EV Fire Blanket: A revolutionary tool for electric vehicle fire suppression
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, so does the conversation about fire safety. EVs are equipped with powerful lithium-ion batteries, which can catch fire under certain circumstances, presenting unique challenges compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles. The use of an EV fire blanket has emerged as a promising solution for containing EV fires. But how effective are fire blankets, particularly when dealing with electric vehicles and lithium battery fires? Let’s dive into these questions to understand the role of fire blankets in managing EV fires.
Do fire blankets work on electric fires?
Fire blankets are commonly used to extinguish smaller electric fires. Since fire blankets work by smothering flames and preventing oxygen from fueling the fire, they are effective for electrical equipment but not so much to stop the thermal runaway in the battery, but to prevent the fire from spreading and to create the confined space under the blanket that the potassium aerosol units need to be effective. A fire blanket can be used for a variety of electrical fires, including those involving electric bikes, scooters, and cars. However, it’s important to note that using a fire blanket alone may not always be sufficient for large-scale electrical fires, such as those involving EVs with large lithium-ion battery packs. The EV car may eventually need to be submerged in water in a container, but with the FIRE⚡️ISOLATOR concept, much can be done in advance to reduce damage. The Fire Isolator concept has undergone extensive testing and has been proven effective in combating EV car fires. It consists of a very high temperature-resistant fire blanket (ISO13501-1 A1 certified by KIWA), potassium aerosol units and watermist.
Do fire blankets work on EV cars?
Yes, fire blankets can be used effectively on electric vehicles. EV fire blankets are specifically designed to withstand the high temperatures and intense flames that may occur when an electric vehicle catches fire. These blankets can smother the fire by cutting off the oxygen supply for the rest of the carfire. The thermal runaway is not stopped by taking away the oxygene but the Fire Isolator blanket helps containing the heat and helps in preventing the fire from spreading to nearby areas or vehicles. While they may not completely extinguish the fire, they serve as a critical tool in controlling and containing the situation until professional fire services arrive.
Will a fire blanket stop a lithium battery fire?
Lithium-ion battery fires present a unique challenge because they generate significant heat and can reignite even after being extinguished. While a fire blanket can temporarily contain a lithium battery fire by cutting off the oxygen supply, it may not completely stop the fire, as the batteries can undergo “thermal runaway.” This is a chain reaction where the heat generated by the battery cells causes nearby cells to ignite as well. EV fire blankets can help slow the spread of the fire and reduce the risk to surrounding areas like a carpark or a ferry, but specialized firefighting measures are typically required to fully extinguish lithium battery fires.
Can I put a blanket over a burning electric vehicle to contain the Fire?
In the event of an electric vehicle fire, you can place an EV fire blanket over the vehicle to help contain the flames. This action can prevent the fire from spreading to nearby objects and reduce toxic smoke emissions, providing valuable time for emergency services to respond. However, it’s essential to remember that lithium battery fires can reignite, and a fire blanket alone may not completely extinguish the fire. Fire blankets are a containment solution, not a complete fire suppression tool for large-scale EV fires.
Conclusion on fire blankets
The FIRE⚡️ISOLATOR concept takes EV fire safety to the next level, offering a comprehensive solution to manage the risks associated with electric vehicle fires. While EV fire blankets play an important role in containing and controlling fires, they are not a complete solution on their own. The FIRE⚡️ISOLATOR concept is designed to go beyond basic containment, minimizing damage and ensuring maximum safety until emergency services arrive. With proven effectiveness in managing lithium battery fires, this concept provides a more advanced approach to handling EV fire incidents, offering peace of mind and enhanced protection.