EV Fire Suppression System for Saltwater Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles are prone to fires due to overheating battery packs, faulty batteries, and exposure to chemicals like saltwater, which can lead to explosions, especially in saltwater environments, posing challenges in fire suppression and safety.
Innovation Solution
An on-board fire suppression system integrated into electric vehicles, comprising a detection system, fire suppression system, and control system, which includes sensors for early detection of potential fires and delivers a fire suppressant directly to the affected area within the battery pack to mitigate damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric vehicles operate in saltwater environments, then they can reach distant locations and provide mobility, but saltwater exposure can cause battery shorting and fires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a fire detection and suppression system that activates before saltwater exposure can cause battery failure. Sensors detect early signs of battery distress (temperature changes, gas composition) and trigger suppression mechanisms to prevent saltwater-induced shorting and fires before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a fire suppression system with sensors and suppressant delivery mechanisms as a mediator between the battery and harmful saltwater environment. This intermediary system detects and responds to early battery stress signals, preventing direct contact between saltwater and battery electrodes
2Reliability
If traditional fire suppression methods are used on electric vehicle fires, then they can address general fires, but they are ineffective against battery fires and can worsen the situation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing targeted fire suppression that delivers suppressant directly to the battery pack location rather than general vehicle areas. The system uses localized sensors within or near the battery to detect fires and triggers suppressant delivery only to the affected battery compartment, ensuring effective suppression while avoiding waste and potential harm from improper suppressant application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by detecting and responding to specific physical and chemical parameters unique to battery fires (temperature thresholds, gas composition, pressure changes) rather than general fire parameters. The suppression system is calibrated to activate based on battery-specific failure modes, ensuring appropriate response to lithium-ion battery fires
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If fire detection systems are added to electric vehicles, then early detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a fire detection system that uses multi-functional sensors capable of detecting multiple parameters (temperature, gas composition, pressure, electrical anomalies) with a single integrated sensor unit. This reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate dedicated sensors for each parameter, while maintaining comprehensive detection capability for various battery failure modes
Data Source
AI summary
One or more examples provide an electric vehicle or a device for use with an electric vehicle, including an electric vehicle charging system and method. In one example, the electric vehicle includes a fire safety system coupled to the battery pack.