Sony's energy storage system acquires
World's first U.S. Safety Standards Certification to "UL Subject 1973"

UL certification facilitates Sony's further expansion into the international market

Sony Corporation (“Sony”) announced on April 6, 2012 that it had acquired ‘UL Subject 1973’ safety standard certification in stationary storage batteries for its energy storage system (IJ1003E) which comprises an energy storage module (IJ1001M) launched in April 2011 and a controller launched in January 2012 controlling both charging and discharging in addition to storage battery conservation. This is the world's first energy storage system to obtain this certification from UL under ‘UL Subject 1973’. The energy storage module itself has also been independently granted the same certification.

Until now, safety standards for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries were formulated primarily for mobile device applications. Nevertheless, market trends in recent years have seen an expansion in the large-sized stationary storage battery market for power source backup applications for offices and mobile phone base stations, or for smart grid applications for energy conservation and peak shifting. As such, in October 2010 UL newly developed the ‘UL Subject 1973’ safety standard for stationary storage batteries that contain lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

Sony promptly applied for compliance testing of this new standard for its IJ1003E energy storage system and IJ1001M energy storage module. Consequently the safety and performance compatibility of these products has been proven.

The certification will facilitate Sony to promote to its customers the safety and reliability of its storage batteries and energy storage systems as well as to expand its presence in the international stationary storage battery market.

‘UL Subject 1973’, which is the Outline of Investigation for Batteries for Use in Light Electric Rail (LER) Applications and Stationary Applications, covers batteries for use as energy storage for stationary applications such as renewable sources including photovoltaic and wind energy or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). This outline of investigation also covers LER applications and stationary rail applications. These batteries are intended for installation in either a rail car or a sheltered stationary location such as a rail substation.

UL's well established expertise in product testing and certification can assist manufacturers and suppliers in assuring that their batteries meet established standards for safety and performance.  For more information, visit ul.com/batt or contact Ovidiu Munteanu, business development manager, UL global high-tech industry.

(Left) Example of energy storage system (combination of ‘IJ1001M’ and ‘IJ1002C’)
which acquired "UL Subject 1973" safety standard accreditation from UL,
(Upper Right) Energy storage module "IJ1001M", (Lower Right) Controller "IJ1002C",