Full-Scale Experimental Evaluation of Fire-Spread Prevention Performance of Vertical Fire-Barrier Screen Combined with Sprinkler Systems in Underground Parking Garages

This study evaluated the fire-spread prevention performance of a vertical fire barrier integrated with a sprinkler system through full-scale EV fire tests in an underground parking garage mockup. Two configurations—a barrier-only system and a barrier–sprinkler system—were compared. Although thermal runaway occurred in all battery modules under both conditions, the integrated system formed a continuous water film on the barrier surface, thus limiting the adjacent vehicle temperature to below 40 °C and preventing fire spread. By contrast, the barrier-only condition allowed flame propagation through the ceiling clearance, thereby increasing the adjacent vehicle temperature to 768 °C and causing fire spread. These results demonstrate that integrating a vertical fire barrier with a sprinkler system effectively suppresses early-stage fire spread and provides additional time for firefighting.