Impact of alternative and renewable energy source fires on structures

Project description

The green energy transition has very rapidly changed both the nature of fire safety risks in the built environment as well as challenged our ability to address those risks. At no time in history has fire safety engineering been required to address the consequences of progress in other areas to the extent that it has today. Tackling the fire safety challenges of new forms of energy will require a significant research effort addressing the problem from many facets and acknowledging the fact that existing structures, regulations and standards may be unfit to ensure that the consequences of fires in the built environment continue to be below a threshold of intolerability. Of particular relevance is the exposure to structures of fires involving clean energy technology such as batteries. The high energy density and rapid energy release of fires involving these technologies, as well as unknowns around about the deflagration risks as well as overall fire safety risks and heat transfer to structures makes this hazard particularly complex. Overpressure in compartments as a result of fires involving batteries, as well as side on overpressure from battery deflagrations in open air adjacent to structures have not been effectively measured, but are a source of significant concern considering anecdotal evidence of damage to separating elements in buildings as a result of battery fires. This project will include the following objectives: 1) Experimental determination of physical outputs form battery fires, including information that will enable the calculation of e.g. overpressure inside of compartments, or side on overpressure in open environments 2) Development of heat transfer models of structural elements exposed to fires involving lithium ion batteries 3) Development of models of structures exposed to the impacts of battery fires to better understand the consequences of battery fires on the built environment.

Outcomes

Project deliverables include: – Characterisation of the physical outputs of battery fires as relevant for structural analysis – Development of numerical models to describe the impacts of battery fires on structures – Development of proposed guidance to better manage the consequences of battery fires on the built environment from a structural perspective. – High-impact research outputs to convey the findings of this project

Essential capabilities

Civil/structural, mechanical, or fire engineering background; application of numerical methods to engineering problems

Desireable capabilities

Fire engineering, experimental fire testing experience, experience as a structural or fire safety engineer, Experience authoring or co-authoring peer-reviewed scientific literature

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

Bachelors or Masters degree in Structural, Mechanical, Civil, or Fire Safety Engineering