Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection is a leader in the field of fire suppression systems for commercial vehicles, working tirelessly to make roads safer for everyone. This article dives deep into the company’s history, innovations, and the vital role it plays in safeguarding the future of transportation.
From Forest Fires to Global Safety
Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection has a rich history dating back to 1919. Initially, it was a wholesaler of industrial products. But in the 1970s, the company pivoted towards fire suppression and prevention systems, inspired by a surge in forestry equipment fires in Sweden. The Swedish Fire Protection Association played a key role in this transition, inviting Dafo Vehicle to join and develop its first fire suppression system.
Since then, the company has expanded its reach, branching out into various industries, including buses, trucks, mining, and agriculture. In 2018, Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection became an independent entity, solely dedicated to vehicle fire protection. Today, it is a global leader in the field, with subsidiaries across the globe and a commitment to continuous innovation.
A Comprehensive Approach to Fire Safety
Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection offers a comprehensive suite of solutions, encompassing fire detection, alarm, suppression, and control systems. Each component seamlessly integrates with the others, ensuring efficient and reliable fire prevention.
For traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) buses, the company’s systems utilize heat detector wire with a fixed temperature threshold. When activated, the wire triggers an alarm, initiating the fire suppression system. This is considered the most reliable solution for ICE buses, according to Jonas Bergström, Business Line Manager in the bus and coach segment.
However, the advent of electric vehicles (EVs) brought new challenges. To tackle this, Dafo Vehicle developed “off-gassing” detection technology for EV buses. This technology identifies the pre-stage of a thermal runaway in batteries, offering a faster response time compared to traditional heat detection.
Fighting Fires with Liquid Foam
When the detection system identifies a fire, Dafo Vehicle’s fire suppression technology deploys a liquid foam through pipes, creating a powerful cooling effect over a large area. The foam is stored in a pressureless tank, ensuring a reliable and safe system. An alarm horn and light signal alert passengers to evacuate immediately. The control unit logs all data, allowing for a thorough analysis of previous events.
Global Reach and a Focus on Growth
Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection has a strong global presence, with independently owned subsidiaries in Finland, Estonia, France, the U.S., and Malaysia. The company’s Research and Development (R&D) takes place in Stockholm, while electronic engineering is based in Estonia. With over 180,000 vehicle systems sold worldwide and a dedicated team of 105 employees, Dafo Vehicle is committed to expanding its reach, particularly in the U.S. and APAC markets.
Addressing the Unique Challenges of Electric Vehicles
The increasing popularity of electric vehicles, particularly buses, has brought new fire safety challenges. Unlike traditional combustion engine fires, battery fires can be more severe, releasing toxic gases and potentially causing explosions. Dafo Vehicle recognizes these risks and is actively developing innovative solutions to ensure the safety of electric vehicles.
A New Era of Fire Safety
The company’s groundbreaking SV-K system is a prime example of its commitment to innovation. Developed in collaboration with the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), SV-K addresses the specific fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. This advanced system detects potential failure, overheating, and fire risk at an early stage, preventing thermal runaway and mitigating fire damage.
SV-K uses spot cooling technology, which has been proven to be the most effective way to suppress thermal runaway. This system continuously monitors batteries for defects, activating an internal suppression system that uses the suppression agent Forrex to implement spot cooling. This technique effectively suppresses and prevents thermal runaway while initiating an early fire warning system to revert the battery to a safe state.
A Legacy of Safety and Innovation
Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection is a company built on a legacy of safety and innovation. They are dedicated to protecting lives and safeguarding the future of transportation by developing cutting-edge solutions for every type of vehicle. From their pioneering efforts in forestry fire suppression to their leading-edge technology for electric vehicles, Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection is at the forefront of the industry, ensuring a safer future for everyone.
