Maritime Battery Fire Safety

About Our Research 

We are developing simulation and experimental approaches for maritime battery systems and battery rooms on board vessels to ensure safe operations, maintenance, and emergency response. We will investigate approaches to a standardised, modular design for battery rooms in electric harbour crafts to enhance safety, efficiency, and situational awareness. By integrating theoretical modelling, experimental validation, and practical applications, the team seeks to deepen understanding of battery fire risks in the electric harbour craft sector, advance safety standards, and empower emergency responders with actionable insights to manage risks effectively. 

The focus areas are: 

1. CFD Modelling Platform Development to simulate battery fire spread and gases plume dispersion, accounting for diverse battery chemistries in electric harbour craft
2. Case Studies on Gas Monitoring & Fire Suppression: Conduct real-world evaluations to assess the effectiveness and limitations of gas detection systems and fire suppression strategies
3. Explosion Risk & Deflagration Dynamics Analysis: Identify potential explosion hazards, vapour cloud formation and dispersion patterns to inform risk mitigation protocols
4. Emergency Response Plan Drafting: Develop a comprehensive action plan tailored to battery fire incidents, ensuring swift and coordinated emergency interventions

Li Ion Battery Fire Tests (From FSSD picture library)

A representative model of a harbour craft battery room with simulation results showing hydrogen gas release and temperature distribution. (From FSSD picture library)

A typical Li ion battery system installation