IEEE 1679.1

Guide for the Characterization and Evaluation of Lithium-Based Batteries in Stationary Applications

IEEE 1679.1 is the lithium-based battery implementation of the parent IEEE 1679 recommended practice, providing detailed characterisation and evaluation guidance specifically for lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, and other lithium-based chemistries deployed in stationary energy storage. It defines cell-level and system-level test procedures, performance metrics, documentation formats, safety evaluation criteria, and life estimation methodologies tailored to the electrochemical characteristics of lithium batteries in utility, C&I, and backup power applications. The guide enables procurement engineers, system integrators, and utilities to evaluate and compare lithium battery products and systems on consistent, technology-appropriate criteria before deployment. The second edition (2021) is the current version, replacing the 2017 first edition.

Published by: IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

Current edition: IEEE 1679.1-2021

Replaces: IEEE 1679.1-2017

Scope

IEEE 1679.1 covers lithium-based battery systems in stationary applications. Key areas include:

  • Electrochemical characterisation: Cell and module-level test protocols for capacity, energy, power, efficiency, and temperature dependence specific to lithium chemistries (LFP, NMC, NCA, LTO, etc.)
  • Cycle and calendar life estimation: Lithium-specific ageing mechanisms (lithium plating, SEI growth, electrolyte degradation) and test protocols for projecting service life under stationary duty cycles
  • Safety evaluation: Abuse testing references (overcharge, overdischarge, short circuit, thermal), thermal runaway characterisation, and BMS safety function requirements
  • Documentation and reporting: Standardised data reporting format for comparative evaluation across lithium product offerings
  • Second-life considerations: Guidance on evaluating repurposed lithium cells and packs for stationary use

Relationship to other standards

IEEE 1679.1 is a technology-specific child of the parent IEEE 1679 framework. IEEE 1679.2 covers sodium-beta batteries. IEC 62619 is the international safety standard for stationary lithium batteries and covers safety requirements that complement the IEEE 1679.1 performance and characterisation focus. For grid-connected BESS, IEEE 1547 governs interconnection. UL 1973 is the North American safety standard for stationary battery systems and is often referenced alongside IEEE 1679.1 in US procurement specifications. IEEE 2030.2.1 provides the design and installation guide for BESS into which IEEE 1679.1 performance data feeds.

Disclaimer: This is not a definitive guide, just an indication and it is important that you always go back to the source for legislation.

References

  1. IEEE 1679.1-2021 — Guide for the Characterization and Evaluation of Lithium-Based Batteries in Stationary Applications, IEEE Standards Association

See also: IEEE 1679, UL 1973, Degradation Mechanisms