Carbon dioxide fire fighting experimental evaluation

Specifically, this project will study if traditional low-pressure carbon dioxide fire suppression systems are adequate for supressing battery fires in cargo spaces of vehicle carriers. To achieve this goal, this project will involve approaches including (i) literature study, (ii) battery cell-level experiments (iii) small- and large-scale carbon dioxide fire suppression experiments, (iv) multi-physics simulations and (v) reference group meetings and open webinar and co-author of peer-reviewed articles.

In the short term, this project will lead to increased knowledge of lithium-ion battery fires and mitigation strategies at sea. This project will deliver fact-based evaluation about effectiveness of carbon dioxide fire suppression systems for ship owners, crew, battery and vehicle producers, fire protection system suppliers, marine insurance companies, and so on.

In the long term, this project will lead to increased safety of marine vehicle carriers transporting lithium-ion battery driven vehicles and assist in achieving climate goals globally.
The project will be led and carried out by RISE with in-kind support from the industrial partners in forms of donation of battery cells, modules and packs and vehicles for tests and work hours for participation in project meetings and review of report and articles. Moreover, bilateral dialogue with stakeholders will be conducted in this project in forms of regular reference group meetings, open workshops, and co-authoring peer-reviewed articles.

The project result will give input to International maritime Organization (IMO) for harmonization of gas-extinguishing systems in cargo spaces on vehicle carriers.