EV battery fires response method earns European innovation recognition

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

Cobra response method for EV battery fires recognised in Europe

Cold Cut Systems has received a European innovation award for its Cobra Response Methodology for electric vehicle (EV) battery fires.

The company said the methodology was recognised at the first DIREKTION Awards for Innovation in Disaster Resilience, held during the CERIS Disaster Resilience Days in Athens, Greece.

According to the organisers, the DIREKTION Awards aim to highlight innovative solutions that address capability gaps in disaster resilience and meet the operational needs of first responders.

Cold Cut Systems said the recognition reflects its ongoing work to develop safer, cleaner and more efficient firefighting tactics, particularly for emerging risks such as EV battery fires.

The company thanked the award jury and extended congratulations to other finalists recognised for contributions to European emergency response.

Method designed to interrupt fire propagation

Cold Cut Systems explained that the Cobra Response Methodology provides a tactical way to interrupt fire propagation in EV battery incidents.

It said the approach is based on the Cold Cut Cobra high-pressure cutting extinguisher, combining over two decades of operational firefighting experience.

The company stated that the method tackles key capability gaps in EV battery incidents, including firefighter safety, cooling efficiency, and environmental impact.

It enables external firefighting intervention, allowing responders to pierce a vehicle’s battery casing and cool internally to prevent further propagation.

According to the company, the Cobra system operates at around 60 litres per minute, reducing both water use and toxic runoff compared with conventional suppression tactics.

Cold Cut Systems confirmed that the system is validated through live fire testing, real deployments and collaboration with fire professionals, researchers and civil contingency agencies.

Operational advantages for complex fire incidents

The company said the methodology addresses the growing challenge of managing thermal runaway and fire propagation in lithium-ion battery packs.

Traditional methods, it explained, often require vehicle submersion or large volumes of water over extended periods.

Cold Cut Systems stated that Cobra provides a tactical option where high-voltage components, limited access or structural constraints make conventional suppression difficult.

It added that the method is applicable not only to EV fires but also to residential and confined-space incidents where internal cooling is required.

According to the company, the system’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is rated at nine and is already in use by fire services in more than 40 countries.

Innovation rooted in training and tactical evolution

Cold Cut Systems said that while Cobra’s core technology has been used for over 20 years, its adaptation for EV battery fires represents a tactical evolution rather than a new invention.

The company explained that the innovation lies in how the method is applied, combining field data and structured training to support safe and consistent use.

Cold Cut Systems is currently the only organisation offering structured training in cold cutting technology for firefighting.

It said this training ensures crews can correctly apply the methodology under operational conditions, bridging the gap between equipment capability and tactical implementation.

The company stated that ongoing updates to the method integrate real-world experience and research findings from collaborating fire services worldwide.

Supporting firefighter safety and sustainability goals

Cold Cut Systems said the method supports firefighter safety by enabling crews to act from a safer distance.

By applying Cobra through a structure or battery casing, crews can suppress fires earlier and limit exposure, flashover risk and physical strain.

The company added that the method helps reduce environmental impact through lower water consumption, limiting runoff and property damage.

Cold Cut Systems said its ambition is to promote wider adoption of the methodology and foster collaboration among international fire services.

According to the company, the aim is not to promote a single tool but to advance safer, resource-efficient firefighting practices for EV-related and complex incidents.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The Cobra Response Methodology for EV battery fires is relevant for fire and rescue services, training organisations and emergency response managers.

It introduces a structured, field-tested approach to suppressing lithium-ion battery fires, an area where many services still lack defined tactics.

The method enables responders to cool battery modules internally and act at a safer distance, reducing the need for full vehicle submersion and limiting environmental impact.

With a Technology Readiness Level of nine and deployment in over 40 countries, the methodology offers a validated option for operational integration and training programmes.

Its structured training component may also inform curriculum design for fire academies and agencies addressing emerging vehicle technology risks.

Euralarm releases guidance on fire safety in EV parking garages

by Featured NewsResearchSafety

Overview of the new Euralarm EV parking garages fire safety guidance

Euralarm has published a new guidance document addressing fire safety concerns in parking garages that accommodate electric vehicles (EVs).

The document outlines key risks associated with EVs, such as thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, fire propagation in confined parking spaces, and the impact of increased vehicle sizes on fire spread.

It also provides an overview of mitigation strategies, including architectural adjustments, fire suppression systems, and enhanced detection methods.

The guidance compares the fire risks of EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, emphasising that modern vehicles contain higher plastic content, which can intensify fire spread.

It also highlights specific concerns related to charging stations, which pose an increased fire risk due to overheating and faulty connections.

Fire risks associated with electric vehicles in parking garages

The guidance outlines the unique fire risks of EVs compared to ICE vehicles.

One major concern is thermal runaway, where damaged or overheating lithium-ion battery cells trigger a chain reaction, leading to intense and prolonged fires.

The document notes that these fires are difficult to extinguish due to the sealed nature of EV battery packs.

Statistics referenced in the report indicate that while EV fires are less frequent than ICE vehicle fires, they present distinct challenges in confined environments such as parking garages.

The presence of charging infrastructure further complicates fire safety, as faults in cables and connectors can increase the likelihood of ignition.

Another factor highlighted is the increasing size of modern vehicles, including both EVs and ICE cars, which reduces spacing between parked vehicles.

This, combined with higher plastic content in contemporary vehicles, accelerates fire spread and increases the risk of structural damage in parking facilities.

Mitigation strategies and fire protection measures

Euralarm’s guidance outlines a range of fire protection strategies for EV parking garages.

These include:

  • Architectural considerations: Adjusting parking layouts to increase vehicle spacing and designing fire-resistant enclosures for charging stations.
  • Fire detection and suppression: Installing early fire detection systems, such as thermal cameras and gas sensors, alongside automated fire suppression systems like sprinklers and water mist systems.
  • Charging station safety: Implementing fire-resistant enclosures for charging areas, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and requiring periodic inspections of charging cables and connectors.
  • Emergency response planning: Developing protocols for fire service access, including designated firefighting zones and post-fire EV removal procedures to prevent re-ignition.

The guidance also stresses the importance of integrating multiple fire protection measures, rather than relying on a single solution, to enhance safety in EV parking facilities.

Regulatory considerations and recommendations

The guidance references international regulatory frameworks and national standards regarding EV fire safety in enclosed parking spaces.

It notes that some countries, such as Germany and France, have introduced specific safety requirements for EV charging stations in parking garages, including physical separation and enhanced ventilation systems.

Euralarm advises that fire protection strategies should be tailored to each facility’s design, taking into account national regulations, building codes, and insurance requirements.

The guidance encourages facility owners and policymakers to consider the long-term impact of EV adoption on parking infrastructure and fire safety measures.

Euralarm publishes fire safety guidance for electric vehicle parking garages: Summary

Euralarm has released a guidance document detailing fire safety considerations for electric vehicle (EV) parking garages.

The document highlights the risks associated with EV fires, particularly thermal runaway events in lithium-ion batteries, which can lead to prolonged and difficult-to-extinguish fires.

The guidance compares fire risks between EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, noting that modern vehicles contain increased plastic content, which contributes to faster fire spread.

It also addresses the challenges posed by charging stations, which can be potential ignition points due to faulty equipment or overheating.

To mitigate these risks, Euralarm recommends a combination of architectural changes, enhanced fire detection and suppression systems, and stricter safety protocols for EV charging stations.

The document also references international regulations and best practices for managing EV fire risks in enclosed parking structures.

Facility owners and policymakers are encouraged to integrate multiple fire safety measures to improve overall risk management in EV parking garages.

Overview of the new Euralarm EV parking garages fire safety guidance

Euralarm has published a new guidance document addressing fire safety concerns in parking garages that accommodate electric vehicles (EVs).

The document outlines key risks associated with EVs, such as thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, fire propagation in confined parking spaces, and the impact of increased vehicle sizes on fire spread.

It also provides an overview of mitigation strategies, including architectural adjustments, fire suppression systems, and enhanced detection methods.

The guidance compares the fire risks of EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, emphasising that modern vehicles contain higher plastic content, which can intensify fire spread.

It also highlights specific concerns related to charging stations, which pose an increased fire risk due to overheating and faulty connections.

Fire risks associated with electric vehicles in parking garages

The guidance outlines the unique fire risks of EVs compared to ICE vehicles.

One major concern is thermal runaway, where damaged or overheating lithium-ion battery cells trigger a chain reaction, leading to intense and prolonged fires.

The document notes that these fires are difficult to extinguish due to the sealed nature of EV battery packs.

Statistics referenced in the report indicate that while EV fires are less frequent than ICE vehicle fires, they present distinct challenges in confined environments such as parking garages.

The presence of charging infrastructure further complicates fire safety, as faults in cables and connectors can increase the likelihood of ignition.

Another factor highlighted is the increasing size of modern vehicles, including both EVs and ICE cars, which reduces spacing between parked vehicles.

This, combined with higher plastic content in contemporary vehicles, accelerates fire spread and increases the risk of structural damage in parking facilities.

Mitigation strategies and fire protection measures

Euralarm’s guidance outlines a range of fire protection strategies for EV parking garages.

These include:

  • Architectural considerations: Adjusting parking layouts to increase vehicle spacing and designing fire-resistant enclosures for charging stations.
  • Fire detection and suppression: Installing early fire detection systems, such as thermal cameras and gas sensors, alongside automated fire suppression systems like sprinklers and water mist systems.
  • Charging station safety: Implementing fire-resistant enclosures for charging areas, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and requiring periodic inspections of charging cables and connectors.
  • Emergency response planning: Developing protocols for fire service access, including designated firefighting zones and post-fire EV removal procedures to prevent re-ignition.

The guidance also stresses the importance of integrating multiple fire protection measures, rather than relying on a single solution, to enhance safety in EV parking facilities.

Regulatory considerations and recommendations

The guidance references international regulatory frameworks and national standards regarding EV fire safety in enclosed parking spaces.

It notes that some countries, such as Germany and France, have introduced specific safety requirements for EV charging stations in parking garages, including physical separation and enhanced ventilation systems.

Euralarm advises that fire protection strategies should be tailored to each facility’s design, taking into account national regulations, building codes, and insurance requirements.

The guidance encourages facility owners and policymakers to consider the long-term impact of EV adoption on parking infrastructure and fire safety measures.

Euralarm publishes fire safety guidance for electric vehicle parking garages: Summary

Euralarm has released a guidance document detailing fire safety considerations for electric vehicle (EV) parking garages.

The document highlights the risks associated with EV fires, particularly thermal runaway events in lithium-ion batteries, which can lead to prolonged and difficult-to-extinguish fires.

The guidance compares fire risks between EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, noting that modern vehicles contain increased plastic content, which contributes to faster fire spread.

It also addresses the challenges posed by charging stations, which can be potential ignition points due to faulty equipment or overheating.

To mitigate these risks, Euralarm recommends a combination of architectural changes, enhanced fire detection and suppression systems, and stricter safety protocols for EV charging stations.

The document also references international regulations and best practices for managing EV fire risks in enclosed parking structures.

Facility owners and policymakers are encouraged to integrate multiple fire safety measures to improve overall risk management in EV parking garages.

The Dynamics of Electric Vehicle Fires

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionSafety

Jessica Gallo delves into the intricacies of electric vehicle fires, examining their causes, consequences, and the future of EV safety

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a groundbreaking technology that are slowly taking over the world.

A vehicle that can run without fuel combustion or pollution yet may be powerful enough to power a home for days at a time, is the result of decades of investment and research.

However, as these vehicles increase in prevalence, the risk of EV fires also continues to increase with limited available research and education.

Electric Vehicle Fires: An Overview and Analysis aims to help fill the educational gap regarding EVs and EV fires.

EVs date back nearly two centuries to the creation of the first EV motor in 1828.

Despite development efforts in the late 19th century, EVs declined with the rise of internal combustion engines (ICEs), notably the Ford Model T.

Resurgence occurred in the 1970s due to oil dependence concerns, but faced challenges in performance, range, and price.

Tesla’s launch of the Roadster in 2008 marked a turning point, offering long-range luxury EVs.

Advances in battery technology, especially lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), further improved range and reduced costs, leading to a proliferation of EV options from various manufacturers and a significant shift towards affordable, long-range, eco-friendly transportation.  

For large-scale EV adoption, significant infrastructure development needs to take place.

This is occurring through the expansion of EV chargers as well as battery manufacturing plants, signifying the buy-in of consumers, manufacturers, and governmental institutions.

Cost factors

Evaluating the total costs of EVs versus ICE vehicles encompasses aspects such as the costs of charging and fueling, maintenance expenses, and available incentives.

EVs generally command a higher upfront cost but benefit from reduced maintenance and access to potential tax benefits.

The expense of powering EVs as opposed to refueling ICE vehicles fluctuates with the prices of electricity and gasoline, charging practices, and how the vehicle is used.

Charging at home generally offers cost savings, which can vary by location.

Despite the variability in fuel and electricity costs, research indicates that EVs can lead to cost savings over the vehicle’s life due to their lower maintenance needs, and additional improvements to range extending technology (i.e. regenerative braking) increasing vehicle efficiency.

While EV fires are a focus of media attention, they statistically rarely occur.

Although the number of ICE vehicles on the road significantly outnumbers those of EVs, according to data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the rate of fires per 100k ICE vehicles on the road is nominally 40-60 times higher than that of EVs.

Thus, the number of ICE fires occurring daily far exceeds that of EV fires, and even with EVs becoming more prevalent, based on the failure rate data, it would be expected that EV fires would occur less frequently.

Thermal runaway

A Thermal Runaway (TR) is a major cause of EV battery fires, triggered by overcharge, short circuit, or other faults, and is an additional cause of fire outside of those experienced by an ICE vehicle.

Fighting EV battery fires can be challenging due to the risk of reignition, stranded energy, and the ability to get suppression agents to the fuel source.

EV safety is a growing field of research and development and is constantly improving.

  
Numerous safety features are integrated into the design of the EV: battery packs are often installed in reinforced compartments to prevent punctures that could lead to TR and/or fires; active liquid cooling is often used to regulate the battery temperature to avoid thermal effects; and battery management systems are integrated into the EV to monitor and control the health and operating state of the batteries.

There are two primary battery chemistries used in EVs: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC).

Cell chemistry will vary by manufacturer, and along with the cell form factor, will impact stability, cost, energy density, charge rate, and life cycle.

Each chemistry and form factor offers several advantages; however, manufacturers are increasingly utilizing LFP cells over NMC in product vehicles.

LFP batteries are noted for their wider temperature range, lower cost, and overall stability, while NMC batteries offer higher energy capacity and nominal voltage.

Safety considerations, particularly regarding TR and venting, highlight advantages in thermal stability and slower venting in LFP batteries compared to NMC batteries.

The future development of battery chemistries will consider factors like safety, range, environmental impact, and resource availability.

Battery fires can propagate rapidly, making cell form factor selection critical for safety. There are three main form factors used in EVS: cylindrical, pouch, and prismatic.

Cylindrical cells have high energy density but lower packing efficiency due to unavoidable space between cells.

Prismatic cells have slightly lower energy density but better packing efficiency.

Cylindrical and prismatic cells can also have integrated vents or other safety features.

Pouch cells are constructed by stacking layers of components into a flexible pouch, offering high energy density and packing efficiency but lacking built-in safety features.

Cylindrical cells have metal casings and limited cell-to-cell contact, that can lower propagation rates compared to pouch cells.

Prismatic cells can resist thermal abuse due to their larger size. Prismatic and pouch cells are predominantly used in EVs.

Based on the requirements of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), connections may be made in series to increase voltage or in parallel to change electrical characteristics.

Wireless battery connections offer potential advantages in reducing complexity, weight, and allowing for easier reconfiguration of battery packs with standardization.

There continues to be a lack of standardized battery specifications, leading manufacturers to choose batteries and their connections based on specific goals.

Managing battery temperature can happen through cooling methods like passive radiative fire protection, air, and liquid cooling.

Liquid cooling, though the most expensive, is the most effective, offering high heat conductivity and compactness.

Indirect liquid cooling, which occurs by circulating coolant around battery packs, is widely used in EVs due to its efficiency and safety.

Comparison studies show indirect liquid cooling outperforming other methods in temperature control.

However, challenges like corrosion and weight exist because of the extra fluid and unpredictable environmental conditions, thus other methods are still frequently used.

EV’s future

Advancements in EV research focus on safety and efficiency.

Moving the battery inside the vehicle reduces puncture risks, improves temperature control, and aids firefighting access.

Research suggests internal battery placement also improves efficiency, range, agility, and manufacturing costs while reducing environmental impact.

Transitioning to solid-state batteries (SSBs) or cobalt-free/nickel-based alternatives aim to mitigate fire risks associated with liquid-electrolyte LIBs, enhancing safety, but facing challenges in mass production and design complexity.

It must also be noted that though SSBs require higher temperatures to undergo venting and TR compared to standard LIBs, their venting and TR reactions can be significantly more powerful, hazardous, and difficult to extinguish.

Research on higher voltage batteries targets faster charging, lower heat generation, and longer range, meeting consumer demands while reducing overheating risks.

Battery swapping, though promising, encounters obstacles in standardization and infrastructure, particularly in diverse markets like the US.

The paper provides a comprehensive review of EVs, covering their history, functionality, materials, cooling mechanisms, and societal impact.

The conclusion was that the safest and least fire-prone EVs utilize prismatic LFP batteries with indirect liquid cooling.

There is a need for ongoing research in several areas, including battery cooling methods, SSB limits, cobalt-free LIBs, battery location, and charging infrastructure.

Furthermore, it highlights the importance of researching extinguishing methods for EV fires to ensure safety for firefighters and the environment, noting the lack of standardized protocols and the potential environmental and health risks associated with EV fires.  

 This article was originally published in the April 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Detect, Douse, Defend: Tackling Electric Vehicle Fires

by Breaking NewsSafety

Siemens sheds light on the critical importance of early smoke detection and innovative suppression in preventing electric vehicle fire disasters in parking structures

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) marks a transformative era for transportation, bringing with it a host of benefits and a set of challenges, particularly around fire safety within parking garages.

A recent white paper from Siemens titled ‘Fire safety in parking garages with electric vehicles’, produced in collaboration with Danfoss Fire Safety and contributions from the Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology, provides an authoritative guide on the nuanced risks associated with EV battery fires, such as thermal runaway, which leads to explosive combustions and the emission of intensely toxic smoke.

The white paper outlines strategies for fire safety, focusing on proactive measures like early detection and innovative suppression methods, including the use of high-pressure water mist systems.

It also explores the integration of these fire safety solutions into smart building management systems, aiming for an optimal blend of safety and operational efficiency.

Electric Vehicle fire risks

The risks of EV battery fires are distinct from those associated with traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles due to the unique behaviour of lithium-ion batteries.

The white paper details the nature of these risks, including the heightened intensity of EV battery fires and the challenges in suppressing them.

The toxicity of smoke from EV battery fires poses severe health hazards, necessitating swift action to mitigate the risks to human health and the environment.

The release of heavy metals and toxic chemicals during these fires calls for rapid suppression and careful management of firefighting water to prevent environmental contamination.

Understanding thermal runaway is crucial for tackling EV fire safety effectively.

Siemens highlights the need for specialised fire suppression strategies as traditional methods, such as water sprinklers, are less effective,

The importance of early smoke detection

Early smoke detection is a fundamental aspect for safeguarding parking garages.

This capability to detect smoke is essential for prompt response and suppression, crucial in mitigating fire spread and protecting both garage occupants and the structural integrity of the facility.

Siemens also points out the effectiveness of early detection paired with high-pressure water mist in: “Preventing multi-vehicle fires and avoiding the high temperatures that might lead to structural damage.”

The white paper suggests integrating fire safety systems into smart building management, enhancing the safety and efficiency of response to these potential emergencies.

Through advanced detection technologies like aspirating smoke detectors (ASD) and point detectors with ASAtechnology, Siemens advocates for early detection strategies tailored to the unique challenges presented by EV battery fires, ensuring the protection of both individuals and properties in parking garage environments.

High pressure water mist

Siemens identifies high-pressure water mist as an innovative suppression method for EV fires, noting its effectiveness due to unique cooling and oxygen-displacing properties.

For centuries water has been used to fight fires.

The breakthrough that high pressure water mist represents is to use the same method as traditional sprinklers but to add the effect of converting the water into a mist or fog.

This approach allows the mist to significantly cool the fire and interrupt the combustion process, similar to gas-based suppression systems.

An example highlighted in the document is Danfoss’s SEM-SAFE system, which can propel clean water forced by Danfoss high pressure water mist pumps through a stainless-steel piping network and specially engineered nozzles.

The system’s fine water droplets quickly evaporate while expanding a minimum of 1700 times, enhancing its ability to cool fires effectively and prevent spread.

Siemens underscores water mist’s suitability for EV battery fires, noting its ability to directly cool battery cells and halt fire development: “The combined cooling and oxygen displacement provide a cooling capacity up to seven times greater than sprinklers.

“The water consumption is reduced by up to 80% compared with traditional sprinklers.”

Test results

Collaborative tests carried out by Siemens, Danfoss, and the Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology (DBI) have confirmed the efficacy of high-pressure water mist systems in extinguishing EV fires, addressing the specific challenges they pose.

The primary aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of using high pressure water mist triggered by early detection as an effective EV fire suppressant, allowing enough time for the fire service to arrive.

In simulations conducted within steel shipping containers, both electric and conventional vehicles were tested, employing point-type smoke detectors and temperature sensors to evaluate the system’s performance.

The findings were clear: “The tests resulted in intense fires and verified that under these test conditions detection with point detectors is fast and reliable.

“In addition, high-pressure water mist performs well, allowing sufficient time for the fire service to arrive (typically 30 minutes), preventing multi-vehicle fires and avoiding the high temperatures that might lead to structural damage.”

These tests, exclusive to Siemens and Danfoss, underline the high-pressure water mist system’s capacity to safeguard adjacent vehicles from the extremities of EV fires, marking a step forward in fire safety strategies for environments housing electric vehicles.

Smart building management systems

Smart building management systems are also playing a role in the approach to fire safety in EV parking structures, integrating advanced detection, control, and response mechanisms.

These unified management platforms enhance the safety of garage occupants and infrastructure preservation.

As outlined in the Siemens white paper, the evolution of parking garages towards incorporating smart charging infrastructure necessitates a holistic approach to fire protection, becoming an integral component of a broader smart building management system.

When a fire in an EV charging station is detected, an integrated system can promptly alert the fire control system, which then notifies emergency services and the facility manager, besides initiating evacuation and extinguishing protocols.

This seamless integration extends beyond fire detection and suppression, facilitating interaction with other building management subsystems, such as Totally Integrated Power (TIP) and HVAC systems.

The fire safety system’s interaction with a TIP subsystem, for instance, enables it to cut off power to the buffer storage system and affected EV charging stations, enhancing safety measures.

Similarly, a signal to the HVAC system to activate smoke extraction further aids in managing the building environment during a fire, emphasising the system’s capability to provide a comprehensive response to fire incidents.

The integration of fire safety systems into platforms, like Siemens’ Desigo CC, allows facility managers to remotely monitor and manage the EV charging infrastructure, alongside other critical functions such as security, access control, power management, and climate control.

This holistic view afforded by smart building management systems like Desigo CC demonstrates their potential role in enhancing emergency response efficiency and proactively managing fire risks, offering a significant advantage in ensuring the safety and operational continuity of EV parking structures.

Operational Safety

Siemens also details the transformation in emergency response and operational safety through the integration of fire safety systems within smart charging and building management frameworks.

The outlined approach enhances the management of fire risks in EV parking structures, providing a coordinated and comprehensive response to incidents, ensuring the safety of occupants and the preservation of property.

It gives a scenario example where, upon fire detection in an EV charging station the fire control system is immediately alerted, triggering a sequence of responses, where a fire in an EV charging station is detected alerting the fire control system which calls the emergency services and notifies the facility manager as well as initiating evacuation and extinguishing.

This quick action minimises potential harm and damage by ensuring emergency services are promptly informed, evacuation starts swiftly, and fire suppression efforts commence without delay.

The integration with building management subsystems like TIP and HVAC adds a layer of safety.

For instance: “The fire safety system also interacts with the totally integrated power (TIP) subsystem which sends a signal to turn off the buffer storage system and the affected EV charging stations.

“Similarly, a signal is sent to the HVAC system to switch off the normal ventilation and switch on the smoke extraction.”

This tackles the fire directly, optimising building conditions to support occupant safety and fire containment efforts.

Utilising platforms such as Siemens’ Desigo CC, facility managers can oversee the fire safety aspects along with other critical functions from a remote location.

“EV fire safety is an integral part of an overall building management system,” says Siemens.

“In this way the facility manager is able remotely to monitor and operate the EV charging infrastructure in addition to building security access, power management, fire safety, lighting, and climate control.”

This comprehensive management capability ensures a unified response to fire risks, highlighting the advanced solutions smart building management systems offer for enhancing safety in EV parking structures.

Preventing false alarms

The white paper also highlights the crucial importance of ensuring reliable fire detection while minimising false alarms in maintaining safety and operational continuity.

Siemens highlights the effectiveness of ASAtechnology in overcoming the challenges posed by environments with high levels of dust and exhaust: “Point detectors with Siemens ASAtechnology are specially designed to avoid false alarms in parking garages and other harsh environments.

“It is very important that ICE exhaust gases or other air pollution do not cause false alarms resulting in unnecessary extinguishing evacuations or call-out of the fire service.”

These advanced detectors, including Siemens point detectors FDOOTC241 or OOHC740, are engineered to distinguish between actual smoke and deceptive phenomena like dust and pollution.

Their detection parameters can be finely tuned to ensure they only respond to genuine fire indicators, thereby: “Avoiding false alarms by distinguishing between smoke and deceptive phenomena such as dust and air pollution.”

Siemens recommends strategic placement of these detectors, with a suggestion to position them above parking spaces and not above access lanes to prevent dilution of smoke near the detectors.

This article was originally published in the March 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.