A FOGTEC high-pressure water mist system is currently being installed at the Eigerplatz electric bus depot in Bern. It protects the parked buses, the operational infrastructure and the adjacent workshop. In the event of a fire on an electric bus, the system is designed to contain the fire to the affected vehicle and protect neighbouring buses. The system’s design is based on the findings of the SUVEREN4Depots research project.
The project highlights the demands that modern electric bus depots place on technical fire protection systems today. The availability of local public transport is more important than ever. In Bern, there is an additional factor: alongside the tram, bus services are the only form of public transport provided by the city of Bern and the operator Bernmobil. The depot is very centrally located, so its constant availability is of particular importance.
Cramped parking conditions increase the risk
Bus depots face an increased fire risk due to the very confined parking conditions. If a vehicle catches fire, the blaze can quickly spread to neighbouring vehicles unless countermeasures are taken. This is particularly true given the rapid spread of fire in modern vehicle technologies and the increasing electrification of public transport.
A unique feature in Bern: public access through the depot grounds
A distinctive feature of the Eigerplatz bus depot lies in the local conditions. The site is not to be regarded exclusively as a restricted operational area. Due to an existing right of way, members of the public are permitted to pass through the depot.
This means that, in addition to trained operational staff, people from outside the organisation may also be present in and around the depot. For fire safety, this means that, in the event of an incident, consideration must also be given to people who are not familiar with operational procedures, escape routes or potential sources of danger.
High-pressure water mist limits fire spread
The fire suppression system therefore plays a key role. Among other things, the FOGTEC high-pressure water mist system is designed to tackle an emerging fire at an early stage, limit the spread of the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring vehicles.
The fine atomisation of the water draws energy away from the fire. At the same time, the area between two buses is sufficiently cooled so that neighbouring buses remain undamaged. Temperatures in the fire area can be lowered and the thermal stress on the surrounding area reduced. The volume of smoke is also significantly reduced.
This is particularly important in a depot with public access. The high-pressure water mist system helps to improve conditions in the vicinity of the fire in the event of a fire. It provides additional time for escape, evacuation and for the fire service to intervene and provide support.
Fire safety goes beyond the protection of property
The project in Bern demonstrates that fire safety in modern electric bus depots goes far beyond the mere protection of the buses or the depot building itself. Where areas of the depot can also be accessed by members of the public via right-of-way, technical fire safety becomes even more important.
High-pressure water mist systems can provide significant support here: they help to bring fires under control at an early stage, prevent them from spreading and enhance safety for people, operations and the charging infrastructure.
