169 - Engineering car parks for EV's with Ali Ashrafi and Pawel Woelke

Fire Science Show

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7M ago 1:00:27

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EVs are becoming more of a 'normal' part of fire safety engineering rather than an 'exotic problem'. I've invited two colleagues from Thornton Tomasetti - Ali Ashrafi and Pawel Woelke, to discuss what this engineering looks like.
In the episode, we discuss insights into how fire risks differ between electric and internal combustion engine vehicles and why the focus is shifting from cars to more pressing hazards like electric scooters and energy storage systems. We explore the different approaches in the US and Europe, discussing the importance of performance-based solutions and timely detection to manage fire risks effectively. W We'll also discuss the critical role of ongoing education and adaptation in the fire safety industry as technology evolves.
An important aspect is the practical strategies for mitigating fire spread and explosion hazards in vehicle design and parking facilities. From the significance of separation distances and sprinklers to the potential dangers of gas accumulation, our conversation dives deep into the intricacies of ensuring a safer environment for both people and property. We also highlight the importance of early planning and thoughtful design in integrating EV infrastructure into building designs, and how real-world incidents shape our understanding and approach to EV safety.
If you would like further reading, please refer to the phase 2 report from NFPA at
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/fire-protection-research-foundation/projects-and-reports/modern-vehicle-hazards-in-parking-garages-vehicle-carriers
You may also be interested in the investigation of the explosion hazards researched by FSRI - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016236124019677?via%3Dihub=

Thank you to the SFPE for recognizing me with the 2025 SFPE Fire Safety Engineering Award! Huge thanks to YOU for being a part of this, and big thanks to the OFR for supporting me over the years.

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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.

Chapters

1. Fire Safety Engineering for Electric Vehicles (00:00:00)

2. Comparing Hazards of EVs and ICEs (00:11:45)

3. Comparative Analysis of Vehicle Hazards (00:17:50)

4. Understanding Fire Hazards in Vehicle Design (00:24:58)

5. Mitigating Fire Spread in Vehicle Design (00:38:06)

6. Mitigating Explosion Hazard in EV Design (00:42:08)

7. Standardizing Solutions for EV Fire Safety (00:49:50)

206 episodes

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