#Japan #Hyogo #Aqua Cyclone™ #Morita #EV fires

Introduction

Morita Corporation, headquartered in Hyogo Prefecture and led by President Masayoshi Kato, recently unveiled the Aqua Cyclone™, a revolutionary nozzle designed specifically for vehicle fires. This innovative device seeks to tackle the rising challenges posed by electric vehicle (EV) fires, enhancing firefighting efficiency and safety. By integrating Aqua Cyclone™ with other complementary products, Morita aims to provide comprehensive solutions for effectively extinguishing EV fires.

Understanding EV Fires

With the increasing proliferation of electric vehicles, fire response strategies have become a pressing concern. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), commonly found in EVs, exhibit unique characteristics that can result in hazardous situations during combustion. These batteries release flammable gases and oxygen when ignited, heightening the risk of reignition. Effective cooling requires substantial amounts of water and prolonged application to prevent further incidents. Additionally, LIBs are typically mounted low in vehicles, making it challenging for traditional firefighting methods to deliver water effectively to the heat source.

The Aqua Cyclone™ addresses these issues by allowing firefighters to insert the nozzle underneath the vehicle. Its rotating tip enables a wide spray of water from minimal volumes, efficiently cooling the LIBs, and mitigating ignition risks. Notably, this nozzle is not limited to EVs; it is also suitable for hybrid vehicles (HV), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV), and gasoline cars, facilitating safe firefighting operations.

Key Features

1. Efficiency

• - Compact Design: With a total height of just 90mm, the nozzle is uniquely designed to effectively cool the LIB from beneath the vehicle. The rotating nozzle delivers water at a low flow rate of 50L/min, while covering a broad area to mitigate the risk of thermal runaway or rekindling.
• - User-Friendly Operation: Its lightweight construction and straightforward functionality enable rapid initial response by firefighters.

2. Safety and Functionality

• - Extended Reach: The Aqua Cyclone™ features a long nozzle of 2,250mm, allowing for placement from a safe distance without needing to approach the vehicle closely.
• - Protective Design: Side spray features protect firefighters from flames erupting from underneath the vehicle.
• - Hands-Free Operation: Once positioned, continuous spraying can be conducted without handheld control.
• - Portability: The nozzle is adjustable and can be divided for compact storage, measuring only 980mm when retracted.

Specifications

Proposed EV Fire Extinguishing Solutions

Morita offers a structured approach using Aqua Cyclone™ along with additional equipment for effective EV fire management:

Step 1: Miracle CAFS Car

A specialized fire truck that mixes a small amount of foam agents with water and pressurizes it to create foam, Miracle CAFS is designed to efficiently suppress flames by reducing the surface tension of water, thereby increasing its surface area.

Step 2: Aqua Cyclone™ Nozzle

In conjunction with standard water application, the Aqua Cyclone™ nozzle allows firefighters to spray directly from underneath the vehicle, optimizing extinguishing efforts.

Step 3: FIRE ISOLATOR Blanket

Using the FIRE ISOLATOR, firefighters can envelop the entire vehicle, thereby minimizing the risk of flames spreading to surrounding areas.

Step 4: Flood Guard

Without moving the vehicle, this easy-to-use water barrier creates a containment area to submerge the vehicle, effectively neutralizing the LIB.

Conclusion

With the launch of the Aqua Cyclone™, Morita Corporation showcases its commitment to advancing fire safety technology. The company aims not only to address the unique challenges posed by modern EV fires but also to contribute to the creation of a sustainable future. By prioritizing safety and continuous innovation, Morita strives to be a company that is appreciated and loved in society.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Morita Holdings Group
Strategic Department, Management Planning Division, Public Relations Office
Phone: 03-6400-3485