EXTINGUISHING NOZZLE, FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM WITH ENERGY HARVESTING

Description

[0001] The following invention relates to a fire extinguishing nozzle of a fire extinguishing device for the selective detection and suppression of fires in at least one protected area. The invention further relates to a fire extinguishing device that uses the fire extinguishing nozzle according to the invention, as well as to a fire extinguishing system. The invention also relates to a method for operating a fire extinguishing nozzle and an associated use.

[0002] The use of extinguishing nozzles in fire protection systems is known. To enable control of the activation or communication with, for example, a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control panel, live connecting cables must be installed for each of the extinguishing nozzles, which are typically numerous within a specific protection zone. These sprinkler systems with such controllable activation are known, for example, from EP 2 286 879. GB2549980A describes a fire extinguishing system comprising at least one or at least two wall-mounted spray head units capable of directing and spraying a fire-extinguishing fluid onto a fire.

[0003] Connecting the sprinkler system via live electrical cables has several disadvantages. Firstly, errors can occur during cable installation, potentially compromising the system's reliability. Secondly, the installation is complex and therefore expensive. Simple alternative solutions, such as batteries, are unsuitable due to the associated maintenance requirements and environmental impact.

[0004] Against this background, it was an object of the present invention to provide extinguishing nozzles, fire protection devices and fire protection systems, each with these extinguishing nozzles and associated methods, which offer at least a reduced installation and maintenance effort.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the problem is solved by a fire extinguishing nozzle according to claim 1.

[0006] Because the extinguishing nozzle incorporates an energy harvester, it is not necessary to supply it with electricity or energy via electrical cables. Instead, the energy harvester is designed to provide energy harvested through energy harvesting. This allows the communication unit and control system to communicate and control the extinguishing nozzle without the need for a complex installation.

[0007] It is therefore sufficient to install only the fluid lines through which the extinguishing fluid is conveyed to the protected areas of the fire extinguishing system, with the extinguishing nozzles connected to or associated with these lines offering reduced installation and maintenance effort. Such extinguishing nozzles can then, for example, be easily and quickly replaced for maintenance purposes without having to disconnect them from the electrical power supply.

[0008] The fire extinguishing system is designed for the selective detection and suppression of fires and ignition sources. For this purpose, either the extinguishing nozzle itself or another element of the fire extinguishing system can incorporate suitable sensor means designed to detect fires and ignition sources. Crucially, the extinguishing nozzle according to the invention can receive a corresponding trigger signal from the communication unit upon detection of a fire or ignition source, enabling or blocking the flow of the extinguishing fluid.

[0009] Energy harvesting is generally understood as the extraction of electrical energy from all conceivable environmental sources, such as ambient temperature, vibrations, or air currents. Within the scope of the extinguishing nozzle according to the invention, all technologies suitable for energy harvesting are conceivable that provide a sufficient amount of energy required by the extinguishing nozzle. A particularly advantageous aspect of the solution according to the invention is therefore that no external electrical cables or lines are required to supply energy to the extinguishing nozzle.

[0010] The control element and other elements of the extinguishing nozzle can be arranged inside or outside a housing of the extinguishing nozzle, i.e. a nozzle housing, as long as they together with the nozzle housing form a functional unit that fulfills the functions according to the invention.

[0011] The communication unit is preferably configured for bidirectional communication. This allows the extinguishing nozzle, for example, to transmit information such as details of a fire detected by the nozzle itself to the control unit of the fire extinguishing system. However, for the operation of the extinguishing nozzle, i.e., for its reliable activation, only communication from the control unit to the communication unit of the extinguishing nozzle is required. This means that in the case of a selectively detected fire, the extinguishing nozzle is activated via communication from the control unit. In this case, unidirectional communication is sufficient.

[0012] According to the invention, the energy harvester is configured to provide energy by utilizing the piezoelectric effect, the thermoelectric effect, the electromagnetic effect, the photoelectric effect, and / or flow energy, in particular the flow of air, for example in the form of wind generators, or of fluids in the form of turbines. According to the invention, the energy harvester is configured to utilize several effects alternatively or in combination.

[0013] The designs of energy harvesting systems or energy harvesters can exploit macro effects or, preferably, micro effects.

[0014] Micro-effects are, for example, effects based on the piezoelectric effect, which generate electrical voltages when a force is applied, such as pressure or vibration. In this way, energy harvesters can convert vibrational energy present in the environment into electrical energy, similar to the principle of self-winding watches.

[0015] The thermoelectric effect is also a micro-effect that utilizes the fact that an electrical voltage is generated between the ends of a metal tension rod when a temperature gradient exists within the rod. Despite their low efficiency, thermoelectric generators offer significant advantages, as they require no moving parts, are maintenance-free due to the materials used, and can utilize natural heat sources or residual heat.

[0016] The use of the electromagnetic effect is known, for example, from passive RFID, which converts energy from electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves. Finally, when using the photoelectric effect, light energy, such as diffuse ambient lighting, is made directly usable for electrical devices. For example, an energy harvester can incorporate solar cells to convert light into electricity.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy harvester is configured to receive and provide energy from an energy transmitter provided in each protection zone, which is configured to transmit energy.

[0018] A protected area is, for example, a section of a building, such as a room, a hall, part of a hall, or similar. There are no restrictions on the shape and / or number of protected areas monitored by the fire extinguishing system. An energy transmitter designed to transfer energy to each protected area can be configured to utilize one or more of the possible effects that make energy harvesting possible. For example, the energy transmitter can emit electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, targeted heat, or even light. The energy transmitter can be directed either at one or more extinguishing nozzles within the protected area or act indiscriminately on a larger number of extinguishing nozzles. Alternatively, the energy transmitter can also introduce energy directly into the fluid line and / or the extinguishing fluid flowing within it.This could be, for example, an electric current if the fluid flowing in the fluid line is conductive, but also a temperature increase of the extinguishing fluid and / or a usable flow of the extinguishing fluid through the fluid line are conceivable.

[0019] Because the energy harvester can receive the dedicated energy from the energy transfer unit, a higher power consumption by the communication unit or control device is possible. The energy received by the energy harvester is not solely limited by the ambient energy, but is increased by combining it with the energy supplied by the energy transfer unit. For example, this allows for the generation of higher voltages in the energy harvester, which in turn enables lower currents.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy harvester has a piezoelectric element.

[0021] This allows vibrations acting on the energy harvester to be converted into electrical current. In another version, the piezoelectric element can also be configured to generate electrical voltages through pressure and / or pressure changes, for example, manually.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy harvester is configured to utilize a pressure or a change in pressure within the fluid line to provide energy.

[0023] In this embodiment as well, the energy harvester preferably features a piezoelectric element arranged either outside or inside the fluid line. Detecting pressures or pressure changes within the fluid line is particularly advantageous when the piezoelectric element is in almost direct contact with the fluid. This allows the pressures or pressure changes to be transmitted to the energy harvester for energy conversion, preferably without attenuation.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy harvester is configured to utilize a temperature or flow rate through the fluid line to provide energy.

[0025] This preferred embodiment is particularly suitable when continuous or regular flow through the fluid line is required. For example, if the fluid line must be continuously flowed to enable a cyclic exchange of the extinguishing fluid, this flow is suitable for energy conversion by the energy harvester. An elevated temperature of the extinguishing fluid, for example compared to the ambient temperature, or conversely, a lower temperature of the extinguishing fluid compared to the ambient temperature, is also advantageously suited for energy conversion by the energy harvester in other preferred embodiments.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy harvester is configured to provide as energy an electric current which is guided by means of a fluid arranged within the fluid line.

[0027] If the extinguishing fluid has suitable conductivity, current can be passed directly through it. For example, electrical currents, especially alternating currents, can also be detected at the extinguishing nozzle and converted by means of the energy harvester.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy harvester implements at least two different forms of energy harvesting.

[0029] Because at least two different forms of energy harvesting are implemented, the extinguishing nozzle according to the invention is designed to reliably supply power to the communication unit or the control element even if one of the two energy sources fails. This increases operational reliability and fault tolerance.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the extinguishing nozzle further comprises an energy storage device which is configured to temporarily store energy provided by the energy harvester, wherein the capacity of the energy storage device is designed such that safe operation is ensured in the event of a failure of the energy harvesting until the energy transmission, in particular wireless energy transmission, is restored.

[0031] Because the energy storage capacity bridges at least the time until energy harvesting is restored, continuous operation of the extinguishing nozzle without interruptions is ensured. In particular, even in the event of an energy harvesting failure, for example, due to a failure of the energy harvester itself or a failure of a supplied energy source (e.g., wirelessly transmitted energy), sufficient time remains available for maintenance and replacement. Preferably, the communication unit is configured to communicate the failure. The duration that can be bridged by the energy storage can, of course, be tailored to the requirements of the actual application. Preferably, multiple redundant communication paths and / or communication multiplexing are provided to ensure operational reliability.

[0032] According to another preferred embodiment, the extinguishing nozzle has a controllable release mechanism with a housing and a shut-off valve arranged therein and sealed by a sealing element.

[0033] For example, the sealing element of this or other preferred embodiments has a sealing disc spring that presses the shut-off valve against it. Other suitable sealing elements can, of course, also be used to advantage.

[0034] The shut-off valve is designed as a solenoid valve and / or a piezo valve and is equipped with outputs for connection to the energy storage device in conjunction with the control unit.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, according to a preferred embodiment, the controllable release includes a temperature-sensitive, destructible sensor element. The temperature-sensitive, destructible sensor element is coupled to a thermal heating element, and the heating element is provided with outputs for connection to the energy storage device in conjunction with the control unit.

[0036] By activating the thermal heating element with the energy stored in the energy storage unit, the destructive sensor element is heated to such an extent that it releases the extinguishing fluid, thereby triggering the extinguishing nozzle. This type of controllable triggering enables a particularly reliable activation with low energy consumption. Of course, other triggering methods, such as mechanical valves, are also conceivable, either as alternatives or in combination.

[0037] According to a second aspect, the problem is solved by a fire extinguishing device according to claim 7 for the selective detection and extinguishing of fires in at least one protected area. The fire extinguishing device has one or more extinguishing nozzles according to the first aspect for each protected area and furthermore an energy transmitter for each protected area, which is configured to transmit energy to the one or more extinguishing nozzles.

[0038] The fire extinguishing device according to the second aspect achieves all the advantages described for the extinguishing nozzle according to the first aspect. In particular, the fire extinguishing device can be advantageously combined with all of the previously described preferred designs.

[0039] Since the fire extinguishing system has one energy transmitter per protection zone, configured to transmit energy, a reliable power supply to one or more extinguishing nozzles is ensured. Any conceivable, suitable energy transmitter, preferably wireless, can be used. Dividing the fire extinguishing system within the protection zone allows, for example, selective activation of the extinguishing nozzles for one or more protection zones. Preferably, the extinguishing nozzles are activated for a protection zone simultaneously. If selective activation, for example, limited to specific areas, is desired, multiple protection zones must be provided. This further simplifies the system. For example, reliable extinguishing within a protection zone can be achieved with a single control command.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy transmitter is in communication connection with the fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center and is configured to communicate with the extinguishing nozzle(s), wherein the communication of the extinguishing nozzle(s) with the fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center takes place via the energy transmitter.

[0041] In this embodiment, the energy transmitter serves as the interface between the fire detector and / or extinguishing control unit and the extinguishing nozzle. The energy transmitter can therefore communicate with both the extinguishing nozzles and the fire detector and / or extinguishing control unit. Preferably, the communication between the extinguishing nozzles and the energy transmitter is bidirectional, meaning that communication is possible both from the energy transmitter to the extinguishing nozzle and vice versa. Accordingly, the energy transmitter is preferably configured to receive instructions from the fire detector and / or extinguishing control unit and transmit them to the extinguishing nozzle, while simultaneously receiving measurement or detection signals from the extinguishing nozzle via the same communication channel, for example, from sensors located within the extinguishing nozzles.Alternatively or in addition to sensors arranged on the extinguishing nozzles, the fire extinguishing system is also equipped to accommodate, for example, self-contained or separately operating sensors that also communicate their detection signals directly to the fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center or to the energy transmitter.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy transmitter is configured to connect the communication to an energy receiver to the transmitted energy or to superimpose it on the transmitted energy.

[0043] By overlaying or superimposing communication onto the transmitted energy, one and the same communication channel—that is, the energy that is already being transmitted—can be supplemented by an additional function. This results in lower overall complexity. In particular, it is then unnecessary to provide a separate, dedicated communication channel in addition to the energy transmission channel.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the transferred energy comprises electromagnetic energy in the form of a directed light beam or other directed electromagnetic pulse.

[0045] A directed light beam or other directed electromagnetic pulse is a particularly effective way to transfer energy from the energy transmitter to the extinguishing nozzle. Furthermore, directed light beams or electromagnetic pulses, via modulation such as frequency or amplitude modulation, are also suitable for carrying communication signals over the same channel.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the fire extinguishing device further comprises at least one fluid line for supplying extinguishing fluid to the extinguishing nozzle(s), wherein the fluid line is electrically insulated, and the energy harvester is configured to provide electrical energy transmitted by means of an electrically conductive fluid within the fluid line.

[0047] The fluid line, designed to carry the extinguishing fluid for fire suppression, is necessary to ensure fire protection within fire protection systems. Because the energy harvester uses an electrically conductive fluid located within the fluid line to harvest electrical energy, the typically required fluid line is augmented with an additional function: energy transmission. This eliminates the need for additional wiring, such as electrical cables required for energy transmission.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the extinguishing nozzles are activated automatically in the event of a communication failure.

[0049] Because the extinguishing nozzles are activated automatically in the event of a communication failure, effective fire suppression is ensured because communication between the extinguishing nozzle and the power supply fails. Preferably, a threshold value, such as a specific time period, can be defined to allow for the re-establishment of communication. If communication cannot be re-established within this threshold, the extinguishing nozzles are activated automatically. The duration of the activation delay must be adapted to the specific situation and depends, among other things, on potential fire hazards in the protected area.

[0050] According to a third aspect, the problem is solved by a fire extinguishing system according to claim 12 comprising a fire extinguishing device according to the second aspect and a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center.

[0051] According to a fourth aspect, the problem is solved by a method for operating a fire extinguishing nozzle of a fire extinguishing device, according to claim 13.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises transferring energy to the energy harvester of the extinguishing nozzle by means of an energy transmitter.

[0053] According to a fifth aspect, the problem is solved by using a fluid located in a sprinkler pipe for energy transfer, according to claim 14.

[0054] The fire extinguishing system according to the third aspect, the method according to the fourth aspect, and the use according to the fifth aspect also enable the same advantageous effects as described for the first and second aspects of the invention. Combinations of the fire extinguishing system, the method, and the use according to the invention with all embodiments described as preferred in the first and second aspects are also advantageously feasible.

[0055] Fire extinguishing systems with extinguishing fluid lines for conveying extinguishing fluid are generally known. The fire extinguishing system typically comprises one, two, or more extinguishing devices, in particular sprinklers and / or extinguishing nozzles. In modern systems, the extinguishing devices are often electrically coupled to other components of the fire extinguishing system and / or other devices of a fire protection system. This coupling enables, on the one hand, the supply of electrical power to components of the fire extinguishing system and, on the other hand, the sending and receiving of signals.

[0056] As mentioned, connecting via power and / or signal cables has several disadvantages. Firstly, faults can occur during cable installation, which are often only detectable in the event of a fire, thus jeopardizing the reliability of the sprinkler system. Simple alternative solutions, such as batteries and / or accumulators, are unsuitable due to the associated maintenance costs, as large systems can often contain several dozen or even several hundred sprinklers and / or extinguishing nozzles.

[0057] Against this background, it is also an object of the present invention to provide a fire extinguishing device, a fire protection system, and a method that reduce or eliminate one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that offers reduced installation and / or maintenance costs.

[0058] In a further aspect, a fire extinguishing device is proposed, in particular for the selective detection and / or suppression of fires in at least one protected area. The fire extinguishing device comprises a fire extinguishing fluid line for conveying a fire extinguishing fluid, wherein a fire extinguishing device, in particular a sprinkler and / or a fire extinguishing nozzle, is arranged on the fire extinguishing fluid line, and the fire extinguishing fluid line is arranged and configured to conduct electrical energy to the fire extinguishing device.

[0059] Preferably, the extinguishing device is designed as a sprinkler and has at least one control unit, wherein the sprinkler has at least one extinguishing fluid inlet and at least one extinguishing fluid outlet with a fluid connection running between them, preferably two or more extinguishing fluid outlets, wherein one of the control units for selectively enabling or disabling the fluid connection between the extinguishing fluid inlet and the extinguishing fluid outlet is assigned to the extinguishing fluid outlet, and wherein the control unit is electrically coupled to the extinguishing fluid line.

[0060] Preferably the sprinkler has at least one sensor device, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect a fire source and in particular to locate the fire source, and wherein the sensor device is electrically coupled to the extinguishing fluid line.

[0061] Preferably, the extinguishing device comprises a communication unit which is equipped to communicate with a control device, preferably a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center, and wherein the communication unit is arranged and configured to communicate with the control device via the extinguishing fluid line.

[0062] Preferably, the fire extinguishing device comprises an energy coupling device which is arranged and configured to electrically couple the extinguishing fluid line with a) the extinguishing device, and / or b) the sensor device, and / or c) the communication unit, wherein the energy coupling device is preferably arranged on the extinguishing device.

[0063] Preferably, the extinguishing fluid line can be electrically coupled to a power source.

[0064] Preferably, the extinguishing fluid line is formed by a conduit, wherein the conduit is made of or comprises an electrically conductive material, and / or the conduit is arranged and designed in such a way that electrical energy can flow through the conduit.

[0065] Preferably, the extinguishing fluid line has a conductive layer, in particular a conductive coating, wherein the conductive layer consists of or comprises an electrically conductive material, and wherein the conductive layer is arranged on an outer circumferential surface and / or an inner circumferential surface of the line tube, wherein the extinguishing fluid line is arranged and configured to conduct electrical energy through the conductive layer to the extinguishing device, and wherein the line tube preferably consists of or comprises a material that is essentially not electrically conductive.

[0066] Preferably, the extinguishing fluid line has an insulating layer, in particular an insulating coating, and the conductive layer, wherein the conductive layer is arranged in the radial direction of the extinguishing fluid line between the pipe and the insulating layer, and wherein the insulating layer is preferably arranged radially inside the pipe and / or preferably the insulating layer is arranged radially outside the pipe.

[0067] Preferably, the extinguishing fluid line is arranged and designed to conduct electrical energy within an extinguishing fluid located in the extinguishing fluid line.

[0068] Preferably, the fire extinguishing device comprises an energy supply device which is configured to supply electrical energy to an extinguishing fluid located in the extinguishing fluid line.

[0069] Preferably, the fire extinguishing device comprises two or more extinguishing fluid lines for conveying an extinguishing fluid, and / or two or more extinguishing devices arranged on the extinguishing fluid line or on the two or more extinguishing fluid lines.

[0070] In a further aspect, a fire protection system is proposed, comprising a fire extinguishing device according to the fire extinguishing device according to the preceding aspect or a preferred embodiment, an extinguishing fluid source, in particular an extinguishing fluid reservoir, preferably a compressed air water reservoir, and an extinguishing fluid pump.

[0071] In a further aspect, a method for operating a fire-fighting device, in particular for the selective detection and / or suppression of fires in at least one protected area, is proposed, comprising guiding an extinguishing fluid in an extinguishing fluid line with an extinguishing device, guiding electrical energy through the extinguishing fluid line, and preferably operating an extinguishing device, and / or a sensor device, and / or a communication unit.

[0072] Further advantages and features are described below with reference to the attached figures. These show: Fig. 1 schematically and by way of example a fire extinguishing device according to the invention; Fig. 2 schematically and by way of example a fire extinguishing nozzle according to the invention; Fig. 3 schematically and by way of example a fire extinguishing device; Fig. 4 schematically and by way of example a cross-section of a fluid line; Fig. 5 schematically and by way of example a cross-section of a fluid line; and Fig. 6 schematically and by way of example a cross-section of a fluid line.

[0073] Fig. 1Figure 1 schematically and exemplarily shows a fire extinguishing device 1 according to the invention for protecting, and in particular fighting, a detected fire, at least one protected area 200. The fire extinguishing device 1 comprises a fluid line network with a fluid line 120 and several extinguishing nozzles 100 connected to the fluid line 120. In a preferred case, the fire extinguishing device 1 also includes sensor means, for example as part of the extinguishing nozzles 100, which are designed for detecting fires. In this case, the fire extinguishing device 1 is also designed for monitoring the protected area(s) 200.

[0074] The extinguishing nozzle 100 is designed to receive energy. In this embodiment, the extinguishing nozzle 100 is configured to receive energy 142 from an energy transmitter 140. The energy transmitter 140 can, for example, be configured to transmit electromagnetic energy in the form of light or similar. The energy transmitter 140 is optionally connected to a control unit 300, which centrally coordinates the functions and activations of the fire extinguishing system 1. The control unit 300 is, for example, designed as part of a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control panel, but can also include any other PLC or proprietary control unit.

[0075] While in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1If the energy 142 is sent from the energy transmitter 140 to the energy harvester 102, alternative transmission of the energy 142 is also possible in other embodiments. For example, the energy 142 can be transmitted via the fluid line 120, for example by a flow of the fluid contained therein or an electrically conductive fluid.

[0076] Fig. 2Figure 100 schematically and exemplarily shows the extinguishing nozzle 100 in detail. The extinguishing nozzle 100 comprises an energy harvester 102, a communication unit 104, a control element 106, and an energy storage device 108. The energy harvester 102 is designed to absorb energy by means of energy harvesting. The energy harvested by the energy harvester 102 is used to operate the communication unit 104 and to trigger the control element 106. The harvested energy can be temporarily stored in the energy storage device 108, ensuring that the control element 106, for example, a valve to open the fluid line 120, can be triggered at any time.

[0077] The Energy Harvester 102 can implement all forms of energy harvesting. For example, it can, as in Fig. 1As an example, energy 142 is received from an energy transmitter 140. The energy harvester 102 can also harvest energy present in the fluid line 120, such as vibrations, flows, or electrical currents flowing in a fire extinguishing fluid or the fluid line 120 itself. This is possible, for example, if the fluid line 120 has a suitable coating.

[0078] The communication unit 104 is configured to communicate, for example, with the energy transmitter 140 or a comparable suitable communication receiver and / or transmitter, in order to trigger the release of the extinguishing fluid in the event of a fire via the control unit 106. Optionally, the extinguishing nozzle 100 can also be equipped with sensors for fire detection. A detected fire signal can then also be transmitted via the communication unit 104, for example, to the energy transmitter 140 and then to the control unit 300. The communication unit 104 is also preferably configured to transmit fault and / or status messages, for example, in the event of a malfunction detected by self-monitoring of the extinguishing nozzle 100's device functions. In other examples, the communication unit 104 can also communicate regular or irregular status messages independently of detected malfunctions.

[0079] Although in Fig. 2 As an example, a single protection zone 200 is shown; the fire extinguishing device 1 according to the invention is equally applicable to any number of protection zones. In particular, the division into protection zones enables selective fire fighting only in the sub-zone where a fire or fire hazard actually exists. Additionally or alternatively, several fire zones / hazard zones can be combined, for example, if one zone poses a particular danger to the surrounding areas.

[0080] Fig. 3 schematically and exemplarily shows another embodiment of a fire extinguishing device 1, which corresponds to the designs of the Figs. 1 and 2 It can be combined.

[0081] The fire extinguishing system 1 comprises a first extinguishing fluid line 40, a second extinguishing fluid line 42, a third extinguishing fluid line 44, a fourth extinguishing fluid line 46, and a fifth extinguishing fluid line 48, each of which is fitted with several extinguishing devices designed as sprinklers 50. In the event of activation, extinguishing fluid is pumped from an extinguishing fluid source 20 through the first to fifth extinguishing fluid lines 40-48 by means of an extinguishing fluid pump 30. Alternatively, other extinguishing devices, such as extinguishing nozzles and, in particular, controllable extinguishing nozzles, can be used instead of the sprinkler 50.

[0082] In this embodiment, each of the extinguishing fluid lines 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 is coupled to a power source 10, with the extinguishing fluid line 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 itself enabling the energy transmission. It is therefore an electrically conductive extinguishing fluid line, which eliminates the need for separate electrical connections to the sprinklers 50. This reduces the installation and maintenance effort of the fire extinguishing system 1.

[0083] Each of the sprinklers 50 can have its own control device 60, which can alternatively be provided centrally for the entire fire extinguishing system 1. The control device 60 can selectively trigger one or more of the sprinklers 50, or alternatively or additionally receive data from the individual sprinklers 50 and transmit it, for example, to a fire alarm and / or extinguishing control center. Preferably, one, several, or all of the sprinklers 50 include sensors for this purpose, such as temperature sensors or smoke sensors.

[0084] Communication between Sprinkler 50 and the fire alarm and / or extinguishing control panel preferably also takes place via the extinguishing fluid line, with the communication signal preferably superimposed on the electrical power supply signal. Other communication channels, such as wireless communication channels, are also conceivable.

[0085] Fig. 4 schematically and exemplarily shows a cross-section of a fire extinguishing fluid line 1000, which is, for example, one of the fire extinguishing fluid lines 40-48 of the Fig. 3 The extinguishing fluid line 1000 comprises a conduit 1100 made of or containing an electrically conductive material, and / or arranged and designed such that electrical energy can flow through the conduit 1100. Inside the extinguishing fluid line 1000 is a cavity 1500 in which the extinguishing fluid can flow.

[0086] Fig. 5 schematically and exemplarily shows a cross-section of another fire extinguishing fluid line 2000, which, in addition to a line pipe 2100, like the one in Fig. 4The extinguishing fluid line 1000 shown has a conductive layer 2200, in particular a conductive coating. The conductive layer 2200 consists of, or comprises, an electrically conductive material. The conductive layer 2200 is arranged on an outer circumferential surface and / or an inner circumferential surface of the conduit 2100. In this example, the extinguishing fluid line 2000 is arranged and configured to conduct electrical energy through the conductive layer 2200 to the extinguishing device. Preferably, in this case, the conduit 2100 consists of, or comprises, a substantially non-electrically conductive material. Inside the extinguishing fluid line 2000 is a cavity 2500 in which the extinguishing fluid can flow.

[0087] Fig. 6Figure 1 schematically and exemplarily shows a cross-section of another fire extinguishing fluid line 3000, which has an insulating layer 3300, in particular an insulating coating, and a conductive layer 3200. The conductive layer 3200 is arranged radially along the fire extinguishing fluid line 3000 between a conduit 3100, which was also contained in the fire extinguishing fluid lines 1000 and 2000, and the insulating layer 3300. Preferably, the insulating layer 3300 is arranged radially inside the conduit 3100 and / or preferably, the insulating layer 3300 is arranged radially outside the conduit 3100. In addition to the features shown in Figure 3200, the conductive layer 3200 is arranged radially outside the conduit 3100. Fig. 5 The elements shown for the extinguishing fluid line 2000 include the insulating layer 3300. Inside the extinguishing fluid line 3000 is a cavity 3500 in which the extinguishing fluid can flow. Reference symbol list

[0088] 1 Fire extinguishing device 5 Protection zone 10 Energy source 20 Firefighting fluid source 30 Firefighting fluid pump 40 First firefighting fluid line 42 Second firefighting fluid line 44 Third firefighting fluid line 46 Fourth firefighting fluid line 48 Fifth firefighting fluid line 50 Sprinkler 60 Control device 100 Fire nozzle 102 Energy harvester 104 Communication unit 106 Control element 108 Energy storage 120 Fluid line 140 Energy transducer 142 Energy 200 Protection zone 300 Control unit 1000 Firefighting fluid line 1100 Pipe 1500 Cavity 2000 Firefighting fluid line 2100 Pipe 2200 Conductive layer 2500 Cavity 3000 Firefighting fluid line 3100 Pipe 3200 Conductive layer 3300insulating layer 3500cavity

Claims

1. An extinguishing nozzle (100) of a fire extinguishing installation (1) for selectively identifying and fighting fires in at least one protected area (200), wherein the extinguishing nozzle (100) has: - a communication unit (104) which is configured for communicating with a control unit (300) of the fire extinguishing installation (1), - a control element (106) which is configured for controlling the extinguishing nozzle (100), wherein the extinguishing nozzle (100) is connectable to at least one fluid line (120) and the control element (106) is configured for selectively enabling and / or shutting off a passage of an extinguishing fluid, which is flowing in the fluid line (120), through the extinguishing nozzle (100), characterized in that the extinguishing nozzle (100) further comprises: - an energy harvester (102) which is configured for providing energy (142) for at least the communication unit (104) and the control element (106), wherein the energy harvester (102) is configured to provide energy utilizing a piezoelectric effect, a thermoelectric effect, an electromagnetic effect, a photoelectric effect and / or from flow energy.

2. The extinguishing nozzle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy harvester (102) is configured to receive and provide the energy (142) from an energy transmitter (140) which is provided for each protected area (200) and which is configured for transmitting energy (142).

3. The extinguishing nozzle (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the energy harvester (102) is configured to utilize a pressure or a change in the pressure within the fluid line for the purposes of providing energy, and / or wherein the energy harvester (102) is configured to utilize a temperature or a flow through the fluid line for the purposes of providing energy, and / or wherein the energy harvester (102) is configured to provide an electrical current, which is conducted by means of a fluid arranged within the fluid line, as energy (142).

4. The extinguishing nozzle (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the energy harvester (102) implements at least two different forms of energy harvesting.

5. The extinguishing nozzle (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which furthermore has an energy store (108) which is configured to buffer-store energy provided by the energy harvester (102), wherein a capacity of the energy store (108) is configured such that, in the event of failure of the energy harvesting, in particular in the event of failure of the energy harvester (102), reliable operation is ensured until the transmission of energy has been restored.

6. The extinguishing nozzle (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the extinguishing nozzle (100) comprises a controllable triggering arrangement with a housing and with a shut-off valve which is arranged in said housing and which is sealed off by means of a sealing element, wherein the controllable triggering arrangement preferably furthermore comprises a temperature-sensitive, destructible probe element, wherein - the temperature-sensitive destructible probe element is coupled to a thermal heating element, and - the heating element is equipped with outputs for connection to the energy store (108) in conjunction with the control element (106).

7. A fire extinguishing installation (1) for selectively identifying and fighting fires in at least one protected area (200), wherein the fire extinguishing installation (1) has, for each protected area (200), one or more extinguishing nozzles (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which preferably furthermore has, for each protected area (200), an energy transmitter (140) which is configured for transmitting energy (142) to the one or more extinguishing nozzles, wherein the energy transmitter (140) particularly preferably has a communication connection to a control unit (300), in particular a fire detector and / or extinguishing control station, and is configured to communicate with the one or more extinguishing nozzles (100), wherein the communication of the extinguishing nozzles (100) with the control unit (300) takes place via the energy transmitter (140).

8. The fire extinguishing installation (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the energy transmitter (140) is configured to overlay or superimpose the communication with an energy receiver (102) onto the transmitted energy (142).

9. The fire extinguishing installation (1) as claimed in any of claims 7 to 8, wherein the transmitted energy (142) comprises electromagnetic energy in the form of a targeted light beam or of some other targeted electromagnetic pulse.

10. The fire extinguishing installation (1) as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, which furthermore has at least one fluid line for providing extinguishing fluid at the one or more extinguishing nozzles (100), wherein the fluid line (120) is electrically insulated, and the energy harvester (102) is configured to provide electrical energy (142) transmitted by means of an electrically conductive fluid within the fluid line (102).

11. The fire extinguishing installation (1) as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the activation of the extinguishing nozzles (100) takes place automatically in the event of a communication failure.

12. A fire extinguishing system having a fire extinguishing installation (1) as claimed in any of claims 7 to 11 and having a fire detector and / or extinguishing control station.

13. A method for operating an extinguishing nozzle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6 of a fire extinguishing installation (1) for selectively identifying and fighting fires in at least one protected area (200), characterized in that the method comprises a provision of energy (142) by the energy harvester (102), wherein the method optionally comprises a transmission of energy to the energy harvester (102) of the extinguishing nozzle (100) by means of an energy transmitter (140).

14. The use of an extinguishing nozzle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and of a fluid circulating and / or electrically conducting in a sprinkler conduit for the purposes of transmitting energy, characterized in that the use comprises provision of energy (142) by the energy harvester (102).