Refractory enclosures for high density energy storage systems

A utility-sized containment enclosure for containing the effects of extreme fires and explosions produced by a high density energy storage system (HDESS) connected to an electric utility, the enclosure comprising:

• a. a plurality of panels made from refractory material, wherein the refractory material comprises a binder and a refractory matrix material, and
• b. a plurality of columns made from refractory material, wherein the refractory material comprises a binder and a refractory matrix material;
• wherein the utility-sized enclosure comprises an interior portion and an exterior portion, wherein the utility-sized containment enclosure comprises one or more means to release internal pressure from within the utility-sized containment enclosure, wherein the means to release internal pressure is selected from the group comprising pressure relief valves, refractory materials, and mechanical joints, and wherein the utility-sized containment enclosure contains the effects of extreme fires and explosions within the utility-sized containment enclosure for a duration of at least four hours.