Report
Teaser, summary, work performed and final results
Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Li-IonFire (An Automated HEV and EV Vehicle Fire Early Warning and Suppression System)
Teaser
Developing hybrid electric vehicles and pure electric vehicles industry has led to the adoption of lithium ion batteries as the source of power. The durability and high energy density of Li-ion batteries makes them more favourable than alternatives. Li-ion batteries are...
Summary
Developing hybrid electric vehicles and pure electric vehicles industry has led to the adoption of lithium ion batteries as the source of power. The durability and high energy density of Li-ion batteries makes them more favourable than alternatives. Li-ion batteries are inherently weak concerning fire management systems. Short circuiting, overcharging, high temperatures and overheating cause thermal runaway and the release of a flammable electrolyte which makes fire extinguishing very difficult and this has stalled the progress of the HEV and EV industry. Current fire suppressing systems have failed to effectively deal with Li-ion fires. Dafo Brand AB has come up with an
innovative HEV/EV Li-IonFire project aimed at fire management and suppression for heavy commercial HEV and EV such as buses and trucks.
This is a summary report of the Feasibility study carried by Dafo for the Li-IonFire project. Phase 1 of the Li-IonFire project focused on 6 main objectives:
1. Optimisation of current system capabilities to meet heavy commercial (trucks & buses) HEV and EV requirement (technology validation)
2. Market study across EU, North America and Asia Pacific
3. Partner search and collaboration with potential distribution partners
4. Patent search and technology watch leading to formulation of an IP Management Strategy
5. Comprehensive Business Plan and Feasibility study formulation
6. Standards and requirements assessments for HEV and EV FPS
Work performed
Phase 1 has focused on market study, partners search, optimisation of technology used in internal combustion engines to suit HEV and EV standards as well as formulation of an IP management strategy. Further technology validation and testing will be performed in Phase 2 as part of the full project’s implementation.
Final results
Li-IonFire directly supports the EU\'s call for the growth of sustainable and safe transport systems as well as the reduction of carbon emissions. This innovation is a disruptive technology that will change the landscape of the automobile industry. Its successful implementation and commercialization will enable Dafo to penetrate and consolidate new markets thereby supporting the company’s strategic growth plans. In addition, it will increasing the universal uptake of the HEV and EV industry by eliminating and controlling fire threats. Through damage localization, it will help preserve the battery and make it reusable. Furthermore, alhough financial damage resulting from Li-ion battery fires is considerable, the lives that are lost are often not highlighted. This new system will help prevent losses in both.