Bränder i Elektrifierade Truckar

Sammanfattning: The aim of this thesis is to quantify the consequences of a fire in Kalmar Globals Heavy Electric Forklifts and Electric Reachstackers as well as what actions can be taken to reduce the effects of an ongoing fire and what preventing measures can be made by Kalmar Globals customers to create a safe environment and reduce the probability of a fire breaking out. This thesis builds on information gathered during a literature study and a complementary interview study. Fires in lithium-ion batteries generate a high heat release rate and a smoke production consisting of a mix of toxic and flammable gases. This thesis finds that the bigger the battery the larger the scale of the consequences will be. Compared to a conventional electric vehicle such as a car, Kalmar Globals working machines are larger in size and mass due to the ability of lifting heavy objects. Despite a larger size the heat release rate of Kalmar Globals machines is not proportionally higher than that of an electric car. Compared to a diesel driven version of the same model of forklift or reachstacker, the heat release rate of the electric version is marginally higher with the smallest battery size available for the Heavy Electric Forklift producing the equivalent heat release rate. When it comes to actions that can be taken during a fire in a lithium-ion battery an important aspect is that of making sure there is good ventilation to reduce the concentration of toxic gases as well as limit the spread to nearby objects. Measures that can be taken as a preventing action include creating a safe place for the charging of the battery.