Fire risk of electric vehicles in confined spaces

Electric machines and batteries are crucial components of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. However, they also present a potential fire hazard, particularly in the case of lithium-ion batteries which are widely used in many electronic devices. Nowadays, the study of the evolution of fires with the use of Fire Safety Engineering methods is going to be more and more important In Italy and in all the developed countries. To address this issue, researchers and engineers have been working to develop better fire prevention and suppression systems. Pyrosim is one such system, which uses computational modeling to simulate and analyze fires in enclosed spaces such as tunnels or buildings. By using FDS alongside Pyrosim as simulation method, it is possible to gain a more comprehensive understanding of fire behavior. In this thesis, it has built upon the work done by previous researchers in the field of fire safety for electric vehicles and batteries. Using Pyrosim’s and thus FDS modeling capabilities, it has been developed a simulation model of a tunnel with an anti-fire system, as well as a vehicle using methane or electricity. By running simulations with varying parameters, such as the type of fuel used and position of the car, it was possible to analyze the behavior of fires in enclosed spaces and identify potential weaknesses in fire suppression systems. Additionally, the temperature and heat released during the simulated fires are investigated to gain a better understanding of the specific risks associated with electric vehicles. In conclusion, the results support the importance of continued research and development of fire prevention and suppression systems. By utilizing advanced modeling tools like Pyrosim, it is possible to better understand the behavior of fires in enclosed spaces and work towards improving the safety of these technologies.