Bergesysteme for electric vehicles: Safety solutions in case of accidents
Electric vehicles pose special requirements for salvage and safety measures due to their construction and components, particularly the high-voltage batteries, in the event of an accident. Various recovery systems have been developed to meet these requirements.
Why are special recovery systems needed for electric vehicles?
The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles can be damaged in accidents and pose an increased fire risk. A fire in such a battery can be very intense and is often difficult to extinguish with conventional methods (Details on this topic can also be found here: Extinguishing fires in electric cars). Therefore, special recovery systems have been developed to minimize the risks and enable safe handling by professional service providers who can use these recovery systems after the incident of an E-car.
What different systems exist?
Two common methods for safely recovering electric cars are immersion in special containers and the use of special Recover-E-Bags:
- Flooded containers: In this method, the electric car is placed into a special container, which is then filled with water. By immersing, the battery is cooled and a possible fire is extinguished or its ignition prevented.
- Recover-E-Bags: These specially developed recovery systems are an alternative to containers. They can be placed around the vehicle and enclose it securely to extinguish a fire or prevent its spread. The advantage of these systems over flooded containers is mainly their flexible applicability and also the transportability of the damaged electric cars in the Recover-E-Bags. In addition, they are considerably cheaper than the containers.
For which users are the recovery systems suitable?
The mentioned recovery systems are primarily designed for professional salvage and rescue services that have the necessary equipment and expertise for safe handling of damaged electric cars. But fire departments and emergency services can also benefit from these systems, as they are often the first on the scene and must respond quickly to ensure safety.
Comparison of recovery systems for electric cars: Flooded containers vs. Recover-E-Bags
Water-filled containers
The advantages of flooded containers
- Effective cooling: By fully immersing the battery in water, highly effective cooling is achieved, which can quickly extinguish a fire or prevent its ignition.
- Complete isolation: A flooded container completely isolates the vehicle from its surroundings, preventing the spread of fire or smoke.
The disadvantages of flooded containers
- Transport effort: Transporting the vehicle into the container requires special equipment and a considerable amount of time.
- Water consumption: Filling the container requires large amounts of water, which can be problematic in some situations.
Recover-E-Bags
The advantages of Recover-E-Bags
- Easy deployment: Recover-E-Bags can be easily placed around the vehicle and do not require additional transportation of the vehicle.
- Versatility: They can be supplied in various sizes, making them suitable for a wide range of vehicle types.
The disadvantages of Recover-E-Bags
- Less effective cooling: Compared to fully immersing the battery in water, Recover-E-Bags offer less effective cooling, which in some cases may increase the risk of fire.
- Possible incomplete isolation: Depending on the situation and application, it can be difficult to completely surround the vehicle with Recover-E-Bags, which could permit the spread of fire or smoke.
- Time limitation: Some Recover-E-Bags are only usable for a limited time, i.e., damaged electric cars may only remain in the Recover-E-Bags for a limited period (e.g., 72h).
