Brandposten 2021 FIRE AND SAFETY NEWS FROM RISE - How to suppress fi res in automotive battery packs
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FIRE AND SAFETY NEWS FROM RISE
Brandposten
#61 2021
How to suppress
fires in automotive
battery packs
Safe ship evacuation
– for everyone?
Fire classification of
doors and windows
according to EN 13501-1
3
Index
36
Bridging the gap
between research
and the daily life
of fire and rescue
services
Lagging fires – their implications and
8
Choosing proper methods
preventive measures 24–25
News from the Fire Research and Innovation
Centre FRIC – status first two years 26–27
and equipment can reduce
Self-heating and Safe handling of solid biofuel
hazardous conditions during
pellets – Two new ISO standards 28–29
firefighting in building fires
Continued investment in sustainability and
health at RISE – replaces potentially hazardous
desiccant with compressor cooling 30–31
Editorial - News on RISE fire safety Cost-benefit analysis of sprinkler systems
research and testing 4–5 in fortification facilities below ground 32–33
Safe ship evacuation – for everyone? 6–7 New Reports from Fire Technology
and Safety Research 34–35
Choosing proper methods and equipment
can reduce hazardous conditions during Bridging the gap between research and
firefighting in building fires 8–9 the daily life of fire and rescue services 36–37
Ventilation affects fire in car ferries 10–11 Nordic Fire and Safety days 2021 38
Portable sprinkler systems may improve Licentiate thesis on water mist fire
firefighting tactics in underground protection systems 39
The content of Brandposten reflects parking garage fires 12–13
New employees at Fire Technology and
the scope and diversity of RISE
Toxic gases and heat release from
activities related to fire safety, in areas Safety Research 40
electric vehicles 14–15
as for example fire research, testing, Live streaming of fire tests 41
simulations, risk management, fire Fire classification of doors and
windows according to EN13501-1 16–17 Organisation 42–43
safety engineering and firefighting.
Lithium-ion battery safety issues
The magazine has subscribers all presented by RISE in new online course 18
over the world and is available in
Nordic Fire & Safety Network got
both paper and digital formats.
funding from Nordic Energy Research 19
Earlier issues: New version of EN 45545-2 published 20–21
28
www.ri.se/en/brandposten
How to suppress fires in automotive
battery packs 22–23
Contact:
brandposten@ri.se Self-heating and Safe
handling of solid biofuel pellets
– Two new ISO standards3
News on RISE fire Development of techniques
and methods is an integrated
safety research
part of our work at the fire lab.
and testing
Welcome to a new issue of Brandposten! Full of information
with the latest news from RISE on fire safety research and
testing. This time exclusively released in English. Fire safety and risk assessments for ships is an Two articles on the dissemination of research
important and growing activity within Safety work are within this issue of Brandposten.
Research. Read in this issue about the studies One on an educational tool for the rescue
within the LASH FIRE project on the effect service on environmentally impact from firefigh-
of natural and mechanical ventilation on fire ting that has been developed, and the other on
development and the SEAS project on improving a new online course titled “Battery Engineering:
evacuation safety for passengers on ferries and Trends in Manufacturing”, where RISE contri-
cruise ships, accounting for a realistic demo- butes with a training session on the safety issues
graphic profile of travellers. associated with lithium-ion batteries.
When browsing in the content of this issue Electrification of vehicles is increasing with an And a congratulation to Magnus Arvidson for I hope that you will find this issue of
one can feel amazed over the multitude of almost exponential rate as one of the means to his Licentiate degree with a thesis on water mist Brandposten interesting and uplifting. And
innovative projects, technique development and reach the aim of a fossil free vehicle fleet (2045 fire protection systems, and you can read more please, get back to the authors of the articles if
dissemination activities that we are involved in. is the goal set for Sweden). Electrical vehicles of current work in his article on sprinklers in you would like to have more information or just
And that despite the difficult Covid-19 situation (EV) pose new risks from the reactivity of Li-ion fortification buildings. discuss fire safety and testing!
affecting globally during 2020 and still maintai- batteries in case of failures or accidents. The Development of techniques and methods With best regards,
ning when writing this editorial. However, this is E-TOX project conducted unique full-scale EV is an integrated part of our work at the fire lab.
a good opportunity to inform that our labs have fire tests with measurements of heat release In this issue you can read about our new live
been open throughout this period and that the and gas content. The aim was to provide a basis video broadcasting of fire tests for the benefit of
testing activities now are back to normal and are for relevant risk assessment in case of EV fires. customers that can view their tests without the
actually increasing. Two articles in this issue provides information need to visit our laboratories (which has been a
RISE activities in fire safety research, fire on the tests, respective application of the results good option during the Covid-19 period). Read
testing and fire risk assessments have been orga- on gas emissions for modelling the toxic hazard also about the improvement of the workplace
nisationally strengthened by setting focus on in parking garage fires with EV. There is also environment in our lab by the replacement of
Fire Technology and Safety Research, which now an additional article on new firefighting tactics potentially hazardous desiccant with compressor
are two separate departments, with Marina C needed in EV fires. cooling of fire effluents for heat-release analysis.
Andersson as head of department of the former The Fire Research and Innovation Centre If you would like to know why testing and classify
and Michael Rahm of the latter. But we still solve FRIC is the largest research initiative on fire of doors and windows according to EN 13501-1
research questions and advanced customer safety in Norway ever, and has now been active (reaction-to-fire) in addition to EN 13501-2 (fire
testing together in our multi-disciplinary team! for two years. Read about the activities of the resistance) is of importance, there is an article on
This issue mirrors our diverse and exiting centre and on the experimental work made in that subject. It is important that research findings Contact
activities. You will find articles that covers Trondheim on efficient, safe and environmentally and new information on fire safety are spread to Per Blomqvist
various parts of the broad area of fire safety. friendly extinguishing of fires. professionals as well as to the rest of the society. per.blomqvist@ri.se
4 5
SEAS research project
Safe ship evacuation
References
The project Safe Evacuation At Sea is funded [1] FleetMon- tracking the seven seas, 23.10.2019.
by Trafikverket and deals with studying and [2] E. Steinfeld, & Mailsel, J. , Universal design: creating inclusive
environments. Hoboken, , John Wiley & Sons, Inc.2012.
– for everyone?
improving evacuation safety for passengers on
[3] S. Kose., Emergence of aged populace: who is at higher risk in
ferries and cruise ships. In particular, it addresses fires? , Fire and Materials 23(6) (1999) 337-340.
how a realistic demographic profile of travelers is [4] I. Miller., Behaviour, fire and older people: Implications
considered with respect to age and impairments of the demographic growth of a vulnerable population, , The
4th Internation Symposium on Human Behavior in Fire 2009,
of the passengers, but also their potential influ-
Interscience Communication Ltd, UK. (2009).
Despite prolonged efforts to develop regulations Research and praxis have provided a number of ence of alcohol. The partners are RISE and Lund
[5] R.C.W. Marshall S.W., Bangdiwala S.I., Linzer M.A., Sacks
that combat the occurrence of fires on passenger studies dealing with evacuation in case of emer- University through CERTEC, Vikingline, Stena J.J.,and Butts J.D. , Fatal residential fires: Who dies and who
ships, statistics indicate that incident numbers gency, including evacuation from ships [8-15]. line, and Ekerölinjen, supported by the disability survives? , , JAMA 279(20) (1998) 1633-1637.
are not reducing [1]. At the same time, it has been However, there are no studies on evacuation of right organisations Synskadades Riksföbund, [6] K. Suzuki, Life loss prevention of residential fire based on
demographics and a classification of fatalities Bulletin of Japan
shown that those most likely to suffer in case of mixed populations from ships and few studies on Hörselskadades Riksförbund and Delaktighet Association for Fire Science and Engineering. 57 (2007) 29-38.
fire or other emergency situations are people the evacuation of intoxicated persons [16]. Handlingskraft Rörelsefrihet. [7] A. Madsen, Hansen, W., M., Dederichs, Anne S.,, The effect
with temporary or permanent disabilities [2-6]. In the event of a fire, the crew must fulfil their The SEAS project deals with personal safety of alcohol related impairment on evacuation characteristics
Proceedings of the Human Behaviour in Fire Symposium 2015
So, is ship evacuation safe for everyone? designated roles and facilitate the mustering and on board ferries and cruise ships, following for the
(2015).
Since 2014, 15 fires on ro-ro ships, 14 potential evacuation of passengers, all the while principle of “universal design”. It means to create [8] Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) travel report
on ferries and 15 on cruise ships have been maintaining normal functionality of the ship inclusive products, services and environments 2018, CLIA, 2018.
documented [1]. Onboard fires can spread very and its systems. Evacuation is associated with that can be used by all people, without the need [9] D.C. Vassalos, G. & Kim, H. & Bole, Marcus & Majumder, J..
(2008). , Evacuability of Passenger Ships at Sea By., 2008.
quickly, and the crew may be forced to fight many challenging activities, such as guidance, for adaptations or specialized equipment [17].
[10] O. Rutgersson, E. Tsychkova, and M. Andersson: , Evacuation
the fire and evacuate the passengers without communication, transportation of passengers, This is a particularly relevant need on ships where
of passenger ships in rough weather: A study of equipment
external aid. Passengers differ widely in age preparation of lifeboats and embarkation. No space is limited. Accessibility of a structure is behaviour and its interaction with human performance. , Naval
and mobility, and alcohol intake is common, studies have been found that examine these not an assurance for egressibility. Since designs Architect 2003 (2003) 74-88.
which may lead to temporary impairments [7]. activities from a socio-technical perspective - change when an emergency occurs, meaning for [11] E. Tsychkova, Influence of waves and ship motions on safe
evacuation of passenger ships. , (2000).
People with temporary or permanent disabilities that is, how crew members working to evacuate example that certain paths may not be accessible
[12] L. Boer, & Skjong, R. , Emergency evacuation: how better
are more likely to suffer in case of fire or other the passengers are helped or hindered by the due to obstructions, or the planned evacuation interior design can improve passenger flow. , In Proceedings, cruise
emergency situations [2-6]. This creates a need safety organization and the design of onboard route does not follow the routes used under & ferry conference 587 (2001) 8–10.
of evacuation practices, environments and tools environments, systems and equipment. normal operation. One example here is the use [13] H.D.J.M. May:, Human factors management of passenger
ship evacuation, Human Factors in Ship Design Operation II, 2-3
that are suitable for heterogeneous populations. of lifts. The benefits of Universal design are more October 2002, RINA conference, London, (2002) 145-156.
pronounced in emergency situations, seeing that [14] C.S. Lu, & Yang, C. S. (2011). Safety climate and safety behavior
time can be saved when separate solutions for in the passenger ferry context. , Accident Analysis and Prevention
43 (2011) 329–341.
different target groups can be avoided [18, 19].
[15] K.M. Butler, G.W. Mulholland, Generation and Transport of
The project works towards generating a more
Smoke Components, Fire Technology 40(2) (2004) 149-176.
sustainable maritime transport system through
[16] M.K. Manley, Yong Seog; Christensen, Keith; Chen, Anthony,
measures improving the ferry and cruise ship
The project works towards accessibility and egressibility for everyone.
Modeling emergency evacuation of individuals with disabilities in a
densely populated airport, Transportation Research Record 2205
generating a more (2011) 32-38.
[17] J.G. Sørensen, Dederichs, A.S., Evacuation from a
If you want to be informed on the project, check out our
sustainable maritime project website (www.ri.se/en/what-we-do/projects/safe- Complex Structure – The Effect of Neglecting Heterogeneous
Populations,Transportation Research Procedia, , 2 (2014)
evacuation-at-sea) or join the LinkedIn group:
transport system through Safe Evacuation at Sea- Accounting 792-800.
for Representative Populations [18] Resilience Engineering in Practice. A Guidebook. , Ashgate
measures improving on Board. Publishing., Farnham, Surrey, UK., 2011.
the ferry and cruise [19] Ergonomics in Design - Methods and Techniques. , Taylor &
Francis Group. , Boca Raton, USA. , 2016.
ship accessibility and Contact
egressibility for everyone. Anne Dederichs
anne.dederichs@ri.se
6 7
Choosing proper methods and
equipment can reduce hazardous
conditions during firefighting
in building fires
Efficient, safe and environmentally During September and October 2020, a series
friendly extinguishing of fires is a of large-scale fire experiments were conducted
challenge. The extinguishing efficiency at the outdoor test facility of RISE Fire Research
of different extinguishing methods in Trondheim. The goal was to investigate the
with water and foam was studied, to efficiency of external firefighting methods, using
learn how to keep firefighters safe from a cutting extinguisher or an Attack Fognail, and
hazardous exposure and to prevent internal extinguishing efforts with water or Experimental collaboration, here are some of the project members: four firefighters from TBRT, along
with Christoph Meraner and Karolina Storesund from RISE Fire Research. Photo: RISE Fire Research
environmentally challenging smoke and foam for the extinguishing of a 13.5 m2 room
water emissions. The focus of the study fire. Together with SINTEF and the Norwegian
is fires small building units. Fire Academy (Norges Brannskole, NBSK), we
surveyed tactical skills and the exposure of the the working conditions for firefighters compared degree the awareness of the potential negative
firefighters, here represented by Trøndelag fire to entering the room directly (without cutting ejector-effect close to ventilation openings, for
and rescue service (TBRT), to heat, PAH, soot extinguisher). The firefighters particularly example that the water stream can pull additional
particles and other combustion products. emphasize that without the initial use of cutting air into the smoke layer.
"We thought the The results showed that employing a cutting extinguisher, the fire smoke was more dense The experiments are a part of the project
extinguishing foam would extinguisher before entering the room improves and black, with more of a “sauna effect” (higher “Efficient, low-exposure and environmentally friendly
be better than or at least moisture content in the air). High moisture content extinguishing of fires in small building units” which
as effective as water, but it in the air may give more rapid heat increase inside is commissioned by the Norwegian Directorate
turned out that the fire the firefighter clothing and make early pull-back for Civil Protection (DSB) and the Norwegian
re-ignition came faster necessary. Furthermore, it was found that utilizing Building Authority (DiBK), and has a close
with foam, as the foam firefighting foam was the least efficient method collaboration with research projects in FRIC and
simply burned up." for cooling the smoke layer. In addition, the foam HERO. A complete report will be available to the
did not prevent fire re-ignition after the first public, and may be found here: https://risefr.com/
— Firefighter participating in
the experiments
knockdown. The reason was that the foam layer publications.
was destroyed by the heat from the fire.
The gas analysis showed a significant amount Contact
of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH),
volatile organic compounds (VOC) and particles
in the fire smoke. Indications were found that the
chosen extinguishment method affects the total
amount of hazardous smoke species that the
firefighters are exposed to. More information on
the results from the gas analysis may be found in
the full report.
Christoph Meraner Ragni Fjellgaard
An assessment of tactical skills (also known
To avoid hazardous exposure for firefighters and unfortunate environmental consequences from fire christoph.meraner@ Mikalsen
as non-technical skills) during the extinguishing risefr.no ragni.mikalsen@
extinguishing, efficient fire extinguishment and external firefighting methods were studied.
Photo: RISE Fire Research efforts showed that the fire service lacks to some risefr.no
8 9
Ventilation affects
Both open and closed ro-ro spaces can have one
end open, and for those scenarios the fire did The ventilation in ro-ro spaces is regulated
not self-extinguish in the tests. When both ends in SOLAS (the International Convention
fire in car ferries
were closed, the openings in the side plating for the Safety of Life at Sea). So are the de-
finitions of the three types of ro-ro spaces:
were varied in size and with 4% openings the
open ro-ro spaces, closed ro-ro spaces and
fire self-extinguished. This result was in line with
weather decks.
the conducted computer simulations, meaning
that only closed ro-ro spaces with less than 4% Open ro-ro space = are those ro-ro spaces
openings in the side plating and closed ends can that are either open at both ends or have
provide self-extinguishment. The effects of a an opening at one end, and are provi-
requirement based on this limit although need ded with adequate natural ventilation
further investigation. Regarding permanent effective over their entire length through
permanent openings distributed in the
openings for natural ventilation of a ro-ro space,
side plating or deckhead or from above,
a recommendation based on the computer simu-
having a total area of at least 10% of the
lations was to design openings in the lower part total area of the space sides.
of the side plating, which decreases the possible
Model scale tests of fire in
ro-ro space, performed in RO5.
heat release rate of a fire. Closed ro-ro space = ro-ro spaces which
are neither open ro-ro spaces nor weather
Project LASH FIRE and further decks.
possibilities
Weather deck = is a deck which is comple-
RO5 gave a first glimpse of the effects of
tely exposed to the weather from above
Ro-ro spaces loaded with vehicles Effects of ventilation on a fire in ro-ro spaces are ventilation on fire in a ro-ro space and now the and from at least two sides.
on ships are allowed to expand over not clear and RISE carries out research together RISE coordinated EU project LASH FIRE allows
the entire length of the ship without with shipowners and associations to understand further possibility to study these effects and to
vertical fire barriers. The spaces the effects and increase knowledge in ventilation evaluate current and new measures for smoke
need either mechanical ventilation management. containment. This action in LASH FIRE has just
or permanent openings to prevent started and is planned to study smoke and heat Project information:
harmful gases from accumulating in RO5 project estimates 4% limit for exhaust ventilation management, ventilation RO5 – Ro-ro space fire ventilation
Time period: 2018-01-01 to 2019-09-30
the space, but ventilation and openings self-extinguishment tools for manual intervention and tactical
Financed by: The Swedish Transport Administration
also assists fire growth, fire intensity Project RO5 ended in 2019 and was led by RISE. considerations, to mention some. (Trafikverket), The Swedish Mercantile Marine
and burning time. The aim was to clarify how ro-ro space ventila- My wish as an action leader in LASH FIRE Foundation (Stiftelsen Sveriges Sjömanshus).
tion affects the development and management is that ro-ro ships in future will have clearer
In open ro-ro spaces, ventilation conditions are of a fire and to recommend appropriate fire ventilation operation settings for different fire LASH FIRE
problematic in a fire scenario and a nightmare protection measures for ro-ro spaces considering scenarios to support fast decisions and actions Time period: 2019-09-01 to 2023-08-31
Financed by: European Union’s Horizon 2020
for the crew. The space needs fire detection and ventilation. in case of fire. There is also possibility to work
Website: lashfire.eu
a fixed extinguishing system but there is almost The conducted model scale tests showed that more with demand-based mechanical ventilation
unlimited access to oxygen for growth and conti- mechanical ventilation has a large impact on the through sensors adjusting the ventilation rate
nued fire, while much of the heat is contained. fire development. Turning off all ventilation fans depending on the levels of gases in the space.
A weather deck has even more free access to for the space reduces the heat release rate, which With this type of system, the future might even
oxygen. It releases much of the heat from a fire, is also crucial for a manual intervention. It can be to detect gas leakages and fire through the
but no fire detection or fixed extinguishing system however cause a problem with smoke for the fire ventilation system.
is required. Closed ro-ro spaces need mechanical team, testify the studied accident investigation
ventilation, fire detection and a fixed extinguishing reports. Until more research has been condu-
system, but measures for actively managing cted, the recommendation is therefore still to
ventilation in case of fire are missing. The standard shut off the ventilation when detecting a fire in Contact
Anna Olofsson
routine is therefore to shut off the ventilation a ro-ro space. A photo from one of the tests is
anna.olofsson@ri.se
and close the fire dampers in case of a fire. shown above.
10 11
Portable sprinkler systems
may improve firefighting
tactics in underground
parking garage fires
A vehicle fire in an underground parking garage involves great risks for
firefighters. Electric vehicle fires pose additional difficulties and new
methods of dealing with these fires are needed. A portable sprinkler system The five different portable sprinkler systems that were tested.
positioned next to the burning vehicle can prevent further fire spread and
contribute to enhanced protection for firefighters.
A new tool in the toolbox
Intense heat, large quantities of dense smoke Together with the fire and rescue service and the The five systems differed significantly. Some
combined with long travel routes for firefighters project ERIA1, five different portable sprinkler consisted of fixed pipes while others consisted
means that a firefighting operation in a parking systems have been evaluated [Vylund, 2020]. of fire hoses fitted with nozzles, still others
garage is one of the most dangerous operations In the tests, the firefighters were requested to were separate nozzles that form a water curtain
carried out by the fire and rescue service. Electric position the portable sprinkler system close that is approximately 12 m wide and 6 m high.
vehicles may be more difficult to extinguish and to a simulated vehicle fire in a parking garage, The systems had their pros and cons, but it
the toxic content in the smoke requires a need to and then return to the outside. It was mainly was concluded that all systems improved the
reduce the action time inside the garage. the practical usability that was evaluated by working environment by reducing the time that
Automatic sprinkler systems in parking garage assessing the easiness of reaching the fire and firefighters had to be inside the parking garage.
can prevent or delay fire spread to nearby vehicles position the system next to the burning vehicle. The major drawback was that the firefighters Portable sprinkler system can provide enhanced
by reducing the fire size and cool hot gases. This The time needed to position the system and how need to carry additional equipment. Another protection for firefighters in underground
will also improve the working environment for close to the vehicle the firefighters needed to be problem is that the system need be positioned parking garage, by cooling hot combustion gases
and prevent a fire from escalating.
firefighters. Today, not many underground parking to position the system was also evaluated. relatively close to the vehicle under fire.
garages have a sprinkler system installed and Because no matter which vehicle is on fire, the
therefore other methods to improve the working main problem in a parking garage is the difficulty Additional information in a report
environment and preventing fire spread is needed. "We need to find of reaching the seat of the fire due to extensive from MSB
alternative methods for heat and smoke. The trials were funded within the project ERIA
Portable sprinkler systems may Portable sprinkler systems alone do not solve and carried out at Swedish Civil Contingencies
be a solution dealing with electric an entire firefighting operation in an under- Agency (MSB) college Sandö that are one of two
Portable sprinkler systems can prevent spread vehicles fires in parking ground parking garage but can be another tool national facilities that
of fire to adjacent vehicles with no need of an in the toolbox and contribute to enhanced safety provide education and
operator. However, firefighters still need to
garages. Our goal is to for firefighters. The optimal portable sprinkler training for firefighters.
position the system close to the burning vehicle find safe methods that system is a system that is easy to transport and
but can then back off and control the fire from a expose firefighters as position in a correct way, and firefighters should Additional information about
the trials can be found in a MSB.
safe distance. The portable sprinkler systems will be able to control the water application from a
provide enhanced protection for the firefighters little as possible to the distance. Optimal the system should be versatile
Vylund, L. (2020). ”Metodförsök
– planera och analysera praktiska
by reduce the time they need to be inside the risks that electric so that it becomes a tool that can be used in försök. MSB1689”
parking garage. many different types of fires.
vehicles fires entail." Contact
Lotta Vylund
1 Early respond innovation arena; www.msb.se/eria Tommy Carnebo, Södertörns Brandförsvarsförbund lotta.vylund@ri.se
12 13
Toxic gases and heat release
from electric vehicles
In the research project ”E-TOX”, full-scale vehicle fire tests and battery tests
have been performed measuring heat release and gas content. The aim was to
provide a basis for relevant risk assessment in case of fires in electric vehicles.
A strong concern related to burning electric model, but not significantly by the powertrain.
vehicles is the release of toxic gas. This threatens However, HF together with some specific
the health of first responders and may even metals, e.g. Ni, Co, Li and Mn (depending on the
contribute to greater hesitation in their firefigh- battery cell chemistry), in the smoke exhaust
ting and response strategy. Hydrogen fluoride constitute a large difference between electrical
(HF) is of certain interest due to that it can be and conventional vehicles. When smoke from a
absorbed through the skin, but results from this vehicle fire is inhaled however there are several From standalone battery fire tests, both condu- Project funding
project show that the total quantities might be acute toxic gases present regardless of the type cted in this study as well as in previous studies, it The project is funded by the Swedish Energy
lower than potentially expected from electric of vehicle burning, e.g. CO, HF, HCl and SO2. can be concluded that there is a linear correlation Agency. Partners in the project are MSB, three
vehicles. The gained information will contribute This is based on a comparison between listed between nominal electrical energy and total heat insurance companies (If, Länsförsäkringar
to more effective firefighting and is also expected health exposure limits and total quantities release during a fire. This assume good oxygen Älvsborg and Länsförsäkringar Göteborg &
to be relevant for other battery applications such measured in vehicle and battery fire tests supply and for batteries integrated into a vehicle Bohuslän), six rescue services (RSG, SÄRF, SSBF,
as stationary energy storage. both in this project and in previous studies. less energy will be released compared to the SBFF, RTJ Luleå, RSYD) and a dismantling/scrap
Presented in Table 1 are total quantities of theoretical assumptions. A linear correlation yard (Borås Bildemontering).
Vehicle and battery fire tests different gas compounds measured from the was also found for HF, but wall losses can be
Three full-scale vehicle fire tests have been three vehicle tests. significant for a battery pack and for an electrical
performed. The vehicles comprised of two vehicle, resulting in lower amounts released in
battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and one conven- the smoke.
tional internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV).
The ICEV and one of the BEVs were of the same Read more Contact
vehicle model from the same manufacturer which In addition, more information is found in the project report: RISE Ola Willstrand
Report 2020:90 ”Toxic Gases from Fire in Electric Vehicles”. ola.willstrand@ri.se
enable a good comparison between the power-
trains. In addition, some standalone battery
tests have been performed with the purpose to
compare heat release and gas emissions from
small-, medium- and large-scale tests with the Gas measurements ICEV A BEV A BEV B
same type of battery to analyze the scalability of CO2, [kg] / [g/lost g] 344 / (1.4) 335 / (1.4) 438 / (1.1)
the measured quantities. CO, [g] / [mg/lost g] 6 420 / (25.5) 7 790 / (31.5) 9 510 / (23.8)
THC, [g] / [mg/lost g] 2 370 / (9.4) 3 130 / (12.7) 2750 / (6.9)
HF, [g] / [mg/lost g] 11 / (0.04) 573 / (2.3) 859 / (2.1)
Results
HCl, [g] / [mg/lost g] 1100 / (4.4) 1590 / (6.4) 1800 / (4.5)
The test results obtained, both from vehicle
HBr, [g] / [mg/lost g] 18 / (0.1) 115 / (0.5) 88 / (0.2)
tests and battery tests, are consistent with
HCN, [g] / [mg/lost g] - - 155 / (0.4)
previous data compiled, both with regard to SO2, [g] / [mg/lost g] 479 / (1.9) 575 / (2.3) 645 / (1.6)
Table 1: Gas
heat release and gas production. Peak heat NO, [g] / [mg/lost g] 452 / (1.8) 371 / (1.5) 617 / (1.5)
compounds measured
release rate (see Figure 1) and total heat release Figure 1: Peak heat release rate from full-scale NO2, [g] / [mg/lost g] 44 / (0.2) 25 / (0.1) 76 / (0.2)
from the exhaust
are affected by the fire scenario and vehicle vehicle tests. PAH, [g] / [mg/lost g] 112 / (0.4) 29 / (0.1) 334 / (0.8)
duct.
14 15
How is a product tested according Specific test details for windows
Fire classification of to EN 13501-1?
A commonly desired class is as previously
and doors
Specific descriptions for testing and which parts
doors and windows
mentioned B-s1, d0, which is due to its large of doors and windows to be tested are described
approved area of use in different countries' buil- in the product standards EN 14351-1 and EN
ding regulations. A product that performs B-s1, 14351-2, respectively.
according to EN 13501-1
d0 may, for example, be used in escape routes
in accordance with ”Boverket´s mandatory
provisions and general recommendations, BBR”
To reach the fire classes D, C and B, EN
13501-1 refers to testing according to the testing
standards EN 13823 and EN ISO 11925-2.
A test according to EN 13823 is shown in the
picture below and is carried out as follows: The
The fire performance of doors and The classification of a window or door according product is mounted so that it forms a corner.
windows can be classified according to to EN 13501-1 can look like: B-s1, d0. The first In the corner, a burner emits 30 kW during the
EN 13501-2. The result states the perfor- letter describes how it burns in a small room if test time of 21 minutes. The product's heat
mance of a construction regarding its the walls and the ceiling are covered with the output and smoke production are measured
ability to resist a fire. A new require- product. The classes are linked to the contribu- continuously. Flame spread and burning droplets
ment will be to classify the products' tion to flashover as given below. / particles are observed visually.
reaction to fire performance accor- The test is repeated three times and the
ding to EN 13501-1, which describes average results are then compared with the
a products contribution to flashover, classification criteria in EN 13501-1. In EN ISO
Fire classes:
smoke production and whether it 11925-2 the components are exposed to an
produces burning droplets / particles. · D - class, flashover between ignition test with a small flame. The test involves
2–10 minutes exposing the product to surface exposure and
The performance of doors and windows to · C - class, flashover between edge exposure.
contain a fire, i.e. from spreading to one part of a 10–20 minutes
building to another, is called fire resistance and · B - class, no flashover before 20
is classified according to EN 13501-2. It can be minutes
said that the classification answers the question:
· A1, A2 – non combustible classes
How long are you protected in the room next
to the fire? The fire class can, for example, look · s1, s2, s3, smoke classes from low
like EI230, which means integrity and insulation smoke- to high smoke production.
against fire for 30 minutes. · d0, d1, d2, burning droplets classes,
If you want to know the fire behavior in the from no to long lasting droplets.
same room as you are in, fire dynamics is used. Contact
You then find out the fire performance of the Kristian Törnqvist
kristian.tornqvist@ri.se
materials and construction regarding para-
meters such as flammability, heat production, Building code and product standards.
smoke production, energy content and flame Construction in Sweden is regulated by Boverket
spread. The performance of windows and doors and ”Boverket´s mandatory provisions and
regarding these properties is classified according general recommendations, BBR”. Chapter 5
to EN 13501-1. This is also stated in the corres- regulates fire safety and states that smaller buil-
ponding product standards EN 14351-1 and EN ding parts such as door leaves, door and window The Swedish Buildning Code (BBR) can be found Contact
here: https://www.boverket.se/globalassets/ Richard Johansson
14351-2, which in addition describes the way to frames, ceiling and floor moldings must not have publikationer/dokument/2019/bbr-2011-6-tom-2018-4- richard.johansson@ri.se
CE-marking. a lower fire class than D-s2, d0. english-2.pdf
16 17
Lithium-ion battery safety Nordic Fire & Safety
issues presented by RISE Network got funding from
in new online course Nordic Energy Research
A new online course titled “Battery Batteries are vital for a sustainable future. To In 2020 the Nordic Energy Research of fire safety, this project is particularly suited to
Engineering: Trends in Manufacturing”, enable society’s shift to this future, however, decided to fund the Nordic Fire & consider several of the research areas identified
was recently launched by EIT more people need to be educated on their abili- Safety Network with the project The in the call based on on-going research at the
Manufacturing. RISE contributed to ties and challenges. As such, EIT Manufacturing Nordic Fire and Safety Network Focus partner organizations.
the course with a training session initiated a free online course supported by the on Energy (NFSNergy). The project
on the safety issues associated with University of Porto, INEGI, The Technische enables the networking and exchange History
lithium-ion batteries. Universität Braunschweig, COMAU, Volkswagen of PhD students and researchers in the In 2015 a core group of the NFSN was formed
Group, EIT InnoEnergy and RISE. The course is field of safety of buildings and energy with the Nordic Fire and Safety Days (NFSD),
aimed at newcomers to the industry, covering infrastructures. Summer schools for a conference which was run annually and since
the importance of batteries for clean energy and PhD students will be arranged. Further, 2019 will be run biannually. Together we have
exploring lithium-ion battery technology trends, the project addresses professionals been shaping this Nordic platform for scientists,
while also examining safety issues in battery within safety and fire safety. Webinars students and professionals interested in and
production and recycling. and teaching for professionals are working with different aspects of fire and
“Awareness of safety issues is important for arranged four times yearly. safety. The days have become a meeting point
lithium-ion battery manufacturers and consu- for professionals from industry, municipalities
mers,” says Roeland Bisschop, research engineer The Nordic Fire & Safety Network (NFSN) is (including the fire service and other local govern-
at RISE. “First and foremost, they have excellent newly established and unites the major Nordic ment professionals), research institutes and
characteristics such as being able to be charged / Universities and Research Institutes dealing with universities. The success of the NFSD has been
discharged rapidly many times without beco- fire safety and risk management. The Technical used as a model for expanding the collaboration
ming less effective. However, when lithium-ion University of Denmark, Norwegian University to a broader network as presented in this project.
batteries are damaged or certain temperatures, of Science and Technology, Lund University, Success and challenges identified in the previous
currents, and/or voltages are exceeded as seen Aalto University, Luleå University, University collaboration will be used to optimize the activi-
in Figure 1, they may become unstable and of Stavanger, Western Norway University of ties of the NFSN. The previous NFSD workshops
catch fire. It is necessary for us to be aware of Applied Sciences and Iceland University as well and research roadmap exercises have identified
these safety issues, so that we can contribute to as VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland the questions of safety of bioenergy storage, new
future-proof and sustainable battery solutions.” Ltd and the Danish Institute of Fire and Security energy transport systems, energy storage and
To sign up for this course, or similar courses, Technology are involved in the network. energy saving building design in green buildings
please reach out to Roeland Bisschop or visit The project enables research collaborations as well as digitalization. These questions will be
the course website at: for mutual projects and publications. The dealt with in the project.
Figure 1: Exceeding the “safety window” for
(https://www.future- project will bring together multidisciplinary
lithium-ion batteries can result in safety
issues once a critical temperature Tcrit is learn.com/courses/ teams working on important energy -related
reached (right). trends-in-batteries- initiatives promoting the fire safety of new Contact
manufacturing/1). bioenergy systems, energy storage systems in Anne Dederichs
anne.dederichs@ri.se
green buildings, improved digitalization through
Contact Building Information Models in construction and
Roeland Bisschop Information
the fire safety of new energy carriers in green
roeland.bisschop@ri.se www.nfsn.dk
transport systems. Due to the common theme
18 19New version of
EN 45545-2 published
EN 45545-2:2020 was published in August last year and improvements
have been made to further increase the fire safety of railway vehicles.
Some areas have also been clarified to avoid misinterpretation.
Fire-proof materials and products in railway
vehicles minimize the occurrence of a fire
· The use of standardized substrates
and prevent the spread of smoke and flames.
according to EN 13238 is
This gives passengers and staff more time to
introduced
evacuate and thus save lives. When a fire can
be extinguished at an early stage, it will result in · New requirement sets
improved safety and limited material damage. EN · Clarification of the grouping rule
45545-2 is the harmonized standard for evalu- process
ating fire behaviour of products and materials · New bullet points for assessing
for railway vehicles in Europe. The standard is smaller technical cabinets
also accepted in other parts of the world such as
· Annex A & B is now a new separate
Australia and South Africa.
standard, EN 16989 – Fire beha-
EN 45545-2 has been revised and a new
viour test for a complete seat
issue of the standard was published last year in
August. Being part of the group of experts in the · Annex C is now a new separate
working group (WG01) in CEN/TC 256 – Railway standard, EN 17084 – Toxicity test
applications, RISE has been actively involved of materials and components
in the revision process and therefore has good
knowledge of the changes involved. Some
examples of major changes are listed below. The objective of this longer transitional period is
Products and materials in newly manufactured to enable the sector to accommodate to the new
trains are covered by the requirements of requirements, but in addition, permit the use of
RISE test everything from EN 45545-2. The requirements also apply to certificates which are still valid under the previous
hoses, cables and air filters trains that are due for refurbishment. RISE test version of the standard. This means the two
everything from hoses, cables and air filters to versions of the standard will coexist for some time. Contact
to seats, floorings, and seats, floorings, and interior and exterior surfaces For high speed trains governed by the Anna Bergstrand
interior and exterior where we evaluate the material's fire properties TSI LOC&PAS (Technical Specification of anna.bergstrand@ri.se
and ensure that they meet the requirements of Interoperability) the requirements according to
surfaces where we
EN 45545-2. RISE also conduct investigations and EN 45545-2:2013+A1:2015 still applies at least
evaluate the material's fire assessments of electrotechnical products such until the next revision of the TSI.
properties and ensure that as smaller technical cabinets to evaluate whether RISE performs tests according to both
any of the constituent parts require fire testing. versions and according to most of the referred
they meet the requirements The transitional period between the two versions test methods. RISE can also offer package Contact
of EN 45545-2. of the standard is 36 months from date of validity solutions for competence-enhancing activities Susanne Blomqvist
susanne.blomqvist@ri.se
(dov) of EN 45545-2:2020. for your company linked to EN 45545-2.
20 21How to suppress fires in Test
Nr. TR cells, Initiating
Module [-]
Mean propagation rate for cells [cells/min.]
1st-3rd 3rd-6th 6th-12th (last)
Mean temperature 1st-last+60 min [°C]
Target module -
Front
Target module
- Back
Ambient in
battery pack
automotive battery packs ref 1
mist 1
mist 2
12
11
8
8.57
2.36
2.61
1.07
0.92
0.48
0.61
0.26
0.26
248
100
98
97
70
70
88
53
44
ref 2 11 10.34 1.36 0.56 223 109 116
With more electric vehicles on the road, Automotive battery packs consist of many spray ext 11 11.11 0.91 0.50 241 164 78
the risk for fires involving fire brigade individual battery cells that are connected. If a spray 1 9 5.66 0.45 0.37 141 88 82
increases. A common concern with fire breaks out in one such battery cell, there is spray 2 9 3.85 0.97 0.31 143* 97 82
such fires is that traditional fire supp- a risk that is spreads to the next one within the *Estimated value since the sensor failed after the 6th consecutive thermal runaway in Module 1.
ression techniques are not efficient nor pack. One way to control this is by either cooling Table 1: Summary of results obtained in this study. The lowest values presented, and thus the most
effective. Through full-scale testing, or limiting the amount of heat transferred. positive effect for the different evaluation criteria, are highlighted.
RISE showed that this does not neces- Traditionally, when a fire breaks out in a
sarily have to be true. battery pack, the approach is to apply suppressant
to its exterior. As was shown by Long et al. (2013),
Modern electric vehicles use a lithium-ion this is unfortunately often inefficient, requiring This was the approach that RISE sought to verify battery cells went into TR was delayed and
battery pack as the main source for its traction. large amounts of suppressant (>1 000 L) and a through full-scale testing on a heavy vehicle fewer cells were found to go into TR. This further
These types of batteries are in hot demand by long quenching time (15 min. – 60 min.), and inef- automotive battery pack. In a study led by Ola strengthens that internal fire suppression is
the automotive industry due to their excellent fective, as the suppressing media does not reach Willstrand, already existing fire suppression effective at controlling fires in battery packs.
properties which allow them to be charged the actual seat of the fire and thus does not hinder systems for automotive engine compartments Considering that these results were achieved
quickly and store large amounts of energy. the fire from propagating between the individual were integrated within the battery pack. The with only 13 L of suppressant, these systems
However, one safety concern lies in that these battery cells. Reaching the seat of fire by directly considered systems were a water-mist system also appear more efficient than traditional fire
batteries may catch fire when damaged during a injecting the suppressant into the battery pack and a water-spray system, both having 13 L of suppression methods requiring >1 000 L of supp-
process referred to as thermal runaway (TR). would surely be the preferred method. suppressant available. Integrating the nozzles ressant and long quenching times (Long et al.,
inside the pack allowed for direct injection of the 2014). Ideally, the integrated suppression allows
suppressant. The thought behind this was that for fire hose connections so that first responders
it should at least slow down the transfer of heat can connect their systems to the interior of
between individual batteries inside the pack. For the battery pack and continue fire suppression
comparison, it was also investigated how this efforts if needed.
approach compared to using the water-spray This work was financed by the Swedish
system on the exterior of the battery pack. The FFI-program (Strategic Vehicle Research and
external system (referred to as “spray ext” in the Innovation and may be accessed from a RISE test
legend) is shown in Figure 1 and compared to report 8P03983-03 as well as an article in Fire
the free-burning tests (denoted “ref 1” and “ref Technology (Bisschop et al., 2020) .
2”), which showed that temperatures inside the
For any questions about the study or studies related to lithium-ion
battery pack were unaffected.
battery safety, please refer to https://www.ri.se/en/what-we-do/
Internal suppression was much more effective expertises/battery-fire-safety. or contact Roeland Bisschop.
for both considered suppressants as shown
Figure 1: in Table 1. This is shown from a selection of
External fire
temperatures, which compare the free-burning
suppression
test, external fire suppression test, internal water
(left) proved to
be ineffective mist system (“mist 1” and “mist 2”), and internal
in reducing water spray system (“spray 1” and “spray 2).
temperatures inside
Peak temperatures throughout the pack were Contact
the battery pack.
effectively reduced and kept under control. In Roeland Bisschop
roeland.bisschop@ri.se
addition to this, the times at which different
22 23Lagging fires
– their implications
and preventive
measures
Contacts with six industry representatives in the A situation that requires extra attention is
chemical sector reveal that lagging fires occur in when the contaminant contains unsaturations,
their plants, located in Sweden, with a frequency as in the case of e.g. vegetable oils; these are
of one to five times per year in each of the plants. known to be reactive. Also, other oils pose a
Lagging fires are commonly fires smouldering risk of lagging fires; statistics from the Swedish
in the lagging and the consequences are often Contingency Agency (MSB) show that 59 % of
relatively small; however, large consequences, the lagging fires during 2010-2020 resulted from
such as total losses of two ethylene oxide plants, porous lagging contaminated by an oil.
are reported in the literature. Some of the most
severe consequences reported in Sweden are
fires resulting in up to one week of production
losses and loss of a 100 m3 storage tank. The project “Development of an effective
If incorporated in risk assessments and screening method and knowledge sharing
highlighted at an early stage of a project, lagging to prevent lagging fires” is financed by
AFA Försäkring and aims to increase
fires can be prevented by proper design and
awareness and share knowledge of lagging
correct choice of lagging material. If the plant
fires. Further information is available in
is already constructed, the same palette of the recently published report Lagging fires
mitigative actions can be applied; however, it – A summary of the current knowledge (RISE
may be more difficult and costly due to several report 2020:88).
reasons. A proper design is any design that
prevents leakage (e.g. by minimising the number
of flanges) and directs any liquid outside the
cladding, preventing the lagging from being
contaminated. Suggested lagging that, at least,
minimises the risk for lagging fires is a lagging
with a closed structure (e.g. foamed glass).
Statistics, review of literature and contacts with industry representatives
reveal that lagging fires occur in the industry on a regular basis. Lagging fires Contact
result from self-heating caused by contamination of lagging in combination Sixten Dahlbom
sixten.dahlbom@ri.se
with elevated temperatures, sometimes even at temperatures below 100 °C.
24 25FRIC – Fire Research and Innovation Centre
has now been active since March 2019. FRIC
is hosted by RISE Fire Research in Trondheim,
with NTNU and SINTEF as research partners.
Interdisciplinary cooperation is a prerequisite for
the development of good solutions in FRIC.
FRIC’s partners come from many fields within
fire safety, and both national and international Presently there are four PhD candidates working
companies and organisations are represented. in close cooperation with the FRIC projects. One
The partners participate in the research activities is working on fire safety of wooden buildings
in many different ways. For example the fire and facades, one is engaged with CFD modelling
service has been engaged in extinguishment of underventilated fires, the third candidate’s
experiments where exposure to smoke and project is on residential fire safety, and one
particles was investigated in order to learn more has just started working on his PhD project on
about the efficiency of fire protective equipment. photovoltaic installations and fire safety.
The authorities have contributed with infor- Dissemination and communication of rese-
mation and knowledge and the fire consultants arch results is important in FRIC, and this is done
are involved in analyses of fire design of large through reports, presentations in conferences,
buildings with wood constructions. At the same scientific and popular articles, and in teaching
time manufacturers have supplied materials for activities. Several webinars were arranged during
fire testing etc. the last year, some of them were internal for FRIC
The main goal for FRIC is to increase the partners, while others were open for anyone to
knowledge in the field of fire in order to provide participate. Publications from FRIC can be found
support for decisions and develop better solu- on ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.
tions for increased fire safety in buildings. net/lab/FRIC-Fire-Research-and-Innovation-
Centre-Anne-Steen-Hansen
News from the The work is organized into four work
Visit the FRIC web page for more information
Fire Research and
https://fric.no/en
packages:
1. Evidence-based decision making
Innovation Centre
within fire safety
2. Fire dynamics and modelling
3. Building technology and design
FRIC – status after
4. Fire safety measures, new
technology in buildings
the first two years
Contact
Anne Steen-Hansen
anne.steen.hansen@risefr.no
There are several projects in each of the work
packages, covering quite a broad range of
topics. Several international contacts have been
established during this first period of FRIC.
FRIC – Fire Research and Innovation Centre has now been active since Collaboration in projects and exchange of rese-
March 2019. FRIC is hosted by RISE Fire Research in Trondheim, with archers, students and PhD candidates are two Contact
Karolina Storesund,
NTNU and SINTEF as research partners. Interdisciplinary cooperation is of the possibilities for international cooperation,
karolina.storesund@ntnu.no
a prerequisite for the development of good solutions in FRIC. which is very important for us.
26 27Self-heating and Safe
be a good method to measure the reactivity
of a material and thereby e.g. compare the
propensity for self-heating of different materials
handling of solid biofuel
(see the example graph in the figure). This is
due to the high sensitivity of the microcalori-
meter. One advantage with microcalorimetry
pellets – Two new is that small variations in released heat can
be determined from relatively large sample
ISO standards
masses (grams compared to milligrams for e.g.
DSC). Microcalorimetry is the method applied
in the recently published ISO standard: ISO
20049-1:2020 (“Solid biofuels – Determination
Stored biomass can self-heat and The extent of the self-heating depends on the of self-heating of pelletized biofuels – Part 1:
thereby lead to fires. How large the risk properties of the material, how it is stored and Isothermal calorimetry”). In addition to the test Figure 2: Microcalorimeter results clearly
show the difference between an active material
for a fire is varies between different other conditions like surrounding temperature, method as such, the standard also describes how
(“Pellets L”) and a relatively inactive material
types of biomass and how it is handled. airflow and availability of oxygen. If the heat to handle the samples and how the results can be (“Pellets M”).
It is therefore important to characte- release is larger than the heat transported away used. By in this way characterizing the propensity
rize the material and base the handling from the surface, the material will self-heat. for self-heating of different pellets, the effects
and storage on a risk assessment. That is the reason why the size of the storage of raw material, production processes and other
significantly affects the self-heating. conditions can be compared.
Fires in stored biomass pellets occur regularly.
This can result in risks for humans and large Self-heating standard Standard for commercial and industrial
losses, such as direct economic losses and Seemingly similar biomass (e.g. wood) pellets handling and storage
production downtime. A fire also means can have very different propensities for Handling of biomass pellets also involves other
emissions to the air, water and soil, and can self-heating. To assess the risk for self-heating risks then self-heating. Examples of other risks
also affect neighbouring businesses or infra- and self-ignition, it is therefore important to have are fire risks due to other ignition sources than
structure. All organic material can be active in knowledge on the properties and characteris- self-heating, dust explosion (in dust generated
such a way that they release heat and self-heat. tics of the material. Reactivity of the material in the handling process), gas explosions (e.g. gas
The reason for the self-heating can be due to plays an important role in assessing the risk generated from off-gassing processes related to Contact
microbial processes, chemical reactions or of self-heating and self-ignition. Isothermal self-heating), exposure of workers to dust emis- Anders Lönnermark
physical processes. calorimetry (microcalorimetry) has proven to sions, release of toxic gases in combination with anders.lonnermark@ri.se
rapid oxygen depletion, burial under pellets when
entering a storage, machinery involving moving
parts, and moving vehicles. The ISO standard ISO
20024:2020 (“Solid biofuels – Safe handling and
storage of solid biofuel pellets in commercial and
industrial applications”) describes these risks and Contact
presents requirements and recommendations for Mohit Pushp
mohit.pushp@ri.se
Figure 1: All organic design, operation and maintenance of industrial
material can through facilities handling and storing biofuel pellets. The
different processes
standard describes a risk-based approach where
release heat, how
much depends on the
the parts of the standard needed for a certain
material and if it facility depends on a risk assessment.
constitutes a risk The two presented standards make it possible
depends on how it is
for organisations producing, handling, storing or Contact
handled and stored.
using biofuel pellets to assess the risks of their Per Blomqvist
(Photo: Ingvar
per.blomqvist@ri.se
Hansson) handling and storing processes.
28 29You can also read
