Protection of critical infrastructures, such as tunnels and underground spaces, from fire events is among the most important research areas in the EU agenda and at a worldwide level. In this framework, the Energy Department is active since over 25 years both on numerical and experimental analyses of tunnels, with the development of a numerical thermo-fluid dynamic tool for the multiscale analysis of complex/long tunnels, the installation of an experimental laboratory for the characterization and analysis of extinguishment systems, the participation to various research projects funded by private and public companies, the collaborations with the main standardization and verification authorities (at a national and international level).
This research area includes various activities such as:
- further development and validation of the multiscale model (in collaboration with NIST) with the integration of ventilation options and extinguishing systems;
- the experimental analysis of advanced extinguishment systems, such as water mist and foam systems;
- the analysis of active and passive countermeasures for fire events involving electric and hydrogen vehicles (in collaboration with TUG - Institute of Thermodynamics and Sustainable Propulsion Systems);
- the development of innovative control strategies for fire control in existing or novel infrastructures.
Supervisors:
Prof. Romano Borchiellini
Prof. Davide Papurello
Prof. Vittorio Verda
Link: https://www.denerg.polito.it/it/la_ricerca/gruppi_di_ricerca/gruppo_di_ricerca_m3es