Samsung C&T's construction division is implementing various fire safety technologies in the Raemian apartment complex to enhance fire prevention and safety management. The company aims to establish a comprehensive fire safety system that spans from construction sites to living spaces and to continuously advance related technologies.
As apartment fires have become a significant social issue, the need for advanced fire safety technologies in residential facilities is growing. The increasing use of secondary batteries, such as those for electric bicycles and power tools, has heightened the necessity for dedicated management devices to reduce fire risks during charging.
On June 10, Samsung C&T announced the development of a "smart charging station" equipped with self-extinguishing capabilities to mitigate fire risks associated with secondary battery usage. This technology has been applied at the Raemian Elabine Fire Zone 6 reconstruction site and was developed in collaboration with the Korea Fire Equipment Manufacturing Institute.
Previously, secondary batteries for tools were charged in non-combustible storage units at construction sites. While these units were equipped with automatic diffusion extinguishers for initial response, they had limitations in fully extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires.
The newly developed smart charging station contains an 8-liter capacity extinguishing agent confirmed to be effective against lithium-ion battery fires. It is equipped with three temperature sensors and two extinguishing agent discharge nozzles. In the event of a fire during charging, the system automatically detects the incident and releases the extinguishing agent. A cooling fan has also been integrated to reduce heat.
Samsung C&T recognizes that the fire risks associated with secondary batteries extend beyond construction sites to everyday spaces, such as those involving electric bicycle batteries. Consequently, the company plans to install smart charging stations in common areas of new Raemian complexes to ensure residents can store and charge secondary batteries safely.
The smart charging stations have been available for sale through the HomeNick app, a residential care platform operated by Samsung C&T, since May.
The company is also enhancing fire response technologies for underground parking lots. In collaboration with Donghae Giyeon, a ventilation specialist, Samsung C&T is developing a high-performance smoke extraction system known as the "reversible heat fan." Traditional underground parking ventilation fans primarily served ventilation purposes, relying mainly on sprinklers for fire response.
The reversible heat fan operates in a low airflow ventilation mode under normal conditions. When a fire occurs, it adjusts airflow and direction in real-time to expel smoke outside. In the event of an electric vehicle fire, it can forcefully expel toxic gases at maximum airflow and create an air barrier around the charging area, providing crucial time for resident evacuation and emergency response teams to enter.
Fire prevention measures within individual units are also being introduced. Samsung C&T has collaborated with fire safety equipment specialist Paratech to develop a leak detection sprinkler. This sprinkler features a drainage outlet around the head cover, allowing for quick visual confirmation in case of leaks.
This innovation enables early detection of sprinkler malfunctions and helps minimize water damage from equipment failures. Samsung C&T plans to implement this technology in new Raemian complexes gradually.
Additionally, Samsung C&T has established a dedicated fire safety organization, the Fire Technology Group, within its housing development division. This group is composed of individuals with fire safety-related certifications and is responsible for establishing fire safety standards tailored to apartment construction sites and developing fire safety technologies.
The organization is also focused on training fire safety managers and conducting site inspections to create a prevention-oriented safety management system that goes beyond mere legal compliance.
A Samsung C&T representative stated, "We are continuously expanding our related organizations and technology development to ensure fire prevention at apartment construction sites and to create safe residential facilities post-occupancy. We aim to implement an integrated fire safety system that considers both site and living safety, providing a reassuring living environment for our customers."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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