Wärtsilä Quantum ESS ready for NFPA 855 2026 and noise mitigation standards
Technology group Wärtsilä announced advancements in fire safety and acoustic noise reduction for its Quantum energy storage systems (ESS). These new fire safety measures were done to “meet the intent of the new large-scale fire testing requirements referenced in NFPA 855 2026.” The noise reduction efforts are being done in anticipation of noise limits for equipment placed in residential areas.
Wärtsilä ESS fire safety
The company recently completed its third and fourth rounds of large-scale fire testing following the 2023 testing done for the Quantum energy storage system, surpassing the mandated UL 9540A testing standards for its newer generation Quantum High Energy and Quantum2 energy storage systems.
Conducted in partnership with CSA Group at their lab, these tests involved purposeful ignition of the enclosure until the fire was self-sustaining. Both the Quantum High Energy and Quantum2 enclosures fully consumed all available fuel. Data from the test show no risk of propagation from the initiating unit to adjacent units with all modules remaining below cell venting temperatures.
This approach is designed to simulate a worst-case scenario and exceeds current industry standards. Testing of Wärtsilä’s Quantum High Energy and Quantum2 ESS showed that a fully involved, large-scale fire did not propagate into adjacent battery units.
“Large-scale energy storage system installations must address the safety concerns of the broader community,” says Josh Dinaburg, Fire Test Specialist at CSA Group and Vice Chair of the NFPA Research Foundation Alarm Council. “A design that limits propagation allows local fire service to isolate and control the fire, reducing the overall threat to life, property, and the environment.”
“We do not see fire as an inevitability; therefore, our intent is not just to meet regulatory requirements, but to anticipate future safety needs. These tests ensure we are proactively providing customers with the highest level of protection,” stated Chris Groves, Product Manager leading Safety Engineering at Wärtsilä.
The fire testing also conforms to the forthcoming CSA TS-800 standard, which will set new benchmarks for the safety of energy storage systems.
Quantum ESS noise mitigation
In addition to fire safety, noise mitigation has become a top priority as energy storage systems are built in closer proximity to residential areas, where there are strict penalties for exceeding noise limits. Wärtsilä’s energy storage systems now feature advanced attenuation solutions and operational control that can be tailored to specific project needs. This proactive approach to noise reduction also includes third-party verification of noise levels conducted by regional consultants to ensure accuracy and compliance with local regulations.
“Close collaboration with clients allows us to develop tailored noise reduction solutions, such as low fan speed controls and third party-verified noise attenuation solutions,” says Fadi Zara, Program Manager at Wärtsilä Energy Storage and Optimization.
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