FAAST FLEX and VESDA XCL Solution in Battery Room Case Study

This case study documents the installation and performance evaluation of the FAAST FLEX aspirated smoke and VESDA XCL aspirated gas detectors in the battery room of the CHIFENG Power Station in China. The objective of the installation is to enhance safety by providing early detection of smoke and hazardous gases, particularly hydrogen, which can be released during the charging and discharging of lead-acid batteries. The study outlines the challenges faced in the battery room environment, including the need for flexible system design, early smoke detection, management of nuisance alarms, and maintenance considerations. The solution presented combines smoke and gas detection capabilities using a shared pipe network, allowing for efficient monitoring and response to potential fire and gas hazards. Results from testing demonstrate that both detectors effectively responded to smoke and gas exposures, meeting regulatory requirements for response times. The installation process and system configuration are also discussed, highlighting the ease of setup and operational efficiency achieved through the use of dedicated applications for monitoring.