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Battery Safety Science Webinar Series
Advancing safer energy storage through science
April 19, 2021
Electric Vehicle Fire Data and Concerns
for First and Second Responders
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Host Tapesh Joshi, Ph.D.
Presenter Robert "Bob" Swaim
Principal, HowItBroke.com
Rev 4/22/2021
© 2021 Underwriters Laboratories Inc. All rights reserved. UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC.
1
Japan Airlines 787, 1/7/2013
Source: NTSB Public Docket
Prac%cal Electric Vehicle Firefigh%ng
An ISO 17840 based class
Robert L. Swaim
Founder: www.HowItBroke.com
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
NTSB Engineering Na9onal Resource - Re9red
Lake Forest CA 8/25/2017
Source: NTSB Public Docket
Safety Risks to Emergency
Responders from Lithium-
Ion Battery Fires in Electric
Vehicles.
NTSB SR-20-02, 11/13/2020
Rev 4/22/2021
R.Swaim
2
Resources
NFPA www.EVSafetyTraining.org
Training developed with manufacturers, agencies, and organiza8ons
Trained >1900 trainers in majority of States
>30,000 trained
Extensive resources
Online info
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Online classes
Field emergency guide
SAE J2990
Hybrid and EV First and Second Responder Recommended Prac7ces
UL FSRI - Firefighter Safety Research Ins
Two firefighter demographics Source: NFPA Feb 2020 based in 2018 data
1,115,000 total, 67% are volunteers, 92% male
Loca8on:
About half in rural community 10 years experience
Volunteer:
Most common non-FF employment: #1 Repairing, #2 Equipment Maintenance
R.Swaim
Rev 4/22/2021
4
The "only" two firefighter EV concerns and issues
Fear of the unknown – Will it bite me? What needs to be done?
1. Fire related concerns 3. Tac+cal concerns
What is a ba)ery? What does one even look like? How to approach an EV?
What is an EV and how are they different than a "normal" car? How to idenEfy an EV?
Most volunteer FF are employed in repair fields Move or immobilize?
What burns and how? How to disable the HV hazards?
Will it explode? Threats to extricaEng vicEms?
Stories and urban legends How close can FF get?
How bad is the smoke? Dismay at lack of design standards threatening responders and vicEms
Working around trapped energy?
How to exEnguish? Water? Foam? Which foam? ABC?
2. Electric related concerns
May not be copied or used without written permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Why won't it go out? TargeEng separate fuels in a fire
Is the hose stream electrified? Need for addiEonal FF for oversight
Is the vehicle body elecEfied?
Is fire while hooked up to a charger a hazard?
What is trapped energy and why is it a hazard? 4. Situa+onal concerns
How does EV firefighEng fit into hundreds of years of training?
CTIF – InternaEonal AssociaEon of Fire and Rescue Services
d mo r e k n ow le d ge to ISO – InternaEonal Standards OrganizaEon (Ref. 17840)
Firefighters nee t h ey s h o uld
SAE – Society of AutomoEve Engineers (Ref. J2990)
o n c er n s NFPA – NaEonal Fire ProtecEon AssociaEon
even know what c What EVs tend to have fires and where?
What's typical versus how bad can an EV fire be?
have around an EV Complacency
EVs other than cars?
Rev 4/22/2021
5
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
1. Fire related concerns
Will it bite me? What firefighters want to know
6
Rev 4/22/2021Three cell shapes/formats
Hazard typically is based in chemistry and not format Pouch cells are least expensive to manufacture.
Prisma2c cells frequently Used in cars, cell phones, and tablets.
used for large & industrial
Cylindrical cells shown as an baNeries. Single Pouch
assembly with a baNery The GM ”Ultium” is shown below.
management circuit board
c e rn
1. Fire con
for charging.
e n l ook l i ke?
Typical vape, power tool, or a n E V b aCery ev Pouch Cells
mower baNery. What does versus assemblies
Cells
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
PHOTOS REMOVED
BaNery
Module
Rev 4/22/2021
7What is in a lithium-Ion baBery
Cells are designed to vent and may burn but not be explosive
c e rn
1. Fire con b urn?
y
+ Safety vent Cathode (+) Why does
a b aC e r
Aluminum foil with oxide coating
TypicallyFlammability and hazards vary 1. Fire concern
Many types of baJery chemistry Do all baCeries burn?
Shows delivered power & energy of various types Trade-offs of variables
a rd to meet design goals
Faster charging
h az
in g Variables include:
re as Weight
Temperature tolerance
400
In c Maintenance
miles
Voltage
Car Specific Recycling
baNery
PHOTO REMOVED
Energy Cost
May not be copied or used without written permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Early RANGE
EV & PHEVThermal runaway process
+ Safety vent
1. F i re c on c e rn
Layers: t s m o st fi res?
Cathode (+) What star
Typically
A. Typically someIntroduce "thermal runaway" concept with small cells
Lithium Ion cells contain both electrical and chemical energy
Internal short circuit (ISC) heat may ignite electrolyte. Heat ignites adjacent cells.
VenIng of electrolyte may heat and smoke without igniIon or it may ignite.
w i t h s m a ll cells
c e rn
1 ire conin laptop
Demonstra9on of lithium ion baNery. Figni9on
s a n
computer
d how?
What b u r n
PHOTOS REMOVED Vape device ignited in pants pocket
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
AA
18650 Lithium
Watch and listen for individual cells to ignite
Source: FAA
AAA
Rev 4/22/2021
R.Swaim
11Thermal runaway in large cells 787 Ba&ery smoke in 2006 GSYuasa test
cells
e conc e rn for b ig
1. Fir
ow?
Cells vent at intervals as each sequen8ally heats. What burns and h
Vent like roman candles. Smoke is flammable & toxic
Burning plas8c and electrolyte can spit from case
NTSB Public Docket photo (Visual)
NTSB Public Docket photo
(Infrared)
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Battery
JeUng sIcky burn hazard
NTSB Press photo
NTSB Public Docket photo
NTSB Public Docket photo
Heat
and 600o C (1,110o F)
Rev 4/22/2021
smoke
Time 8 cells ignited at 15 minute intervals 787 BaCery in NTSB thermal runaway test at UL 12IniCal baBery smoke content Think plas+c fire with nasty addi+ves
Depends on consLtuent materials
Spectrum analysis of burning baCeries found: 1. Fire
ke h a z a rd fo r
Carbon Monoxide Rela8ng smo y s m e l l smoke
lar l
Can not breath firefighters who regu
Carbon dioxide
Methane
Ethylene Can ignite WEAR YOUR SCBA
Acetylene
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
H 2O & COVER ALL SKIN
Dimethyl carbonate
Ethylmethyl carbonate Hazardous Materials
Eye & lung irrita8ng acids
Soot may contain cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, manganese oxide, and other heavy metal
skin irritants
Rev 4/22/2021
13
Source: h*ps://www.ntsb.gov/inves6ga6ons/AccidentReports/Documents/NTSB_Ba*ery_Tests_Report_Nail_Penetra6on_15C_Grounded%20(29May14)_Redacted.pdfElectric Vehicles 1. Fire concern
E Vs a re d iffe rent
How
Electric vehicles move by power of a trac4on ba6ery FF Risks:
Normally have TWO ba6eries, 12V Ba6ery ac4va4ng airbags & restraints
Burning plas4cs
1. Cabin &systems, 12V HV Trac4on ba6ery fire
2. High Voltage (HV) Trac4on, 355 to 560+ volts Electrocu4on by high voltage
Ba#ery Management System (BMS) integrated or separate Arc Flash
EV WITH BATTER(IES) BUILT INTO BODY (TYPICALLY OLDER) BATTERY/MOTOR ASSY BENEATH BODY
"INTEGRATED" STYLE "ROLLER SKATE" STYLE
Orange denotes high voltage >30 VAC or 60 VDC
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
12V Ba#ery
Inverter
PHOTOS REMOVED Ba6ery
HV Ba#ery
HV Motor/Charger/Inverter
Charger Motor
Rev 4/22/2021
Ford E-Focus VW ID.3
14May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Will it bite me? What firefighters want to know
2. Electric related concerns
15
Rev 4/22/2021Electrical concerns for firefighters
2. Electrical concern
12V ba_ery controls safety devices: EV hazards
IntroducIon to added
Airbags, seat belt pretensioners, door locks
Burned three Imes including 6 days a[er accident
EV will have a HV trac8on ba_ery NTSB Public Docket photo
Typically 300+ Volts
HV ba_ery "Stranded energy"
Electrocu8on
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Concerns at hose nozzle
At or in the vehicle
Arc flash
Re-igni8ons
HV ba_ery
twisted into
Rev 4/22/2021
Exposed HV structure16EV BaBery safeguards 2. Electrical Bolt EV 400A Fuse
n d on E V d ifference s
Upon impact 12V Safety Response System (SRS) should: Ba ckgrou
Deploy airbags. DANGER: Two stage airbags remain dangerous with 12V available
Unlock doors
Retract seatbelts
In EV the BMS opens baCery contactors. DANGER: Welded contacts can power cables Manual maintenance
DANGER: Trapped energy and arc hazards disconnect can
BaNery Management System (BMS) open HV circuit
Airbags, retractors, etc
controls charge and discharge.
MX DISC
PHOTO
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
SRS + Contactor
Impact REMOVED
sensor
12V
OTHER HV DEVICES
Firefighter
BaNery case
HV CAPACITORS
INVERTER
cut loop is 12V DATA
to remove BMS
Motor
BMS power &
open contactors Charger
PHOTO
- Contactor
REMOVED
Rev 4/22/2021
Plug BMS also commanded open by power buNon 17Stranded energy - ElectrocuCon at or in vehicle is possible
1. The car structure and occupants should not be electrified to touch
Source: NTSB Report NTSB/HAR-20/01, Photo by CHP
2. Electrical
nta c In g vehicle
+ b ou t co
Major concerns a
+- +- +-
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
2. Risk is from geUng between exposed HV parts
to become part of the circuit. Examples:
+
A. An exposed hand touching orange cables
with the other hand on the car body. +
B. Leaning on exposed internal HV baCery parts. Source: NTSB docket HWY18FH013 Source: NTSB docket HWY18FH013
Internal HV parts may not be orange!
This large piece of grey metal is an internal HV bus bar.
C. Standing water charged by HV
Rev 4/22/2021
Bus bar wrapped in heavy rubber and labeled
18Beware of high voltage dangers
High power 3 phase inverter 360V Aux Pwr 2. Electrical ve h icles
to c ra s h
distribu9on module beneath Module ay a d d hazards
Dama ge m
m a y c re a te hazards
cIons
Responder a
Cut loop over orange cables
Debris found loaded on deformed battery
Arc flash hazard - Do not do this!
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Front impact damage
Chevy Bolt EV Source: CoPart
12V baNery cable and HV Source: NTSB docket HWY18FH013 Tesla Model S
cables crushed together
Rev 4/22/2021
Plas9c insula9on may be broken or burned away
19Stranded energy is a shorCng and arc flash danger!
Car struck concrete wall at 86 mph. Flooding open area of ba6ery ex4nguished fire with 200-300 gallons of water.
CBS News photo shown in NTSB report At tow yard
2. Electrical
e n ot a w a re of t his hazard
F F ar
hasis
and it needs emp
May not be copied or used without written permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Source: NTSB docket HWY18FH013 Source: NTSB docket HWY18FH013
5" Arc hole found through top of baNery Arc flash hole into passenger footwell Cells found in passenger footwell
85 kWh / 310 MJ
Imp
a ct
a
p
ct
Im
Passenger Seat
Rev 4/22/2021
Source: NTSB docket HWY18FH013 Source: NTSB docket HWY18FH013 Source: NTSB docket HWY18FH013
Numbers denote modules 20Stranded energy is a short circuit and arc flash danger!
Also an example why you should never a6empt to pierce a ba6ery
Note how few modules were consumed.
167.3 Volts in this module days ajer the accident!!!
Missing insula9on created poten9al HV shorts
l
2. Electrica
Source: NTSB docket HWY18FH013 Source: NTSB docket HWY18FH013
pped
167.3V tra
l
2. Electrica ules
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
ge d m od
a ma
Qty of und
l
2. Electrica Ion
p l a sIc i n sula
Missing
Plas8c insula8on burns away, allowing cells to short.
Do not step on or press on damaged ba2eries.
Rev 4/22/2021
21EV Charging staCons Blue or green LEDs denote charging in process
But colors are not standardized
Vehicle:
Is disconnec8on during charge a hazard? Smoke
How to physically disconnect?
Chargers and cables:
When are the HV cables charged? Note:Common US chargers:
No protecIve vehicle barrier for many
HV source enters base, below contactors
No visible emergency "panic buCons"
May not be copied or used without written permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
R.Swaim R.Swaim
Rev 4/22/2021
R.Swaim R.Swaim
23May not be copied or used without written permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Opera6onal
3. Tac4cal concerns
24
Rev 4/22/2021Approach hazards
3. TacIcal c e s at scene
ds diffe re n Mitsubishi Outlander EV
Same as in ICE vehicles w a n EV a d
Intro to ho
• Approach from 45 degrees
• Wheel chocks
• Set parking brake
• Vehicle into park
• Turn off igniIon
• Disconnect 12V baCery
EV sides add hazard:
May not be copied or used without written permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
BaCery venIng -Note that fire is beneath doors
EV adds front and rear hazards:
VenIng fire at front in impact damaged areas
Some vehicles may vent at rear
Fuel tanks in hybrids and hydrogen vehicles
Rolling vehicle hazard (throCle is electric)
EV charging staIon power is high voltage
Hydrolysis can create flammable gas
Rev 4/22/2021
Fire took hours to exInguish
25IdenCfying vehicles with tracCon baBeries can be hard
Gas Electric
3. TacIcal rd type
f yi n g h a za
o n c e r n fo r idenI a s h a d fires
C varian t s h
e of t h e s e
Only on
May not be copied or used without written permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Source: Hyundai Source: Hyundai
Hybrid
PHOTO
REMOVED ?
Rev 4/22/2021
Source: CoPart 26Clues beyond the badging:
Charge port in front of driver door (Ford, Chevy),
Orange color nose (Hyundai, Kia, Nissan), or lee tail light (Tesla)
Name badge clue is missing Port displaced into door hinge
Orange denotes high voltage >30 VAC or 60 VDC
3. TacIcal s d a m aged
e sign ve rs u
a bout d
Concerns
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Shades of orange vary
Source: CoPart R.Swaim
Chevrolet Bolt EV Chevrolet Volt hybrid
Rev 4/22/2021
Seeing leaked "coolant" can indicate damage to the HV ba_ery and extra care should be taken
27Disabling the 12 volt baBery – Not standardized
Example shows variety of Toyota Prius ba_ery loca8ons 12V baCery:
Deploys airbags.
Prius 2003 Unlocks doors
Retracts seatbelts
Opens HV contactors
Prius 2004 & 2010 PHOTO REMOVED Prius 2016
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Prius 2012
Ic a l con c e rn fo r b oth ICE & EV:
3. Tac ca b le m u st be cut ASAP.
ls p otenIal haza rd s so
Move key fob or key card far from vehicle e ry co ntro
The 12V b aC
re a te n s fi re fi ghte rs and vicIms.
Turn off vehicle A lack of standards th
Double cut cables to prevent reconnection
Rev 4/22/2021
Wait at least a minute before cutting near safety devices after cutting 12V power
28Orange means high voltage - Cut loop info
1. Cut loops are control circuits that do not contain high voltage
Airbag deployment should have already restricted HV to within the HV battery
2. The helmet and cutter symbol is an ISO standard so look for it
3. The shades of orange and tag details vary
4. Fire may burn tag, leaving ERG as means to find the cut loops
Under hood instrucIon sIcker shows cut locaIons (Chevy Bolt)
3. TacIcal k fo r to cut
h at to lo o
Never k n ow w undle
PHOTO eed to
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
A . N s w i re o r b
cut here m on q u e sIon i in fleet
REMOVED B. Com rd s veh i c l e s a re
- sta n d a
Cut only C. Pre
at symbol Source: Chevrolet
Pre-standard excepIons exist
PHOTO
REMOVED
Rev 4/22/2021
Source: Chevrolet
29HV Disconnects are not standardized and may need tools
1. Pull plugs by hand (typically hidden)
3. TacIcal
2. Cut loops requiring cable cutter PHOTO PHOTO V di s con nects
H
Variety of
3. Cut loops requiring circular saw REMOVED REMOVED 4. Ford Escape
4. Twist knob by hand (typically hidden) 1. Chevy Tahoe
Chevy Volt
5. Fuse - hard for gloved hand Ford Focus PHOTO
REMOVED
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
PHOTO
PHOTO
REMOVED
REMOVED
2. Tesla forward cut loop 1. Prius
5. Smart EV 2. Mercedes 1. Highlander
PHOTO PHOTO PHOTO PHOTO
REMOVED REMOVED REMOVED REMOVED
Rev 4/22/2021
3. Tesla secondary cut loop 30"Sheets" may lack key details – Try to access full ERG
The full ERG is needed to
find the HV disconnect,
as shown below
Missing HV
disconnect
3. TacIcal NTS B study
nIoned i n
ta i l a s m e
Missing de
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Rev 4/22/2021
31HV - Some disconnects may be impractical to access
Chevy Volt is an example of how imprac8cal some access may with fire present
Source: Chevrolet
To reach disconnect:
Get past vic9m(s) 3. TacIcal
Open arm rest a c c e ss ib le d is co n n ects with
PotenIally in N T SB study
Remove storage tray g e m e n Io n e d in
Pull back white cover fire or dama
Press a tab
Pull out the pull plug
OR
Cut loop hidden in side wall of trunk
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Emergency Response Guides (ERG)
show where the disconnects are
Google: NFPA EV ERG
Rev 4/22/2021
R.Swaim
32Emergency Response Guides (ERG) have criCcal answers
ERGs assume user is already fully trained and cer8fied for rescue.
ERGs ONLY provide basic guidance to disable, plus loca8ons of HV components to avoid,
such as airbags, infla8on cylinders, seat belt pre-tensioners, and areas resistant to cuing.
Problem is in varia8ons, even between different years for same make and model.
Most ERGs are linked at the NFPA Website. Google: NFPA EV ERG
onal
4. OperaI s ources
re of re
awa
FF not yet
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Rev 4/22/2021
hNps://www.nfpa.org/Training-and-Events/By-topic/Alterna9ve-Fuel-Vehicle-Safety-Training/Emergency-Response-Guides 33Minimal electric hazard at hose nozzle
Water shor8ng of cells within the ba_ery case creates a closed circuit
Two examples of test results:
1.Inability to draw down stranded energy
3. TacIcal
tra p pe d e n e rgy hazard
e
Inability to remov
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
R.Swaim
Factory provided resistor bank Saltwater immersion can be effecIve
could not reach isolated modules 1. For the cells/modules the water can
R.Swaim
reach
Ad hoc resistor ineffecIve 2. Requires a week of Ime
Rev 4/22/2021
Would take weeks 3. Can release hydrogn
35Cars now have mulCple fuels
Ford Comet
PHOTO 3. TacIcal
AT i s b urning
REMOVED Be aware o
fW H
ou ndings?
r ? S u r r
? P l a sIc i nterio
BaCery
Metal PlasIc
1960 20 Lbs Plas8c plus gasoline
2020 ~772 Lbs Fuel fire then plas8c fire PHOTO
REMOVED
May not be copied or used without written permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Almost 50% volume with only 10% weight
Current car fires are like dumpster fires.
A metal box of burning plastic.
PHOTO
REMOVED
Rev 4/22/2021
36
Source: American Fuel & Petrochemical Mfg Assn (AFPM)LiZing and shoring
Hyundai Kona EV
3. TacIcal b aCery?
g e H V
t r i caIo n dama
Can ex
Chevrolet Bolt EV
lij points in ERG
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Source: Chevrolet R.Swaim
Tesla Model 3
Rev 4/22/2021
Source: Tesla
37Cuts near charge ports at door hinges and HV cables
Normally unpowered without charger sta8on providing data signal to BMS
If no ERG and in doubt can cut at B pillar and force door(s) open
Avoid cuing the door sills or rockers Port
Tesla – HV Cable is in door sill
Chevrolet Bolt EV
near door catch
Source: Tesla
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Port
Port
3. TacIcal for ex t r i caIon
n vi c i n i t y of HV
s a b ou t c uUng i
Concern
Source: COPART
Source: IIHS
Rev 4/22/2021
Tesla – ERG will show which models have a secondary FF
cut point in rear door sill to isolate the HV baNery 38ExtricaCon
Much like any other vehicle once electric aspects are accounted for.
Use the ERG to know where HV hazards are
Be aware of smoke, sound, and leaking fluids!
3. TacIcal ke / fl a me 3. TacIcal
g s m o aCer y
a b ou t venIn bout op e n b
Conc e r n Concern a
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
R.Swaim Source: NTSB Report NTSB/HAR-20/01, Photo by CHP
Fire blanket may be placed over door sill in case baNery vents Individual cells may launch
Rev 4/22/2021
Fiberglass blanket can add addi9onal (poor) electric insula9on layer Hazard is the burning electrolyte
39Water in vehicle cabin does not reach cells
The body is a tub and separate from the sealed ba6ery beneath 3. Tactical
x t in gu is h a battery fire
How to e
This will only address the body plasIcs fire (Class B)
Because water will not reach cells
Door sill
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Water spills out
Cabin floor pan
BaNery
case
Source: BMW
BMW i3
Cool the boBom NTSB Public Docket photo
If the ba)ery is a fuel Layers between cabin floor
Rev 4/22/2021
and top of sealed baCery case
40Try to get water into the baBery case if possible
Some new EVs have a designed opening for firefighIng. Consult ERG
Concentrate water at 3. TacIcal
exposed cells to flood rn a b ou t effe c Ive w ater usage
A. Conce a m in g agents
baCery case o w to u se fo
B. Concern about h
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
VenIng indicates where
Mountain View, CA, NTSB HWY18FH011 Fort Lauderdale FL, NTSB HWY18FH013 case was open
Use only enough to help
wet and penetrate Related note – MSDS for Tesla
Powerwall ESS recommends getting
Do NOT to trap heat with foam water into racks
Rev 4/22/2021
R.Swaim 41AlternaDve - Submerge the baIery
European method for fast result addresses both ba_ery and plas8cs
Water electrolysis may create flammable gas aeer removal 3. TacIcal
re n e ss of a n effe c Ive alternaIve
Awa
Ad hoc using a dumpster
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Purpose built
PHOTO
REMOVED
Adding salt to water has been
used to drain trapped energy
Rev 4/22/2021
with 8me
42May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Opera6ons
4. Situa4onal concerns
43
Rev 4/22/2021How to fit into exisCng firefighter work flow
Two major accomplishments for EV firefighters:
2015: ISO 17840 - Informa8on For First And Second Responders, Road Vehicles
0. Rescue Sheet(s)
1. Iden8fica8on / recogni8on
2. Immobilisa8on / stabilisa8on/ lieing
4 . S it u aIonal
3. Disable direct hazards / safety regula8ons h is work flow
te rs k n o w t
4. Access to the occupants Firefigh to it
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
e s n e e d to fi t in
s o EV respons
5. Stored energy / liquids / gases / solids
6. In case of fire
7. In case of immersion
8. Towing / transporta8on / storage
9. Important addi8onal informa8on
10. Explana8on of the used symbols
Rev 4/22/2021
2018: NFPA collected manufacturer emergency informa8on
44Background: When & where have EVs caught fire?
Over half of cars burnt were on charge or not moving
Most vehicles were under two years old
COPART Salvage data,
Internet search result records Phase
Similar data from China
nal PHOTO
Insufficient Info 4. SituaIo c t calls
en to exp e REMOVED
Where/wh
Operation
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Not battery Hyundai Kona,
Montreal,
Charging July 2019
Parked
PHOTO
REMOVED
Accident or Damaged
Rev 4/22/2021
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
45Background: Which burn more oZen?
No data separates the electric from gasoline drive components
Sample of total (not just burned) U.S. salvage vehicles equipped with trac8on ba_eries*
Tesla 142 Only fully electric vehicle on list
Toyota Prius 679 4. Situational
Lexus 122 Data does not
d iffe re ntiate
BMW 54
Battery versus
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Infinity 9 1 2V
sus
HV battery ver
Mercedes 5 ICE engine
Acura 4
Volvo 2
Cadillac 1
Jaguar 1 Prius ICE engine fires led to recall
Total Hybrid 833
Damaged Volt 12V baCery
ignited surrounding materials
Rev 4/22/2021
* Copart data obtained 6/20/2019 regarding salvage vehicles with fire loss for all reasons, including arson and adjacent to other fire. Photos by Copart 46Complacency is a FF concern
Salvage records show only 1 in 143 wrecked EVs experienced
* fire
Note: This does not mean they became salvage due to fire.
Typical EV accident
The driver walked away
No smoke 4. SituaIonal
d u e to low raIo of fire events
No fire Complacency
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
NTSB Docket photo
Rev 4/22/2021
NTSB Docket photo
47fire
* Copart data obtained 6/20/2019 regarding salvage vehicles with fire loss for all reasons, including arson and adjacent to otherGive baIery-powered vehicles space
Ven+ng and thermal runaway – NO explosions – Excep+onal bad day example
Clue to move away fast:
Watch for flash of van tail lights,
ven9ng sound,
smoke,
pressurized vent flames
Watch for quieter periods PHOTO
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
followed by ven9ng of
addi9onal modules REMOVED
Watch for truck fuel shij from
plas9c to baNery ven9ng
nal
4. SituaIo Io n ca n get
ba d s i t u a
ow s h ow ded
Video sh uch roo m i s n e e
a nd h ow m
Rev 4/22/2021
48Should vehicle first be immobilized or moved?
Poten8al to do injury
Poten8al structures to ignite 4. SituaIonal wil l p re s s forward
a u se firefighte rs
Need space to work ve rs igh t b e c
ous o
Need for conInu
Confined space
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
PHOTO
REMOVED
R.Swaim
2020, Hyundai Kona, Korea
This FF can not see venIng flames underneath
Once in place, always block the wheels to prevent movement.
Rev 4/22/2021
EVs have electronic controls and car can move silently
49ExCnguish
Think of individual fuels
Key for baBery is to stop or slow propaga+on between cells
Aggressive Method: Plan on LOTS of water
(ABC Dry chemical is ineffec+ve)
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
or
Defensive Method: Let it burn out if isolated
4. Situational . T h e b ackground
t fu e l is b u rn in g
n e e d to con ti n u a ll y b e aware of wha u se structure.
A. EV responses ic s in ca r, a n d h o
se p a rate fu e ls in th e battery, plast
photo has thre e
te w ays to d e a l w it h E V fires
o opposi
B. Responders have tw
Rev 4/22/2021
50By Vehicle Type
1 in 8 EV fires are commercial vehicles 5.8%
6.6%
Trucks and busses
Bigger ba_eries opera8ng with or near greater numbers of people
Source: Frederick News Post
4. SituaIonal
w a re of com m e rcial EVs
una
Most people are 87.6%
Car/Pickup Bus Truck
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Frederick, Maryland, September 2016
Source: Volvo
Modular chassis (Volvo) for
box trucks, trash trucks, etc
Source: Frederick News Post
Peterbilt
Rev 4/22/2021
Source: Peterbilt 51Li-Ion already unseen in use on busses, trucks, and rail
Replacements for lead acid and Ni-Cad non-trac8on ba_eries
Cab controls, HVAC, and radios for 6 hours (adver8sed)
4. Situational concerns
la rg e fo rm at s w it h pa ss en gers, in tunnels
Smoke from ery access
hi cl e ac ce ss , m ay lim it ba tt
limits ve
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
PHOTO
Plan responses:
REMOVED In a tunnel? PHOTO
With smoke? REMOVED
Flame?
Passengers?
Third rail?
Rev 4/22/2021
52Concern about large batteries being introduced
Lithium hybrids in US market as yard engines
Commuter light rail
Locomo8ves used in Europe
Caterpillar locomo8ve up to 2.2 MW
GE up to 2.4 MW
4. Situa8onal
e stu d e nts ' eye s get big
About her
May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
New York MTA hybrid engine
Rev 4/22/2021
53May not be copied or used without wri3en permission of R. Swaim. All rights reserved. 4/2021
Summary and Investigating an EV fire
Source: COPART Source: COPART
Rev 4/22/2021
Fort Lauderdale FL, NTSB HWY18FH013 Fort Lauderdale FL, NTSB HWY18FH013 54• Thank you for your ,me.
•
Session host Tapesh Joshi, Ph.D.
Tapesh.Joshi@ul.org
Speaker(s) Robert “Bob” Swaim
swaim@howitbroke.com
Learn more about our battery safety science research and initiatives at:
Web: ul.org/focus-areas/battery-safety
Email: NFP.BatterySafety@ul.org
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