The impact of lithium-ion battery fires on light gauge steel framed buildings

Overview

This project investigates the effect of lithium-ion battery fires (e.g. e-scooters) on the fire resistance of load bearing light gauge steel-framed buildings. This desktop review will be conducted on lithium-ion battery types and materials, fire intensity, fire resistance of buildings, and building performance from fire incidents worldwide, etc. Based on the review, heat transfer models will be developed for possible building fire scenarios (two or three case studies) incorporating lithium-ion battery fire intensity (i.e. maximum temperature and fire duration). The heat transfer models will be developed in computational fluid dynamics software (CFD) – Fire Dynamics Simulator and the surface and steel stud temperatures will be compared with other building fire scenarios with/without lithium-ion battery fires in the literature and QUT Wind and Fire Lab research studies. The project will aim to identify the significance of lithium-ion battery fires on light gauge steel framed building elements.

Research engagement

• Conduct a detailed review of lithium-ion battery types and materials, fire intensity, building fire resistance, and building performance from fire incidents worldwide, etc.
• Develop heat transfer models in CFD and conduct case studies of buildings with and without lithium-ion fires

Outcomes

A comprehensive review and case studies using heat transfer models to understand the significance of lithium-ion battery fires on light gauge steel-framed buildings' fire resistance.

Start date

25 November, 2024

End date

7 February, 2025

Location

GP - Campus

Keywords

• Fire resistance
• Lithium ion battery
• Buildings
• Fires

Contact

Prof Mahen Mahendran - Email: m.mahendran@qut.edu.au Tel : 07 3138 254

Dr Anthony Ariyanayagam -  Email: a.ariyanayagam@qut.edu.au Tel : 07 3138 2513