Active Fire Protection Systems
Aktiva brandskyddssystem

VBRF45, 9.0 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED BI/RH
Date of Decision: 2026-04-09

General Information

Main field: Technology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: BR3
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The objective of the course is to provide the students with knowledge about active fire protection systems, including systems for fire ventilation. By combining and applying knowledge gained from previous courses, the student is provided with insight into how this knowledge can be applied and utilised to analyse, evaluate, and design active systems.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to describe the assembly of fire detectors and detection systems, and explain how they work.
• be able to describe the most common types of extinguishing media, and explain their extinguishing effect with respect to various types of fires.
• be able to describe the most common types of extinguishing systems and explain their function
• be able to describe the reliability of active systems during fire.
• be able to describe active systems for smoke control and to explain their function.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to assess which detector types that are suitable for use in different types of fires.
• be able to apply calculations and computer models to estimate activation times for sprinklers and detectors for different types of fires.
• be able to decide which extinguishing medium is suitable for use on different types of fires
• be able to apply methods for calculation and theories to asses the extinguishing effects of different extinguishment media.
• be able to determine the effect of the extinguishing medium on people, property, and the environment.
• be able to apply models for smoke spread through ventilation systems

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to assess existing sprinkler systems and design a simple sprinkler system.
• demonstrate the capability to assess fire protection systems, including systems for fire ventilation with regard to the relevant technical, economical, and environment-related aspects.
• be able to assess engineering solutions with regard to the scientific, community-related, and ethical aspects involved.
• demonstrate the capability to identify need for further knowledge and continuously develop the competence.

Contents

The course includes lectures, which are combined with seminars, laboratory sessions and exercises. The lectures deal with fire protection systems, including systems for fire ventilation. The course section is concluded with a written examination.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

Successful completion is based on the written examinations, laboratory work, and assignments. The laboratory session is only conducted once a year. The final grade is based on the result of the final written exam.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0125. Name: Active Fire Protection Systems.
Credits: 5.0. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Written examination. The examination grade is the final grade for the course. The module includes: This part of the course includes lectures, which are combined with exercises and seminars. This part ends with a writen examinations.
Code: 0225. Name: Laboratories and Home Assignments.
Credits: 4.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Compulsory presence durin the laboratory sessions and approved laboratory reports and approved home assignments. The module includes: Laboratories, reports and home assignments

Admission

Admission requirements:

• VBRF30 Fire Chemistry and VBRF35 Fire Physics

Reading list

• Särdqvist, Stefan, 1968-: Vatten och andra släckmedel. Karlstad : Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap (MSB), 2022, ISBN: 9789179272647.
• Nilsson, Daniel: Kompendium i aktiva system - detektion [Elektronisk resurs] - Report 7030. Brandteknik LTH, 2016.
• Marcus Runefors: Kompendium i Aktiva system – Sprinkler - Report 3193. Department of Fire Safety Engineering, 2015.

Contact

Course coordinator: Patrick van Hees, patrick.van_hees@byggtek.lth.se
Course administrator: Linnéa Ekman, linnea.ekman@ebd.lth.se

Further information

Active participation in group work is required. Each group member must be able to report and be responsible for the content individually. If a group member does not fulfill the requirements for active participation, or disregards his/her commitments, she/he can be reassigned by the examiner to another group or get a fail result. Some lectures may be given in English. Generative AI may be used in a similar way as other tools used for gathering information. Using the resulting text, figure, code or similar created by a GAI tool is treated as deceptive and is treated as cheating. The use of GAI tools shall be stated in written material for examination. Recommendation on the use of GAI tools is presented on the course area on Canvas.