Active heat preservation cover of fire hydrant in extremely cold environment
By using a fish-scale flexible photovoltaic array and a distributed active heating network, the problem of fire hydrants freezing in extremely cold environments has been solved, achieving efficient and reliable active insulation and ensuring that fire hydrants can be used normally under any low-temperature conditions.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511839694.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing fire hydrants are prone to freezing in low-temperature environments, and traditional insulation materials have limited effectiveness. Furthermore, existing active heating solutions suffer from complex installation, high energy consumption, safety hazards, and poor adaptability.
A fish-scale flexible photovoltaic array is used to collect solar energy. Combined with a distributed active heating network and an intelligent control unit, the fire hydrant surface is directly contacted by a skin-friendly fleece lining to achieve active insulation and prevent freezing.
It achieves efficient and reliable active insulation of fire hydrants in extremely cold environments, ensuring that fire hydrants do not freeze under any low temperature conditions, and has the characteristics of energy self-sufficiency, intelligent management and high adaptability.
Smart Images

Figure CN121556552A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fire protection technology, specifically relating to an active heat insulation cover for preventing fire hydrants from freezing in low-temperature environments. Background Technology
[0002] As a key node in the urban fire protection network, fire hydrants are crucial for winter antifreeze protection. Traditional insulation covers are mostly made of passive insulation materials such as cotton felt and foam. Under continuous low temperature or extreme cold wave weather, the insulation effect is limited, which can easily cause the water inside the fire hydrant to freeze, making it unable to be used normally in an emergency. In existing technologies, although there are solutions that combine electric heat tracing with insulation layers, they rely on mains power and have problems such as complex installation, difficult wiring, high energy consumption, and safety hazards. In addition, some solutions that attempt to integrate solar panels mostly use rigid photovoltaic panels externally or simply glued on, which have problems such as easy damage, poor adhesion to the substrate affecting aesthetics, and inability to adapt to the irregular curved surfaces of fire hydrants. At the same time, passive solutions that rely solely on phase change materials for heat storage and release fail after the heat is depleted, resulting in insufficient reliability. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a fire hydrant insulation solution that integrates high-efficiency energy self-sufficiency, intelligent active heating, flexible bonding structure and high reliability. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a fire hydrant insulation cover with a reasonable structural design, self-sufficient energy, active heating and high fit. It collects solar energy through a unique fish-scale photovoltaic array and actively insulates the fire hydrant through a heating network integrated into the velvet lining, thus completely eliminating the risk of freezing.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments, comprising, from the inside out, a skin-friendly fleece inner lining, a high-efficiency heat insulation middle layer, and a structural protective outer layer; the heat insulation cover also includes a fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit, an energy management module, a distributed active heating network, and an intelligent control unit; the skin-friendly fleece inner lining is for direct contact with the surface of the fire hydrant; the high-efficiency heat insulation middle layer is applied to the outside of the skin-friendly fleece inner lining; the structural protective outer layer is the outermost layer; The fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit consists of multiple independent flexible solar panels arranged in a partially overlapping fish-scale pattern and fixed to the outer surface of the structural protective layer; the energy management module is electrically connected to the fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit; the distributed active heating network is woven or sewn into the skin-friendly fleece lining layer and is electrically connected to the output end of the energy management module; the intelligent control unit is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the distributed active heating network, and is used to control the on / off state of the distributed active heating network according to the temperature signal.
[0005] Furthermore, this application provides an active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments, wherein the material of the skin-friendly fleece inner lining is polyester fiber or polypropylene microfiber fleece.
[0006] Furthermore, this application provides an active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments, wherein the material of the high-efficiency heat insulation intermediate layer is cross-linked polyethylene foam or flame-retardant polyurethane foam.
[0007] Furthermore, this application provides an active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments, wherein one side of a single flexible solar cell in the fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit is fixed to the outer protective layer of the structure, while the opposite side is free, and the free side is partially covered by another adjacent solar cell.
[0008] Furthermore, this application provides an active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments, wherein the energy management module includes an energy storage element and a power management integrated circuit; the energy storage element is a solid-state supercapacitor; and the power management integrated circuit has maximum power point tracking functionality.
[0009] Furthermore, this application provides an active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments, wherein the distributed active heating network is fixed within the skin-friendly fleece lining layer by metal fiber conductive yarn or carbon fiber heating wire in a zigzag or grid-like path.
[0010] Furthermore, this application provides an active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments, wherein the intelligent control unit is preset with a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold; when the temperature is lower than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the distributed active heating network is activated; when the temperature is higher than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the distributed active heating network is deactivated.
[0011] Furthermore, this application provides an active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments, which also includes a status monitoring and communication module. The status monitoring and communication module is electrically connected to the intelligent control unit and the energy management module, and is used to collect system status information and send it to a remote platform via a wireless network.
[0012] Furthermore, this application provides an active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments, wherein the overall structure of the heat insulation cover is openable and closable, and is closed and fixed by Velcro and zippers.
[0013] This application provides an active insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments, which has the following advantages compared to existing technologies: 1. Excellent fit and reliability: The fish-scale arrangement of photovoltaic thin films gives the entire power generation unit excellent flexibility in three dimensions, which can perfectly fit the irregular outer surface of the fire hydrant without the risk of rigid pulling or falling off. The overlapping structure ensures that there are no gaps in the photovoltaic coverage, while facilitating the drainage of rainwater and snow, and improving environmental adaptability. 2. High-efficiency active heat preservation: Abandoning the concept of passive heat storage, it adopts a direct and efficient active electric heating method. The heating network is integrated into the fleece lining that is in direct contact with the fire hydrant. The heat transfer path is the shortest, the thermal efficiency is high, and the response is rapid, which can ensure that the core part of the fire hydrant does not freeze under any low temperature conditions. 3. Energy self-sufficiency and intelligent management: The unique flexible photovoltaic array efficiently collects solar energy, and combined with intelligent temperature control, it only starts heating when necessary, which greatly optimizes energy utilization efficiency and realizes autonomous operation without human intervention throughout the year; 4. Robust, durable and safe: The multi-layered composite structure provides comprehensive physical protection and environmental isolation. The inner lining of fleece avoids direct contact between the metal heating element and the fire hydrant, improving safety. The entire system has no exposed wiring or vulnerable parts, and is windproof, waterproof and theft-proof. 5. Intelligent and monitorable: The optional wireless communication module makes each insulation cover an Internet of Things node, realizing remote real-time monitoring and big data management of fire hydrant status, which greatly improves the modernization level of public facility management. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of an active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an active heat insulation cover system for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments according to the present invention.
[0015] The components include: 1. Skin-friendly fleece inner lining; 2. High-efficiency heat-insulating middle layer; 3. Structural protective outer layer; 4. Flexible solar panels; 5. Distributed active heating network; 6. Energy storage element; 7. Power management integrated circuit; 8. Temperature sensor; 9. Status monitoring and communication module. Detailed Implementation
[0016] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0017] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the equipment or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0018] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0019] See Figures 1-3 This embodiment provides an active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments. The heat insulation cover is bag-shaped and can be opened and closed, secured by Velcro and zippers. From the inside out, it includes a skin-friendly fleece inner lining layer 1, a high-efficiency heat insulation middle layer 2, and a structural protective outer layer 3. The skin-friendly fleece inner lining layer 1 is made of polyester fiber or polypropylene microfiber fleece, and the high-efficiency heat insulation middle layer 2 is made of cross-linked polyethylene foam or flame-retardant polyurethane foam. The heat insulation cover also includes a fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit, an energy management module, a distributed active heating network 5, and an intelligent control unit. The skin-friendly fleece inner lining layer 1 is used to directly contact the surface of the fire hydrant. The high-efficiency heat insulation middle layer 2 is applied to the outside of the skin-friendly fleece inner lining layer 1. The structural protective outer layer 3 is the outermost layer. The fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit consists of multiple independent flexible solar panels 4 arranged in a partially overlapping fish-scale pattern, fixed to the outer surface of the structural protective outer layer 3. Specifically, one side of a single flexible solar panel 4 in the fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit is fixed to the structural protective outer layer 3, while its opposite side is free and partially covered by an adjacent solar panel. The energy management module is electrically connected to the fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit. The distributed active heating network 5 is woven or sewn into the skin-friendly fleece lining layer 1 and electrically connected to the output of the energy management module. The distributed active heating network 5 is made of conductive metal fiber yarn or carbon fiber. The heating wire is fixed inside the skin-friendly fleece lining layer 1 in a zigzag or grid-like path. The energy management module includes an energy storage element 6 and a power management integrated circuit 7. The energy storage element 6 is a solid-state supercapacitor. The power management integrated circuit 7 has maximum power point tracking functionality. The intelligent control unit is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 8 and the distributed active heating network 5, and is used to control the on / off state of the distributed active heating network 5 according to the temperature signal. Specifically, the intelligent control unit has a preset first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold. When the temperature is lower than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the distributed active heating network 5 is activated; when the temperature is higher than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the distributed active heating network 5 is deactivated. In addition, a status monitoring and communication module 9 is included. The status monitoring and communication module 9 is electrically connected to the intelligent control unit and the energy management module, and is used to collect system status information and send it to a remote platform via a wireless network. Example
[0020] The insulation cover is a detachable, integral sleeve structure, suitable for covering common outdoor fire hydrants.
[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the core layered structure includes: Skin-friendly fleece lining layer 1: Made of 200gsm ultrafine denier polypropylene fleece, this material is soft, can closely fit the surface of the fire hydrant, and has good moisture conductivity and chemical stability, making it less likely to corrode the metal hydrant body. Distributed active heating network 5 is made of conductive yarns made of multiple strands of extremely fine nickel-chromium alloy metal fibers, sewn into the fleece layer by computer embroidery process in a continuous zigzag path with a spacing of 4cm. This layout ensures uniform heating. High-efficiency thermal insulation intermediate layer 2: Covered outside the inner lining layer, it is made of flame-retardant closed-cell polyurethane foam with a thickness of 8mm and a thermal conductivity of ≤0.035 W / m·K. This layer is the main thermal insulation barrier and effectively prevents heat loss to the outside. The outermost structural protective layer 3 is made of 600D PVC-coated polyester Oxford cloth, which has excellent waterproof, UV-resistant and tear-resistant properties. The fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit consists of 24 flexible amorphous silicon solar cells with a size of 50mm × 30mm. The upper edge of each cell is fixed to the outer protective layer 3 of the structure with waterproof polyurethane adhesive and high-frequency hot pressing process. The lower edge is a free end, and about one-third of its length covers the upper part of the adjacent next row of cells, forming a layered cover from top to bottom, like fish scales. This arrangement allows relative displacement between the cells when the sleeve is bent, which greatly enhances the overall flexibility. All cells are connected in parallel through flexible printed circuits under the cover layer. The electrical energy generated by the fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit is transmitted to the energy management module, which is encapsulated in a small waterproof box and fixed inside the heat insulation cover. The energy management module includes an energy storage element 6, which is a solid-state supercapacitor with a capacity of 1200F; and a power management integrated circuit 7, which uses a dedicated chip with MPPT function. The intelligent control unit is integrated into the energy management module. Its temperature sensor 8 probe is arranged at the lower part near the main fire hydrant. The microprocessor is set to activate the distributed active heating network 5 (301) when the temperature is ≤2℃ (first threshold) and shut down the heating when the temperature is ≥6℃ (second threshold). Work process: During the day, the photovoltaic unit generates electricity and stores it in the supercapacitor. At night or when the temperature is low, the temperature sensor 8 monitors it in real time. Once the temperature drops to 2°C, the control system immediately activates the distributed active heating network 5 to directly heat the fire hydrant using the stored electrical energy until the temperature rises back to a safe range.
[0022] Any aspects not detailed in this application are well-known to those skilled in the art.
[0023] The preferred embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of this application without inventive effort. Therefore, any technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of this application through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.
Claims
1. An active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments, characterized in that, From the inside out, the insulation cover comprises a skin-friendly fleece inner lining, a high-efficiency thermal insulation middle layer, and a structural protective outer layer. The insulation cover also includes a fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit, an energy management module, a distributed active heating network, and an intelligent control unit. The skin-friendly fleece inner lining is for direct contact with the fire hydrant surface. The high-efficiency thermal insulation middle layer is applied to the outside of the skin-friendly fleece inner lining. The structural protective outer layer is the outermost layer. The fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit consists of multiple independent flexible solar panels arranged in a partially overlapping fish-scale pattern and fixed to the outer surface of the structural protective layer; the energy management module is electrically connected to the fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit; the distributed active heating network is woven or sewn into the skin-friendly fleece lining layer and is electrically connected to the output end of the energy management module; the intelligent control unit is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the distributed active heating network, and is used to control the on / off state of the distributed active heating network according to the temperature signal.
2. The active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the skin-friendly fleece lining is polyester fiber or polypropylene microfiber fleece.
3. The active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the high-efficiency thermal insulation intermediate layer is cross-linked polyethylene foam or flame-retardant polyurethane foam.
4. The active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the fish-scale flexible photovoltaic power generation unit, one side of a single flexible solar cell is fixed to the outer protective layer of the structure, while the opposite side is free and partially covered by another adjacent solar cell.
5. The active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy management module includes an energy storage element and a power management integrated circuit; the energy storage element is a solid-state supercapacitor; the power management integrated circuit has maximum power point tracking functionality.
6. The active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distributed active heating network consists of metal fiber conductive yarn or carbon fiber heating wire fixed in a zigzag or grid-like path within the skin-friendly fleece lining.
7. The active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent control unit is preset with a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold; when the temperature is lower than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the distributed active heating network is activated; when the temperature is higher than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the distributed active heating network is deactivated.
8. The active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a status monitoring and communication module, which is electrically connected to the intelligent control unit and the energy management module, and is used to collect system status information and send it to a remote platform via a wireless network.
9. The active heat insulation cover for fire hydrants in extremely cold environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overall structure of the heat insulation cover is openable and closable, and it is closed and fixed by Velcro and zippers.