Dominik Cantonati discusses the development and features of EmiControls’ Q-Container, addressing the evolving challenges of EV fires
Can you introduce yourself, your role and EmiControls’ Q-Container Solution?
My name is Dominik Cantonati, and I oversee the e-mobility business unit at EmiControls .
My expertise in firefighting and the automotive sector has been fundamental in addressing emerging challenges with electric vehicles (EVs), particularly regarding fires related to EV batteries.
Our goal was to develop a solution that effectively manages these risks.
The process involved extensive R&D, and we collaborated closely with manufacturers, gaining insights into the nuances of EV-related fire incidents.
This collaboration helped us understand the complexities of battery fires.
Recognising the growing concerns about EV safety, we worked with Porsche Italia and the Italian Fire Department, who provided valuable input on key factors, essential tools, and compliance considerations for fire safety, leading to the development of the first prototype of the Q-Container Solution.
Despite some initial reservations, we found that the initial apprehension around EVs has gradually decreased as people become more familiar with the technology.
At EmiControls, we focus on creating the most effective products for specific problems.
With Q-the Q-Container, a patented solution launched by EmiControls, rather than jumping on the bandwagon with impractical solutions, we have been committed to developing a genuinely useful and reliable product.
We consciously avoided marketing anything prematurely or without thorough development and testing.
It was important for us to ensure that when the product was launched it was genuinely ready and effective.
Our product is now fully developed and has been received very positively.
In Italy, almost every Porsche Centre has installed our Q-Container Solution, making it a standard for them.
Gaining the trust and respect of our customers like Porsche Italia has been a crucial part of our journey.
We wanted them to believe in our commitment to quality and effectiveness, rather than selling them a subpar product.
Could you tell us about some of the key features of the Q-Container Solution?
We understand that EVs are generally less likely to catch fire under normal conditions.
However, the risk increases significantly when there is damage, particularly to the battery.
Unlike conventional vehicles, where removing the 12-volt battery and ensuring no oil leaks suffices to prevent fire risks, EVs can self-ignite due to the chemical processes within the batteries.
This potential for self-ignition, especially after a delay from the time of impact, is a critical challenge our Q-Container Solution addresses.
The primary function of the Q-Container is to contain and cool the battery in the event of thermal runaway, which often occurs unexpectedly and when the vehicle is unattended.
Our approach is containment and cooling, aiming to prevent further damage to surrounding assets and minimise environmental impact.
The operation of the Q-Container is straightforward when an EV is involved in an accident and brought to a dealership or repair shop, it is placed within the Q-Container, the aim is to safely manage the vehicle post-accident to prevent any potential fire risks.
Once an EV is brought into a dealership, it undergoes a quarantine process in the Q-Container, which can be customised with various features like winches or automated sliding systems for easy vehicle entry and exit.
The core of our system is the off-gas detection system.
This monitors the gases emitted by the vehicle before, during, and after a venting event, which is a precursor to thermal runaway.
The battery expands due to chemical processes, and when it can no longer contain the pressure, it releases pressurised vapour.
Our system is designed to detect these gases early, enabling a prompt cooling response.
The time between the battery damage and thermal runaway can vary, sometimes occurring within minutes or up to days later.
Effective early cooling can prevent the thermal runaway from escalating.
The detection system is integrated with the dealership’s alarm system, and key personnel are alerted via calls or SMS.
We’ve incorporated a network SIM card for this purpose.
Porsche Italia specifically requested the ability to monitor the status of the car within the Q-container, primarily to capture video footage of blowouts or fire incidents, aiding in further understanding and analysis.
How does the Q-Container’s extinguishing and cooling system work?
The Q-Container offers two types of quarantine: ‘dry quarantine’ if no fire occurs, and ‘wet quarantine’ if a fire does break out.
In the latter case, the vehicle is submerged, depending on the vehicle type and height, up to 90 centimetres to ensure comprehensive protection of the surroundings.
For instance, for low vehicles 50cm are enough, for SUVs up to 90cm or more.
Complete coverage only occurs in the minority of cases.
This ensures rapid cooling of the battery pack with a compact volume of water at a relatively low temperature.
Additionally, we’ve installed a unique water mist system, a patented solution by EmiControls, to enhance the efficiency of the cooling process.
With droplets as small as 0.01 millimetres, the water mist system can cover a 600 square metre area with just one litre of water.
This efficiency is crucial for cooling the entire vehicle and managing smoke and gases, which tend to rise upwards.
In a fire situation, the first parts of a car to ignite are typically the interior components, like seats and upholstery.
Our system aims to suppress not only the fire but also the smoke and gases, to protect the environment and anyone nearby.
Another key feature of our system is water management.
We’ve developed watertight protocols to ensure that water used in the containment process is contained and doesn’t leak out, as it needs to be recycled appropriately and so we offer various solutions for water recycling.
It’s important to highlight that our system is fully automated.
This automation is critical, as fires can occur at any time, including weekends and holidays when staff may not be present.
Alternative solutions, like fire blankets, lack the ability to adapt to various scenarios and weather conditions, which can impact their effectiveness.
Our goal with the Q-Container is to provide a solution that doesn’t require constant human oversight, allowing people to focus on their lives without worrying about the potential fire hazards of damaged EVs.
How does Q-Container address EV quarantine requirements?
Each car manufacturer provides guidelines for managing EVs post-accident, including quarantine procedures.
These recommendations are complemented by national laws, which might vary.
For example, in the UK, a 15-metre distance is mandated for quarantined EVs, while in Italy, a 15-day quarantine period is often required.
We always adhere to the strictest standard, whether it’s the manufacturer’s recommendation or the national law.
Traditional EV quarantine recommendations, like maintaining a five to 15-metre clearance area for a damaged EV, are impractical in densely populated areas.
Allocating 200 square metres of free space for just one vehicle is simply not viable in many urban settings.
The Q-Container addresses this space issue effectively.
It occupies only slightly more space than a standard parking spot, reducing the required area by up to 90%.
This compact design, coupled with its automation, ensures 24/7 protection without needing additional space or constant human oversight.
From my experience in the automotive sector, I’ve observed frequent changes in industrial design.
Facilities often undergo modifications every few years, whether it’s for business expansion or updates.
Fixed structures like walls or partitions can become a hindrance in such dynamic environments.
The flexibility offered by the Q-Container is a significant advantage in this regard.
It’s a temporary solution, easily movable and adaptable to changing needs.
It connects to water and electrical networks but can be relocated with minimal effort.
How has feedback from users of the Q-Container Solution impacted its development?
We’ve received a variety of feedback from our users, particularly retail groups, which has been instrumental in refining the Q-Container Solution.
One update we’re currently engineering is a cooling system positioned below the battery.
This modification, suggested by one of our customers, aims to accelerate the cooling process, complementing our existing system that creates a curtain above the battery.
We’ve also received requests for customisations to accommodate different vehicle types and sizes.
For example, a customer in the US asked us to increase the height of the containers to fit larger vehicles like the Mercedes Vito and Ford Transit.
Similarly, a German customer who manufactures electric construction vehicles, such as excavators, presented us with the challenge of accommodating much heavier machines.
One particularly interesting case came from Switzerland, where they experienced a fire involving electric buses.
The intensity of these fires, especially when the vehicles are charging, posed a unique challenge.
This incident led to a distinct project where we utilised our high-powered firefighting turbines, the FT10e System, equipped with an advanced infrared system, to develop a comprehensive fire management solution for their electric bus depot.
Another aspect of development influenced by feedback is the adaptation to different environmental conditions.
For instance, a project in Poland required us to innovate thermal shields and protection for the Q-Container, as the local climate can reach extremely low temperatures, unlike what we experience here in Italy.
These adaptations ensure that the system operates effectively in diverse climates.
What are the future plans for the Q-Container in terms of development and expansion?
Our immediate focus is on strengthening our presence in the European market.
We aim to support the domestic market by addressing specific needs and challenges here.
The high-end version of our Q-Container, particularly successful, is a testament to the rigorous research and engineering that goes into our products.
We’ve observed a growing interest in our solutions from firefighters who require a more basic version of the product.
For the upcoming year, our goal is to cater to all European countries, tailoring our solutions to their unique firefighting and safety needs.
Our vision as a company is to create and provide safe, reliable solutions that earn the trust and belief of our customers.
We maintain close relationships with our clients, offering prompt and personal responses to their needs.
This customer-centric approach allows us to quickly and effectively address problems, providing a level of service that’s highly valued and, in our view, priceless.
This article was originally published in the April 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
