EV Charger Fire Suppression for Battery Charging Fires

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a timely and effective fire extinguishing system for electric vehicles to address the risk of fires during charging due to factors like short-circuiting, overcharging, and overheating of batteries.

Innovation Solution

A fire extinguishing system for electric vehicles that includes a charger, a charger control unit, and a fire extinguishing device, which determines the occurrence of a fire through status information analysis and triggers the discharge of a fire extinguishing agent using a pressurizing pump and spraying member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fire extinguishing system is equipped in electric vehicle chargers, then fire safety during charging is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire safetyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fire extinguishing system is divided into separate functional modules: detection module (sensors for temperature, smoke, gas), control module (charger control unit), and execution module (fire extinguishing device with storage tank and discharge mechanism). This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fire extinguishing agent is pre-stored in a storage tank within the charger, and the system is pre-configured with detection and discharge mechanisms. When a fire is detected through status information analysis (temperature, smoke, gas levels), the system immediately activates the discharge mechanism without requiring external intervention, ensuring timely fire suppression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If fire detection and extinguishing capabilities are integrated into chargers, then response time to fires is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire response timeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The charger control unit serves dual functions: normal charging control and fire detection/control. The system integrates multiple detection capabilities (temperature, smoke, gas) and fire suppression functions into a single multi-functional device, reducing the need for separate dedicated fire safety equipment and lowering overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fire extinguishing system is designed to autonomously detect fire conditions through status information from sensors and automatically activate the fire extinguishing device without requiring external manual intervention. This self-service capability ensures immediate response while eliminating the need for additional control systems or human monitoring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively detects and extinguishes fires in electric vehicles, preventing the spread of fires and ensuring safety during charging.

Implementation Method 1

operates a pressurizing pump for pressurizing a fire extinguishing agent contained in a storage tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurisation: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP4574219A1Fire extinguishing system for electric vehicle and fire extinguishing method for electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SK ON CO LTD
  • EP4574219A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4574219A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4574219A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A fire extinguishing system for an electric vehicle includes a charger configured to supply electricity to the electric vehicle and charge a battery mounted on the electric vehicle; a charger control unit configured to receive status information of the electric vehicle or the charger from the electric vehicle or the charger and determine whether the electric vehicle is on fire; and a fire extinguishing device configured to receive a fire extinguishing signal from the charger control unit and extinguish a fire occurring in the electric vehicle.