innovative system for fighting large-scale fires, particularly forest fires, based on the use of multirotor drones and a refractory sail.

Abstract

The invention relates to a large-scale firefighting system, particularly for forest fires, using a refractory ceramic tarp transported by several multirotor drones. This system allows for the rapid and effective covering of fire hotspots, thus limiting the oxygen supply and contributing to their extinguishment.

Description

Title of the invention: Remotely operated system for rapid large-scale firefighting. technical field

[0001] Civil security, firefighting, drones, refractory materials. State of the art

[0002] Fighting large-scale fires, particularly forest fires, represents a major challenge for civil protection services. Current methods have significant limitations in terms of effectiveness, safety, and speed of intervention. Traditional aerial means

[0003] • Water bomber aircraft: Expensive, require infrastructure Specific airport resources are required, and their intervention can be delayed by weather factors (wind, visibility) or aircraft availability. Furthermore, their effectiveness is limited in rugged or densely wooded areas. • Water-bombing helicopters: More maneuverable than airplanes, but with a limited water-carrying capacity. They are also sensitive to weather conditions and can be endangered by smoke and turbulence. Land-based means

[0004] • Fire vehicles and firefighters: Access to disaster areas is often difficult, or even impossible, due to the terrain, dense vegetation, or the rapid spread of the fire. Firefighters on the ground are exposed to significant risks (burns, poisoning, falling trees). • Brush clearing and firebreak techniques: Effective for prevention, but limited in the face of a large-scale fire. New technologies

[0005] • Surveillance drones: Used for fire detection and monitoring, but their role in extinction remains marginal. • Ground robots: Under development, but their operational deployment is still limited. Limitations of existing techniques

[0006] • Speed ​​of intervention: The time between the reporting of a fire and The arrival of fire suppression methods is often critical. • Safety of responders: Firefighters are exposed to considerable risks during interventions on forest fires. • Environmental impact: The massive use of water and retardant products can have harmful consequences on ecosystems. • Limited capacity and complex logistics: The capacity of air and ground resources to carry water or retardant products is often limited, which requires frequent resupply and complex logistics. Proposed solution

[0007] The invention proposes an innovative system for fighting large-scale fires, particularly forest fires, based on the use of multirotor drones and a refractory sail. This system aims to: • Accelerate the response by enabling rapid deployment to the scene of the fire. • Improve the effectiveness of extinguishing by limiting the supply of oxygen to the fire. • Enhance the safety of personnel by remotely controlling the system. • Reduce environmental impact by limiting the use of water and chemicals.

[0008] The system differs from existing solutions through its innovative approach, combining the mobility and precision of drones with the properties of refractory materials. It offers a complementary solution to traditional firefighting methods, particularly in hard-to-reach areas or for rapid intervention on nascent fires. Detailed description of the invention

[0009] The system according to the invention comprises the following elements: 1. At least three multirotor drones (preferably four or more) with a large payload capacity, equipped with cameras or other technological sensors, and resistant to high-temperature environments. 2. A large-format refractory ceramic tarpaulin, which may be composed of ceramic fibers (alumina, silica or zirconia) bonded by a binder, allowing to cover a maximum fire area. 3. Means of fixing and securing between the edges of the ceramic tarpaulin and the multirotor drones, allowing the aerial transport of the tarpaulin. 4. A system for remotely controlling and piloting drones and their movement. System operation

[0010] The system is designed to extinguish or significantly weaken large-scale fires, such as forest fires. Its operation is as follows: A. The refractory ceramic tarpaulin is fixed by its edges to the multirotor drones, which are robust, powerful and have a high load capacity. B. When a large-scale fire is reported and is difficult to control by conventional means, the system operator(s) launch the drones, with the ceramic cover initially folded. C. The operator(s) remotely pilot the system to the location of the fire. D. Once on site, the folded tarpaulin is deployed in flight, with the drones moving in opposite directions over a distance determined by the size of the tarpaulin. E. When the tarpaulin is fully deployed, the operator(s) identify the fire hotspots using the cameras or sensors on board the drones, and direct the system towards these hotspots. F. The drones then descend in a coordinated and synchronized manner towards the ground fire, positioning themselves on the periphery of the fire while the refractory ceramic sheet covers and isolates the fire or part of it, thus limiting the supply of oxygen necessary for combustion.

[0011] The more resistant the system components are to fire and intense heat, namely the ceramic cover and the multirotor drones, the longer the system can remain on the ground in contact with the fire, thus increasing the effectiveness of the extinguishing operation. However, rapid and repeated interventions, consisting of covering and then uncovering the fire, can also significantly weaken the fire, or even extinguish it completely, depending on the level of insulation and coverage of the burning area. Indeed, smothering the fire by depriving it of oxygen is a faster method of extinguishing it than using water. Advantages of the invention

[0012] • Rapid intervention: The system allows for rapid deployment and effective coverage of fire hotspots, even in hard-to-reach areas. • Effectiveness: The refractory ceramic tarpaulin limits the supply of oxygen, thus contributing to the extinguishing of the fire. • Security: The system is remotely controlled, limiting the risks for those involved. Versatility: The system can be used to fight different types of large-scale fires.

Claims

Demands

1. Firefighting system, characterized in that it comprises at least three multirotor drones, a refractory ceramic tarpaulin, and means for fastening between the edges of the ceramic tarpaulin and the multirotor drones.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the multirotor drones are four or more in number.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the refractory ceramic lining is composed of ceramic fibers.