunnings etc? You could insulate it and add a whirly bird for extraction during summer. Keep a firebreak between your actual shed and the power shed and its gravy?

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[Maxhead]

Is it possible to build a separate building? Like a small shed from bunnings etc? You could insulate it and add a whirly bird for extraction during summer. Keep a firebreak between your actual shed and the power shed and its gravy?

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Yes mate, that was another thought to have a little shed few meters away from the main shed so if it goes up in smoke then who cares but temps might still be a problem. Could also run a little heat matt like in home brew under the battery in winter.
I have to consider power cable length and communication cable between battery and inverter


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[rusty_nail]

Yes mate, that was another thought to have a little shed few meters away from the main shed so if it goes up in smoke then who cares but temps might still be a problem. Could also run a little heat matt like in home brew under the battery in winter.
I have to consider power cable length and communication cable between battery and inverter


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I have a "smart" heat belt for my home brew surely it would be fairly.effective to keeping the batteries warmer. Lining the shed in foam would be pretty effective to keeping it a more consistent temp esp in summer.

Re the cost of cable etc cheaper than insurance/replacing the whole shed right?

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[Maxhead]

I have a "smart" heat belt for my home brew surely it would be fairly.effective to keeping the batteries warmer. Lining the shed in foam would be pretty effective to keeping it a more consistent temp esp in summer.

Re the cost of cable etc cheaper than insurance/replacing the whole shed right?

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Yeah mate, I thought about that fridge panel stuff or foam but that shit would catch on like an inferno unless I’m missing something and there is something that won’t burn.
Heat mat would work I reckon.
Yes you are right cable would only be a few hundred so no issue I suppose


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[Maxhead]

I also think whilst it’s running its generating heat so that should help in winter especially during the night when everything will be running off battery.
I suppose experimenting with the system will determine what I need to do


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[rusty_nail]

Yeah mate, I thought about that fridge panel stuff or foam but that shit would catch on like an inferno unless I’m missing something and there is something that won’t burn.
Heat mat would work I reckon.
Yes you are right cable would only be a few hundred so no issue I suppose


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With limited exceptions like firebrick (high alu concentrated brick) or metal everything has a combustion point right? Foam will catch alight just like any other sort of insulator but it will also do the best job at keeping the battery to a consistent state helping keep from any failures due to temperature stresses?

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[Maxhead]

With limited exceptions like firebrick (high alu concentrated brick) or metal everything has a combustion point right? Foam will catch alight just like any other sort of insulator but it will also do the best job at keeping the battery to a consistent state helping keep from any failures due to temperature stresses?

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Yes sorry I’m with ya now! I’m overthinking the idea.
Small insulated shed and temperature controlled heat matt just be work spot on.


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