Undercar Battery Fire Nozzle for Thermal Runaway Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firefighting tools are inadequate for effectively extinguishing fires in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) due to the challenge of delivering water directly to lithium-ion batteries, which can lead to thermal runaway, requiring large volumes of water and posing difficulties in low clearance environments.
Innovation Solution
A device with a body featuring multiple columns of holes and hooks designed to disperse water directly under the vehicle, allowing for efficient water application using a standard fire hose, and can be maneuvered using a Pike pole or New York hook.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large volumes of water are applied to cool lithium-ion batteries, then thermal runaway is prevented, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle body is segmented with multiple columns of holes (first column with 40-degree offset, second column with 20-degree offset, third column with no offset, fourth column with 20-degree offset, and fifth column with 40-degree offset) to distribute water into multiple streams that collectively cover a wider area of the battery pack, improving cooling efficiency and reducing total water consumption
Solution Approach 2:
Different columns of holes provide different water dispersion patterns - the offset columns create angled streams for broader coverage while the center column provides direct downward flow, creating localized quality variations that optimize cooling different areas of the battery pack simultaneously
2Productivity
If standard firefighting tools are used to extinguish BEV fires, then fire suppression is attempted, but effectiveness is reduced due to inability to deliver water directly to batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle delivers water from a horizontal/underside dimension rather than the traditional vertical top-down approach, allowing water to be applied directly to the battery pack from below where it is most needed, dramatically improving water delivery efficiency and fire extinguishment effectiveness
3Productivity
If water is dispersed from underneath the fire, then extinguishment efficiency is improved, but device maneuverability is constrained in low clearance environments
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates three hooks (first hook with U-shaped portion, second hook with U-shaped portion, third hook with U-shaped portion) that enable dynamic positioning and maneuvering of the device in tight spaces, allowing firefighters to easily deploy and reposition the nozzle to achieve optimal water application angles even in low clearance environments
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 device enables rapid cooling of battery fires by delivering approximately 700 gallons of water per minute directly to the batteries, preventing thermal runaway and reducing the water and time needed to extinguish BEV fires.
Implementation Method 1
The device enables rapid cooling of battery fires by delivering approximately 700 gallons of water per minute directly to the batteries
Data Source
AI summary
A device for extinguishing fires or preventing thermal runaway and methods of use thereof are described herein. The device may include a body having a plurality of holes, a neck, and a cap, and one or more hooks. The device may be used for extinguishing a fire or preventing thermal runaway in an electric vehicle fire.