Entity:  Stationary Battery Committee (“SBC”)
Web Page:  http://www.ewh.ieee.org/cmte/PES-SBC
Chair:  Lesley Varga
Vice-Chair:   Rick Tressler
Secretary:   Curtis Ashton

1.   Significant Accomplishments:

• The Stationary Battery Committee updated and revised: IEEE Std. 535-2013

“IEEE Standard for Qualification of Class 1E Vented Lead Acid Storage Batteries for Nuclear Power Generating Stations”

• This document is of particular importance as the “new” nuclear plant designs (with 24-72 hour battery back-up requirements) come to the market.

• A new working group was created to address the need in the industry for a ‘battery charger’ document, similar to the old NEMA PE5.  The working group is developing a MOU with NEMA and a PAR P2405 has been approved.

• The Codes working group continues to make proposals for NFPA standards that affect stationary batteries.  The SBC votes on the proposals and we then offer to SCC-18 (the IEEE liaison to NFPA).  The areas of interest include DC Arc Flash and hazards from stationary batteries.

• The Safety Data Sheet (“SDS”) working group is proposing improvements for the SDS sheets.  The intent is for the battery manufacturer’s SDS to follow similar formats and present the information in a clear and consistent manner.  The industry is transitioning from Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to SDS and the Stationary Battery Committee working group is working to influence the presentation of the information, to benefit the users.

2.   Benefits to Industry and PES Members from the Committee Work:

• The SBC documents (Standards, Recommended Practices, Guides) fill a need in the stationary battery industry.  They are the recognized documents, utilized by end users, manufacturers, service companies and consultants.

3.   Benefits to Volunteer Participants from the Committee Work:

• The volunteers of the stationary battery committee gain valuable insight and understanding of different applications of stationary batteries.  The standards writing process is one of collaboration and respect for other’s views.  The committee members and visitors to the working groups participate in a process that benefits everyone as we strive to produce the best documents possible.

4.   Recognition of Outstanding Performance:

• Recognition (Award) was given this year to two committee members for outstanding contribution to IEEE Std. 1635/ASHRAE 21
  • Steve McCluer
  • Curtis Ashton

5.   Coordination with Other Entities (PES Committees, CIGRE, standards, etc.):

• NEMA – as described above in item 1, bullet 2.
• SCC-18- as described above in item 1, bullet 3.

6.   New Technologies of Interest to the Committee:

• Working group for Emerging technologies, PAR 1679.1 IEEE Guide for the Characterization and Evaluation of Lithium-Based Batteries in Stationary Applications
• Working group for Emerging technologies, PAR 1679.2 IEEE Guide for the Characterization and Evaluation of Sodium-Based Batteries in Stationary Applications
• Working group for Codes and Standards continues to work on and pursue an understanding of DC arc flash and stationary battery hazards, based upon testing, facts, and field experience.

7.   Significant Plans for the Next Period:

• Continue to produce Guides/Standards/ Recommend practices to address the needs of the stationary battery industry.

Submitted by: __
Lesley Varga, P.E.
Chair, IEEE Stationary Battery Committee
(770) 916-1747
Lesley@qualitystandbyservices.com

Date:   Jan 1, 2014