Fire safety in car parks
With the increase in electric vehicles, battery safety in car parks is also becoming more important. The lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles store large amounts of energy and require special safety measures. Especially in enclosed buildings such as car parks, where many vehicles are parked in a confined space, even minor malfunctions can have serious consequences.
A fire or thermal runaway of a battery is difficult to control due to its high energy density. Therefore, operators of car parks and underground car parks must take both structural and organisational measures to ensure the safety of people and infrastructure.
1. Why fire safety is so important in car parks
Car parks are often not designed for the specific risks posed by lithium-ion batteries. Cramped parking spaces, limited ventilation and restricted access make it difficult to fight fires in an emergency. In addition, electric vehicles are subject to chemical and thermal stress during charging – especially if the batteries are damaged or outdated.
Thermal runaway can not only destroy the affected vehicle, but also endanger neighbouring vehicles and parts of the building. Forward-looking safety planning is therefore crucial to prevent the spread of heat, smoke and toxic gases in the event of an incident.
2. Typical risks associated with lithium-ion batteries
- Thermal runaway: If a short circuit or overheating occurs within a battery cell, a chain reaction can be triggered that spreads to neighbouring cells.
- Mechanical damage: Accidents during manoeuvring, impacts or vibrations can damage cells and trigger chemical reactions inside the battery.
- Faulty charging processes: Overcharging or inadequate temperature monitoring during charging increases the risk of battery fire.
- Cascade effects: If several electric vehicles are parked next to each other, a single battery fire can spread to other vehicles – which is particularly critical in enclosed spaces.
3. Requirements for structural and organisational fire protection
Operators of car parks should adapt their fire safety concept to the changed circumstances of electromobility. This includes:
- Fire compartments and segmentation: Areas with charging infrastructure should be separated from each other by firewalls or suitable barriers.
- Ventilation systems: Adequate ventilation is necessary to quickly remove gases produced in the event of a fire.
- Early warning systems: Sensors that detect temperature increases or gas emissions can identify fires at an early stage.
- Firefighting technology: Fixed fire extinguishing systems must be designed for lithium-ion fires, as these cannot be controlled with water.
- Nutzerinformation: Clear instructions on correct charging behaviour and behaviour in an emergency increase safety.
4. Safe handling and storage of defective batteries
Defective or removed vehicle batteries pose a particular risk and must not be left unprotected in the car park. RETRON containers offer a solution for temporary storage and transport.
RETRON containers and security solutions are already in use in numerous waste disposal and logistics processes and can also be used in car parks. By using RETRON systems, operators can:
- store or transport defective vehicle batteries safely,
- expand fire protection measures,
- and dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely and in accordance with the law.
In addition, RETRON supports companies with advice and training on the safe handling of lithium-ion batteries – from storage to transport.
Operators must understand the specific risks of lithium-ion batteries and take appropriate measures to protect people, vehicles and buildings.
A well-thought-out safety concept includes structural adjustments, technical monitoring and suitable storage and transport solutions for defective batteries. RETRON's protection systems enable these requirements to be implemented effectively and reliably – for greater safety in electromobility.
