Fire extinguishing equipment and methods

Abstract

The aim is to provide equipment that can replace carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems while suppressing increases in equipment size and cost, and improving fire extinguishing performance. [Solution] The fire extinguishing equipment for extinguishing a fire in a partitioned protective compartment 10 includes a first nitrogen shut-off valve 30-1 for opening and closing the supply path of nitrogen gas, a second nitrogen shut-off valve 30-2 located on the nitrogen head 12 side of the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30-1 for opening and closing the discharge of nitrogen gas, a water shut-off valve 32 for opening and closing the supply path of water, a high-voltage power supply unit 38 for applying a predetermined high voltage to the water particles to be discharged to make them charged water particles, and a charged spray head 14 capable of discharging charged water particles into the protective compartment 10. When a fire is detected in the protective compartment 10, the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30-1 and the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30-2 are opened, then the high-voltage power supply unit 38 is activated, and then the water shut-off valve 32 is opened to discharge suffocating gas from the nitrogen head 12 and charged water particles from the charged spray head 14.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing facility and a fire extinguishing method for extinguishing a fire occurring within a partitioned protection area by discharging nitrogen gas and charged water particles.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when it comes to gas-based fire extinguishing facilities, Halon 1301 fire extinguishing facilities were typical ones. However, since it was designated as a substance that destroys the ozone layer in the Montreal Protocol, the production of Halon gas has been decided to be discontinued, and its use as a fire extinguishing agent has been restricted.

[0003] For this reason, carbon dioxide fire extinguishing facilities have become the mainstream as an alternative to Halon 1301 fire extinguishing facilities. However, carbon dioxide has a high impact on global warming and is toxic, which has an adverse effect on the human body. Therefore, in recent years, nitrogen fire extinguishing facilities that are friendly to the environment and the human body have been becoming the mainstream in Japan.

[0004] However, the once-mainstream carbon dioxide fire extinguishing facilities have a long track record as fire extinguishing facilities, and there is a lot of knowledge about their performance and the like, and they have already been widely installed in various places. Also, although the amount of carbon dioxide required for fire extinguishing is less than that of Halon 1301, it is less than that of inert new gases that replace carbon dioxide. In particular, when compared with nitrogen, which is an inert new gas, it is about half. Also, as inert new gases, there are other fire extinguishing gases such as IG-541 and IG-55.

[0005] The advantage of filling these containers with a small amount of carbon dioxide is significant. Even when attempting to replace carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems with nitrogen fire extinguishing systems, the storage facilities for carbon dioxide-filled containers, which are installed in existing carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems, cannot accommodate nitrogen-filled containers. Furthermore, because a large amount of nitrogen is required for fire extinguishing, it becomes necessary to install additional pressure relief ports to prevent an increase in the internal pressure of the protected area when nitrogen is released into the protected area. This makes it difficult to use nitrogen fire extinguishing systems as a replacement for carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems. Additionally, when installing new nitrogen fire extinguishing systems, the storage facilities for containers must be larger than those for conventional halon 1301 fire extinguishing systems or carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems, and additional pressure relief ports must be installed, resulting in increased costs for the fire extinguishing systems.

[0006] On the other hand, given the social trend towards zero carbon emissions due to concerns about global warming, the realization of new inert gas fire extinguishing systems using nitrogen and other gases that retain the advantages of carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems is also anticipated.

[0007] Incidentally, while some halon-based and halocarbon-based new gases extinguish fires by stopping the chain reaction of combustion through a chemical reaction with the flames claim safety for humans before the extinguishing gas reacts with the flames, it is known that when the gas reacts with the flames and stops the chain reaction of combustion, it generates toxic gases (such as hydrogen fluoride) that can affect the human body. Furthermore, the amount of toxic gas generated has a positive correlation with the size of the flames and the reaction time between the flames and the extinguishing gas. In other words, the larger the flames, the more extinguishing gas is consumed to stop the chain reaction, and the longer the reaction time between the flames and the extinguishing gas, resulting in a problem where the amount of toxic gas generated increases in proportion to the size of the flames.

[0008] Therefore, since completing fire extinguishing in the early stages of a fire, when the flames are as small as possible, is important for reducing damage after the fire is extinguished, the release of the fire extinguishing gas is set to start as early as possible after the fire starts and the release time is short. One aspect of the concept behind these new halocarbon gas fire extinguishing systems is to extinguish the fire by releasing 90% of the fire extinguishing gas contained in the container within about 10 seconds after the fire is confirmed.

[0009] In contrast, the fire extinguishing principle of nitrogen fire extinguishing systems is to extinguish fires by suffocating through the suffocation effect, which occurs when nitrogen gas is released into a protected area to lower the oxygen concentration in that area. With nitrogen fire extinguishing systems, it is important to suppress the amount of combustion gas generated and to prevent fire extinguishing failure due to the inability to maintain the fire extinguishing environment caused by nitrogen gas leakage from the protected area and the resulting increase in oxygen concentration. It is necessary to extinguish the fire by quickly lowering the oxygen concentration to a level where flames cannot be sustained. In other words, the idea of ​​starting the release of the extinguishing gas as early as possible after the fire starts and keeping the release time short remains unchanged. Furthermore, other inert gas fire extinguishing systems also use the same fire extinguishing principle as nitrogen fire extinguishing systems, and the release time of the extinguishing gas is, in principle, about 60 seconds (120 seconds in some cases) after the fire is confirmed, regardless of the type of inert gas.

[0010] Furthermore, in these gas-based fire extinguishing systems, the spray heads that release the fire extinguishing gas are positioned in corners near the ceiling or walls to ensure that the concentration of the fire extinguishing gas released into the protected area is as uniform as possible throughout the protected area. This ensures that no matter where in the protected area a fire occurs, a constant concentration of fire extinguishing gas is distributed throughout the entire area.

[0011] Furthermore, as described in Patent Document 1, a gas-liquid mixed fire extinguishing system that releases nitrogen gas and water mist (water particles) has been proposed. By releasing water mist mixed with nitrogen gas after stopping the release of nitrogen gas, it is said that the amount of nitrogen gas released can be reduced by several tens of percent compared to fire extinguishing with nitrogen gas alone. In addition, since water mist mixed with nitrogen gas is released in this gas-liquid mixed system, the water mist is carried by the mixed high-pressure nitrogen gas and released widely within the protected area. It is said that the fire extinguishing effect is exerted by covering the enclosed space with a uniform mixture of water particles and nitrogen gas, and the nitrogen effect from nitrogen gas, the cooling effect from water, and the effect of reducing the combustion oxygen concentration due to the removal of oxygen by steam generation are synergistic.

[0012] Furthermore, the fire extinguishing performance of a fine water spray naturally depends on the quantitative aspect of how much of the fine water spray reaches the fire source, given that a certain water spray density is required for fire extinguishing in water-based fire extinguishing systems.

[0013] Furthermore, as a fire extinguishing system that emits a fine spray of water, there is a known fire prevention system (fire extinguishing system) that extinguishes fires by spraying (releasing) charged extinguishing agent particles (charged water particles) from a charged spraying head (Patent Document 2). According to this fire prevention system, it has been found that the fire extinguishing effect is improved because the sprayed particles of the extinguishing agent released from the charged spraying head are efficiently adsorbed to the target object of the fire source by electrostatic force due to the charge of the water particles. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-072704 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-106405 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-332244 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-050149 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] However, in conventional gas-liquid mixed fire extinguishing systems using nitrogen gas and water spray, nitrogen gas is released first, followed by a fine spray of water mixed with nitrogen gas. The energy of the mixed, high-pressure nitrogen gas is used to ensure that the nitrogen gas and water spray are widely and uniformly distributed within the protected area. However, there has been no consideration of how to increase the amount of water sprayed on the fire source. Furthermore, releasing nitrogen gas and water spray mixed with nitrogen gas simultaneously is avoided because the water spray is affected by the force of the nitrogen gas release, limiting the timing at which the water spray can be released.

[0016] Furthermore, even when attempting to utilize conventional fire extinguishing systems that release charged water particles, the combination of such systems with nitrogen gas release has not been sufficiently considered. Moreover, the release of charged water particles is limited to localized distribution within the protected area, and it is anticipated that the amount of water sprayed on the fire source may not be sufficient if the protected area is large. In addition, releasing charged water particles into the protected area requires pump equipment to pressurize the water, making it even more difficult to solve the problem of increased costs compared to carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems.

[0017] The present invention aims to provide a fire extinguishing system and method that extinguishes fires occurring within partitioned protected areas by releasing nitrogen gas and charged water particles, while suppressing increases in equipment size and cost and improving fire extinguishing performance, and which can replace carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] (Fire extinguishing equipment) The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing system for extinguishing a fire within a partitioned protective compartment, The system is characterized by its ability to control and release nitrogen gas towards the entire protected area and charged water particles towards the fire source when a fire is detected within the protected area.

[0019] (First fire suppression control: Simultaneous release of nitrogen gas and charged water particles) When a fire is detected in the protected area, nitrogen gas and charged water particles are released together into the protected area.

[0020] (Second fire suppression control: Stopping the release of nitrogen gas after the simultaneous release of nitrogen gas and charged water particles) When a fire is detected in the protected area, nitrogen gas and charged water particles are released together into the protected area, When a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of nitrogen gas and charged water particles, the release of charged water particles into the protected area is continued while the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area is stopped.

[0021] (Third fire suppression control: Stopping the release of charged water particles after the simultaneous release of nitrogen gas and charged water particles) When a fire is detected in the protected area, nitrogen gas and charged water particles are released together into the protected area, When a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of nitrogen gas and charged water particles, the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area is continued while the release of charged water particles into the protected area is stopped.

[0022] (Fourth fire suppression control: Release of nitrogen gas and charged water particles after the release of charged water particles) When a fire is detected in the protected area, charged water particles are released into the protected area, When a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of charged water particles, the release of charged water particles into the protected area is continued while nitrogen gas is released into the protected area.

[0023] (Fifth fire suppression control: Release of nitrogen gas and charged water particles after the release of nitrogen gas) When a fire is detected in the protected area, nitrogen gas is released into the protected area, When a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of nitrogen gas, the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area is continued while charged water particles are released into the protected area.

[0024] (Sixth fire suppression control: Release of charged water particles after the release of nitrogen gas) If a fire is detected within the protected area, nitrogen gas will be released into the protected area. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of nitrogen gas, the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area will be stopped, and charged water particles will be released into the protected area.

[0025] (Fire suppression control method #7: Release of charged water particles followed by release of nitrogen gas) If a fire is detected within the protected area, charged water particles will be released into the protected area. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of charged water particles, the release of charged water particles into the protected area is stopped, and nitrogen gas is released into the protected area.

[0026] (First fire extinguishing system configuration) It consists of a nitrogen fire extinguishing system that releases nitrogen gas, a charged spray fire extinguishing system that releases charged water particles, and a control unit. Nitrogen fire extinguishing systems are A nitrogen head is installed within the protected area and releases nitrogen gas into the protected area, A nitrogen-filled container filled with nitrogen gas, A nitrogen piping route is provided, with one end connected to a nitrogen head and the other end connected to a nitrogen-filled container, supplying nitrogen gas from the nitrogen-filled container to the nitrogen head. A nitrogen shut-off valve is placed in the nitrogen piping route and opens and closes the nitrogen gas supply route via the nitrogen piping route, Equipped with, The electrostatic spray fire extinguishing system is, A charged spray head is installed within the protected area and releases charged water particles into the protected area, A high-voltage power supply unit that applies a predetermined high voltage to the charged spray head, A water-filled container and One end is positioned inside the water-filled container, and the other end is branched and connected to the nitrogen head side from the nitrogen shut-off valve of the nitrogen piping route, and a pressurized piping route is provided to introduce nitrogen gas from the nitrogen-filled container to the water-filled container when the nitrogen shut-off valve is opened. One end is connected to the electrostatic spray head and the other end is placed inside a water-filled container, and a water piping route supplies water from the water-filled container to the electrostatic spray head. A water shut-off valve is placed in the water piping route and opens and closes the water supply route through the water piping route, Equipped with, The control unit is To release nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head, open the nitrogen shut-off valve. When releasing charged water particles from the charged spray head, the high-voltage power supply unit is activated, and the nitrogen valve and water valve are opened.

[0027] (Second fire extinguishing system configuration) It consists of a nitrogen fire extinguishing system that releases nitrogen gas, a charged spray fire extinguishing system that releases charged water particles, and a control unit. Nitrogen fire extinguishing systems are A nitrogen head is installed within the protected area and releases nitrogen gas into the protected area, A nitrogen-filled container filled with nitrogen gas, A nitrogen piping route is provided, with one end connected to a nitrogen head and the other end connected to a nitrogen-filled container, supplying nitrogen gas from the nitrogen-filled container to the nitrogen head. A first nitrogen shut-off valve is located in the nitrogen piping route and opens and closes the nitrogen gas supply route via the nitrogen piping route, A second nitrogen shut-off valve is located on the nitrogen head side of the first nitrogen shut-off valve in the nitrogen piping route, and opens and closes the nitrogen gas supply route through the nitrogen piping route. Equipped with, The electrostatic spray fire extinguishing system is, A charged spray head is installed within the protected area and releases charged water particles into the protected area, A high-voltage power supply unit that applies a predetermined high voltage to the charged spray head, A water-filled container and One end is positioned inside the water-filled container, and the other end is branched and connected to the nitrogen piping route between the first nitrogen shut-off valve and the second nitrogen shut-off valve, and a pressurized piping route is provided to introduce nitrogen gas from the nitrogen-filled container to the water-filled container when the first nitrogen shut-off valve is opened. One end is connected to the electrostatic spray head and the other end is placed inside a water-filled container, and a water piping route supplies water from the water-filled container to the electrostatic spray head. A water shut-off valve is placed in the water piping route and opens and closes the water supply route through the water piping route, Equipped with, The control unit is To release nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head, open the first nitrogen shut-off valve and the second nitrogen shut-off valve. When releasing charged water particles from the charged spray head, the high-voltage power supply unit is activated, and the first nitrogen valve and the water valve are opened.

[0028] (Fire extinguishing method) The present invention relates to a firefighting method for extinguishing a fire within a partitioned protective compartment, The system is characterized by, when a fire is detected within a protected area, releasing nitrogen gas throughout the protected area and simultaneously releasing charged water particles toward the fire source, in accordance with predetermined controls, to extinguish the fire. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] (Basic effects) In the fire extinguishing system of the present invention, nitrogen gas and charged water particles are released into a partitioned protected area. This allows for a synergistic effect that further improves fire extinguishing performance by combining the suffocation fire extinguishing effect, which reduces the oxygen concentration in the protected area by the release of nitrogen gas, and the so-called cooling suffocation fire extinguishing effect, which reduces the oxygen concentration by lowering the temperature of the fire source through the absorption of heat of vaporization and eliminating oxygen through the generation of water vapor. Furthermore, the amount of water particles adhering to the fire source increases due to the electrostatic force of the charged water particles, thus increasing the cooling suffocation fire extinguishing effect by water particles compared to conventional fire extinguishing systems.

[0030] Furthermore, by utilizing the release of nitrogen gas directed towards the fire source (resulting in a localized release), a sufficient amount of charged water particles can be delivered to the fire source even when the protected area is large and the distance from the water particle release point to the fire source is great. In addition, when the protected area is small, the release can be controlled to ensure that the charged water particles reach the fire source without being affected by the nitrogen gas release. Moreover, even when released together with nitrogen gas, the electrostatic force of the charged water particles makes it easier for the water particles to adhere to the fire source, thus reducing the impact of the nitrogen gas release.

[0031] Furthermore, because the fire extinguishing performance is improved by the cooling and suffocation effect caused by the release of charged water particles, the amount of nitrogen gas released can be reduced accordingly. This reduces the number and volume of containers used for filling with nitrogen, and as a result, the storage facilities such as buildings for housing the containers can be made smaller, increasing the likelihood of installing it as a replacement for existing carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems.

[0032] Furthermore, by reducing the amount of nitrogen gas released, the pressure rise within the protected area can be suppressed. As a result, the need to install pressure relief vents in the protected area is eliminated, which not only contributes to cost reduction when installing new equipment but also allows for easy replacement of existing carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems that lack pressure relief vents.

[0033] Furthermore, by reducing the amount of nitrogen gas released, it is possible to suppress the rise in nitrogen concentration within the protected area, thereby essentially preventing accidents such as death due to suffocation.

[0034] Furthermore, regarding the release of charged water particles, the fire extinguishing performance is improved by the suffocation effect of nitrogen gas. Therefore, compared to fire extinguishing systems that use only charged water particles, it is possible to extinguish fires with the release of a small amount of charged water particles, thereby suppressing and reducing damage caused by water.

[0035] (Effects of the first fire suppression control) Furthermore, if a fire is detected within a protected area, releasing nitrogen gas and charged water particles together into the protected area enhances fire extinguishing performance through a synergistic effect combining the suffocation fire extinguishing effect of nitrogen gas and the cooling suffocation fire extinguishing effect of charged water particles, enabling efficient and rapid fire extinguishing.

[0036] (Effects of the second fire suppression control system) Furthermore, if a fire is detected within the protected area, nitrogen gas and charged water particles are released together into the protected area. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of the nitrogen gas and charged water particles, the release of charged water particles into the protected area is continued while the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area is stopped. This enhances firefighting performance immediately after the start of firefighting through the synergistic effect of the suffocation effect of nitrogen gas release and the cooling suffocation effect of charged water particle release, efficiently and quickly reducing the scale of the fire and suppressing the combustion reaction. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of firefighting, the fire can be extinguished by the cooling suffocation effect of the charged water particle release.

[0037] Furthermore, in the second fire suppression control system, the amount of charged water particles released is sufficiently ensured by extending the release time of charged water particles. This allows for a reduction in the amount of nitrogen gas released by shortening the release time of nitrogen gas, resulting in significant benefits in reducing the number and capacity of containers for filling with nitrogen, eliminating the need for pressure relief vents in the protected area, and suppressing the rise in nitrogen concentration within the protected area.

[0038] Furthermore, by keeping the amount of nitrogen filled into the containers approximately constant as the sum of the amount released into the protected area and the amount used to release charged water particles, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number and capacity of containers used for filling with nitrogen. The same effect applies to the fire extinguishing controls described in Sections 3 through 7 below.

[0039] (Effects of the third fire suppression control system) Furthermore, if a fire is detected within the protected area, nitrogen gas and charged water particles are released together into the protected area. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of the nitrogen gas and charged water particles, the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area is continued while the release of charged water particles is stopped. This enhances firefighting performance immediately after the start of firefighting through the synergistic effect of the suffocation effect of nitrogen gas release and the cooling suffocation effect of charged water particle release, efficiently and quickly reducing the scale of the fire and suppressing the combustion reaction. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of firefighting, the fire can be extinguished by the suffocation effect of nitrogen gas release.

[0040] Furthermore, in the third fire suppression control system, the nitrogen gas release time is extended to ensure a sufficient amount of nitrogen gas is released. This allows for a reduction in the amount of charged water particles released by shortening the release time of charged water particles, resulting in a significant effect in suppressing and mitigating damage caused by water.

[0041] (Effects of the fourth fire suppression control system) Furthermore, if a fire is detected within the protected area, charged water particles are released into the protected area. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of the charged water particles, the release of charged water particles into the protected area is continued, and nitrogen gas is also released into the protected area. This allows the charged water particles to reach the fire source immediately after the start of firefighting without being affected by the release of nitrogen gas. The cooling and suffocating firefighting effect of the released charged water particles efficiently and quickly reduces the scale of the fire. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of firefighting, the combined synergistic effect of the suffocating firefighting effect of the nitrogen gas release and the cooling and suffocating firefighting effect of the released charged water particles enhances firefighting performance, enabling firefighting.

[0042] Furthermore, in the fourth fire suppression control system, the amount of charged water particles released is sufficiently ensured by extending the release time of charged water particles. This allows for a reduction in the amount of nitrogen gas released by shortening the release time of nitrogen gas, resulting in significant benefits in reducing the number and capacity of containers for filling with nitrogen, eliminating the need for pressure relief vents in the protected area, and suppressing the rise in nitrogen concentration within the protected area.

[0043] (Effects of the fifth fire suppression control method) Furthermore, if a fire is detected within the protected area, nitrogen gas is released into the area. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of nitrogen gas, the release of nitrogen gas into the area is continued, and charged water particles are also released into the area. This allows for efficient and rapid suppression of the combustion reaction immediately after the start of firefighting due to the suffocation effect of the nitrogen gas. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of firefighting, the combined synergistic effect of the suffocation effect from the nitrogen gas release and the cooling suffocation effect from the charged water particles release enhances firefighting performance, enabling effective extinguishing.

[0044] Furthermore, in the fifth fire suppression control method, by extending the nitrogen gas release time, a sufficient amount of nitrogen gas is ensured. This allows for a reduction in the amount of charged water particles released by shortening the release time, resulting in a significant effect in suppressing and mitigating damage caused by water.

[0045] (Effects of the sixth fire suppression control method) Furthermore, if a fire is detected within the protected area, nitrogen gas is released into the protected area. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of nitrogen gas, the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area is stopped, and charged water particles are released into the protected area. This allows for efficient and rapid suppression of the combustion reaction immediately after the start of firefighting due to the suffocating effect of the nitrogen gas. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of firefighting, charged water particles are delivered to the fire source without being affected by the release of nitrogen gas, and the fire can be extinguished by the cooling and suffocating effect of the released charged water particles.

[0046] (Effects of the seventh fire suppression control system) Furthermore, if a fire is detected within the protected area, charged water particles are released into the protected area. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of the charged water particles, the release of charged water particles into the protected area is stopped, and nitrogen gas is released into the protected area. This allows for an efficient and rapid reduction in the scale of the fire immediately after the start of firefighting, through the cooling and suffocation effect of the charged water particles, without being affected by the release of nitrogen gas. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of firefighting, the fire can be extinguished through the suffocation effect of the nitrogen gas release.

[0047] (Effects of the first fire extinguishing system configuration) By adopting the first fire extinguishing system configuration, it becomes possible to realize the first and third fire extinguishing control systems. Furthermore, while conventional electrostatic spray fire extinguishing systems require continuous operation of a pump to pressurize the water in a water-filled container, the present invention allows for pressurization of the water in the water-filled container by utilizing nitrogen gas filled in a nitrogen-filled container. Therefore, a pump and a power supply system for operating the pump are unnecessary, and the required capacity of the emergency power supply can be greatly reduced, thereby enabling a reduction in the scale and cost of the fire extinguishing system.

[0048] (Effects of the second fire extinguishing system configuration) By adopting the second fire extinguishing system configuration, it becomes possible to realize all of the first through seventh fire extinguishing control methods. Furthermore, in this case as well, since the water in the water-filled container can be pressurized by using nitrogen gas filled in the nitrogen-filled container, a pump and a power supply system to operate the pump are unnecessary, and the required capacity of the emergency power supply can be greatly reduced, thereby making it possible to reduce the scale and cost of the fire extinguishing system.

[0049] (Effectiveness of fire extinguishing methods) Since the effects of the fire extinguishing method according to the present invention are the same as those of the fire extinguishing equipment described above, a detailed explanation will be omitted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0050] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the first embodiment of the fire extinguishing system. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a charged spray head. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the high-voltage power supply unit together with the electrostatic spray head. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the first fire extinguishing control according to the first embodiment of the fire extinguishing system. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system. [Figure 6] This is a time chart showing the release of nitrogen gas and charged water particles under the first to seventh fire extinguishing control methods. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the second fire extinguishing control according to the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating a third fire extinguishing control method according to the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the fourth fire extinguishing control according to the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the fifth fire extinguishing control according to the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the sixth fire extinguishing control according to the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the seventh fire extinguishing control according to the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] Embodiments of the fire extinguishing equipment and fire extinguishing method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0052] [Basic Concepts of the Embodiment] First, the basic concept of the embodiment will be explained. The embodiment relates to a fire extinguishing system for extinguishing a fire within a roughly partitioned protected area.

[0053] Here, "partitioned protective compartment" refers to a space partitioned by the floor, walls, ceiling, roof, etc., of a building. This concept is not limited to compartments that are completely sealed, but includes compartments that are partitioned to the extent that nitrogen gas and charged water particles released by fire extinguishing equipment can be contained within the compartment, thereby allowing the fire extinguishing effect to be exerted through the release of nitrogen gas and charged water particles.

[0054] Furthermore, the "fire extinguishing system" of this embodiment controls and releases nitrogen gas towards the entire protected area and charged water particles towards the fire source when a fire is detected within the protected area.

[0055] Here, "release of charged water particles toward the fire source" refers to the release of charged water particles toward locations or objects that are expected to become fire sources in the event of a fire, and includes, for example, the release of charged water particles toward the floor surface within the protected area or toward equipment that could become a fire source.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are seven fire extinguishing control methods, from the first to the seventh, which involve releasing nitrogen gas and charged water particles.

[0057] The first fire suppression control involves releasing nitrogen gas and charged water particles together into the protected area when a fire is detected within the protected area. Here, "releasing together" does not mean that the start of nitrogen gas release and the start of charged water particle release must be exactly the same, but rather that the release times of nitrogen gas and charged water particles overlap so that a synergistic effect is achieved by combining the fire suppression effects of nitrogen gas and charged water particles. The same applies to the second and third fire suppression control methods.

[0058] The second fire suppression control system, when a fire is detected within a protected area, releases nitrogen gas and charged water particles together into the protected area. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of the nitrogen gas and charged water particles, the release of charged water particles into the protected area is continued while the release of nitrogen gas is stopped. In other words, immediately after the start of fire suppression, the synergistic effect of the suffocation effect of nitrogen gas release and the cooling suffocation effect of charged water particle release efficiently and quickly reduces the scale of the fire and suppresses the combustion reaction. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of fire suppression, the fire can be extinguished by the cooling suffocation effect of charged water particle release. By extending the release time of charged water particles, a sufficient amount of charged water particles can be released, and by shortening the release time of nitrogen gas, the amount of nitrogen gas released can be reduced. As a result, there are significant effects in reducing the number and capacity of containers for filling with nitrogen, eliminating the need to install pressure relief vents in the protected area, and suppressing the rise in nitrogen concentration within the protected area.

[0059] The third fire suppression control method involves releasing nitrogen gas and charged water particles together into the protected area when a fire is detected within the protected area. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of nitrogen gas and charged water particles into the protected area, the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area is continued while the release of charged water particles is stopped. In other words, immediately after the start of fire suppression, the synergistic effect of combining the suffocation effect of nitrogen gas release and the cooling suffocation effect of charged water particle release efficiently and quickly reduces the scale of the fire and suppresses the combustion reaction. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of fire suppression, the fire can be extinguished by the suffocation effect of nitrogen gas release. By extending the nitrogen gas release time, a sufficient amount of nitrogen gas can be released, and by shortening the release time of charged water particles, the amount of charged water particles released can be reduced, resulting in a significant effect in suppressing and reducing damage caused by water.

[0060] The fourth fire suppression control method involves releasing charged water particles into the protected area when a fire is detected within the protected area. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of the charged water particles, the release of charged water particles into the protected area is continued, and nitrogen gas is also released into the protected area. In other words, immediately after the start of fire suppression, the charged water particles are delivered to the fire source without being affected by the release of nitrogen gas, and the cooling and suffocation fire suppression effect of the released charged water particles efficiently and quickly reduces the scale of the fire. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of fire suppression, the fire can be extinguished by the synergistic effect of the suffocation fire suppression effect of the release of nitrogen gas and the cooling and suffocation fire suppression effect of the released charged water particles. By extending the release time of charged water particles, a sufficient amount of charged water particles can be released, and by shortening the release time of nitrogen gas, the amount of nitrogen gas released can be reduced. As a result, there are significant effects in reducing the number and capacity of containers for filling with nitrogen, eliminating the need to install pressure relief vents in the protected area, and suppressing the rise in nitrogen concentration within the protected area.

[0061] The fifth fire suppression control method involves releasing nitrogen gas into the protected area when a fire is detected within the protected area. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of nitrogen gas, the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area is continued, and charged water particles are also released into the protected area. In other words, immediately after the start of fire suppression, the combustion reaction is efficiently and quickly suppressed by the suffocation effect of the nitrogen gas release. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of fire suppression, the fire can be extinguished by the synergistic effect of combining the suffocation effect of the nitrogen gas release and the cooling suffocation effect of the charged water particle release. By extending the nitrogen gas release time, a sufficient amount of nitrogen gas can be released, and by shortening the release time of charged water particles, the amount of charged water particles released can be reduced, resulting in a significant effect in suppressing and reducing damage caused by water.

[0062] The sixth fire suppression control method involves releasing nitrogen gas into the protected area when a fire is detected within the protected area, stopping the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area after a predetermined time has elapsed, and simultaneously releasing charged water particles into the protected area. In other words, immediately after the start of fire suppression, the combustion reaction is efficiently and quickly suppressed by the suffocation effect of the nitrogen gas, and after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of fire suppression, charged water particles are delivered to the fire source without being affected by the release of nitrogen gas, and the fire can be extinguished by the cooling and suffocation effect of the released charged water particles.

[0063] The seventh fire suppression control system involves releasing charged water particles into a protected area when a fire is detected within that area. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of the charged water particles, the release of charged water particles into the protected area is stopped, and nitrogen gas is released into the protected area. In other words, immediately after the start of fire suppression, the charged water particles are delivered to the fire source without being affected by the release of nitrogen gas, and the cooling and suffocation effect of the charged water particles efficiently and quickly reduces the scale of the fire. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of fire suppression, the suffocation effect of the nitrogen gas release allows the fire to be extinguished.

[0064] Furthermore, for all fire extinguishing control systems, the release times for nitrogen gas and charged water particles are arbitrary. These release times are determined considering factors such as the size of the protected area and the available space for fire extinguishing equipment, and are set so that the amount of nitrogen gas released is sufficient to reduce the amount of charged water particles needed for fire extinguishing when only charged water particles are released, and the amount of charged water particles released is sufficient to reduce the amount of nitrogen gas needed for fire extinguishing when only nitrogen gas is released.

[0065] Furthermore, there are two configurations for the fire extinguishing system: a first fire extinguishing system configuration and a second fire extinguishing system configuration. The "first fire extinguishing system configuration" is a configuration for realizing the first and third fire extinguishing controls, while the "second fire extinguishing system configuration" is a configuration for realizing the first through seventh fire extinguishing controls. Both fire extinguishing system configurations consist of a nitrogen fire extinguishing system, an electrostatic spray fire extinguishing system, and a control unit.

[0066] First, a "nitrogen fire extinguishing system" is a system that extinguishes fires by releasing nitrogen gas into a protected area, and performs suffocation fire extinguishing by reducing the oxygen concentration in the protected area through the release of nitrogen gas. Furthermore, the first fire extinguishing system configuration includes a nitrogen head, a nitrogen-filled container, a nitrogen piping route, and a nitrogen release valve, while the second fire extinguishing system configuration includes a nitrogen head, a nitrogen-filled container, a nitrogen piping route, a first nitrogen release valve, and a second nitrogen release valve.

[0067] Here, "nitrogen head" refers to a device installed within a protected area that releases nitrogen gas. The number and type of devices installed are arbitrary and include, for example, "nitrogen nozzles."

[0068] Furthermore, "nitrogen-filled containers" are containers that are filled with nitrogen gas. The number, capacity, and type of containers are arbitrary and should be determined appropriately considering the size of the protected area, the space available for installing fire extinguishing equipment, etc.

[0069] Furthermore, a "nitrogen piping route" is defined as a route in which one end is connected to a nitrogen head and the other end is connected to a nitrogen-filled container, and nitrogen gas is supplied from the nitrogen-filled container to the nitrogen head. The structure and type of the piping are arbitrary, as long as it can supply nitrogen gas from the nitrogen-filled container to the nitrogen head.

[0070] Furthermore, a "nitrogen release valve" is a device placed in the nitrogen piping route that opens and closes the supply route of nitrogen gas through the nitrogen piping route. Its structure and type are arbitrary as long as it can open and close the supply route of nitrogen gas, but it includes, for example, a remotely controllable solenoid valve. In addition, in the second fire extinguishing system configuration, by providing both a "first nitrogen release valve" and a "second nitrogen release valve," all fire extinguishing controls from the first to the seventh fire extinguishing controls are made possible.

[0071] Next, the "electrostatic spray fire extinguishing system" extinguishes fires by releasing charged water particles into the protected area. The electrostatic force of the charged water particles increases the amount of water particles adhering to the fire source, resulting in a temperature decrease due to the absorption of heat of vaporization, and cooling and suffocation extinguishing by reducing the oxygen concentration due to the removal of oxygen by the generation of water vapor. Both the first and second fire extinguishing system configurations are equipped with an electrostatic spray head, a high-voltage power supply unit, a water-filled container, a pressurized piping route, a water piping route, and a water release valve.

[0072] Here, "charged spray head" refers to a device installed within a protected area that releases charged water particles. The number and type of devices installed are arbitrary and include "charged spray nozzles."

[0073] Furthermore, "charged water particles" refer to water particles that have been charged and released from a charged spray head. For example, this is achieved by applying a predetermined voltage between the two electrodes of the charged spray head to charge and release the water particles. More specifically, these are water particles charged by an inductive charging method, in which they pass through a high electric field generated by a predetermined high voltage applied to the charged spray head from a high-voltage power supply unit. Note that "charged water particles" is a concept that includes "charged spray," "charged fine spray," and "charged water fine spray."

[0074] Furthermore, the "high-voltage power supply unit" applies a predetermined high voltage to the charged spray head, and the "predetermined high voltage" is any voltage range and type that includes a voltage capable of charging water particles, such as DC voltage, AC voltage, pulse voltage, etc.

[0075] Furthermore, a "water-filled container" is a container that is filled with water, and the number, capacity, and type of containers are arbitrary and should be determined appropriately considering the size of the protected area, the space available for installing fire extinguishing equipment, etc. Also, the water filled is not limited to water alone, but can be anything that contains components of water, for example, water that contains a fire extinguishing agent to improve the fire extinguishing effect.

[0076] Furthermore, a "pressurized piping route" is a route for introducing nitrogen gas from a nitrogen-filled container to a water-filled container, and the structure and type of the piping are arbitrary as long as it can introduce nitrogen gas from the nitrogen-filled container to the water-filled container.

[0077] Furthermore, a "water piping route" is defined as a route in which one end is connected to the electrostatic spray head and the other end is placed inside a water-filled container, and water is supplied from the water-filled container to the electrostatic spray head. The structure and type of the piping are arbitrary as long as it can supply water from the water-filled container to the electrostatic spray head.

[0078] Furthermore, a "water release valve" is a device placed in a water piping system that opens and closes the water supply path through the water piping system. Its structure and type are arbitrary as long as it can open and close the water supply path, but it includes, for example, remotely controllable solenoid valves.

[0079] Furthermore, the "control unit" controls the nitrogen fire extinguishing system to release nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head and the electrostatic spray fire extinguishing system to release charged water particles from the electrostatic spray head when a fire is detected within the protected area, thereby performing the first to seventh fire extinguishing controls.

[0080] The following describes specific embodiments. In the specific embodiments shown below, the "partitioned protective compartment" is the "protective compartment of the building," the "first fire extinguishing equipment configuration" is the "first embodiment of the fire extinguishing equipment," the "second fire extinguishing equipment configuration" is the "second embodiment of the fire extinguishing equipment," and the specific details will be explained for the case where "multiple nitrogen heads and electrostatic spray heads are arranged within the protective compartment."

[0081] [Specific details of the embodiment] The specific details of the embodiment will be explained as follows: a. First embodiment of a fire extinguishing system a1. Nitrogen fire extinguishing system a2. Electrostatic spray fire extinguishing equipment a3. Electrostatic spray head a4. High-voltage power supply unit a5.Control panel b. First fire suppression control c. Second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system d. Second fire suppression control e. Third fire suppression control f. Fourth fire suppression control g. Fifth fire suppression control h. Firefighting control method #6 i. Firefighting control system #7 j. Modifications of the present invention

[0082] [a. First embodiment of fire extinguishing equipment] A first embodiment of the fire extinguishing system will be described in more detail. In this description, refer to Figure 1, which shows the first embodiment of the fire extinguishing system.

[0083] As shown in Figure 1, the protected compartment 10 of the building is equipped with, for example, two nitrogen heads 12 for nitrogen fire extinguishing systems and two electrostatic spray heads 14 for electrostatic spray fire extinguishing systems.

[0084] (a1. Nitrogen fire extinguishing system) The nitrogen fire extinguishing system will be described in more detail. The nitrogen fire extinguishing system provided in this embodiment consists of a nitrogen head 12, a nitrogen-filled container 20, a nitrogen supply pipe 24, and a nitrogen shut-off valve 30.

[0085] The nitrogen head 12 releases nitrogen gas into the protected compartment 10 in the event of a fire. For example, it is positioned at opposing positions in the upper corners of the ceiling of the protected compartment 10 with the release direction horizontal or diagonally downward, and by releasing nitrogen gas throughout the entire protected compartment 10, the released nitrogen gas is uniformly distributed throughout the entire protected compartment 10.

[0086] The nitrogen-filled container 20 is filled with nitrogen gas under a pressurized state of, for example, 30 MPa, and is filled with the amount of nitrogen gas necessary to reduce the oxygen concentration in the protected area 10 to below the fire extinguishing concentration. However, in this embodiment, since fire extinguishing is performed by combining the release of nitrogen gas with the release of charged water particles from the charged spray fire extinguishing system, the amount of nitrogen gas filled in the nitrogen-filled container 20 is less than the amount required when extinguishing the fire by releasing only nitrogen gas, for example, half the amount.

[0087] The nitrogen supply pipe 24 forms a nitrogen piping route, with one end connected to a nitrogen head 12 located inside the protected area 10, and the other end connected to a nitrogen-filled container 20 located in a storage facility outside the protected area 10, supplying nitrogen gas from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the nitrogen head 12.

[0088] The nitrogen on-off valve 30 is located on the nitrogen-filled container 20 side of the nitrogen supply piping 24 and is a valve that opens and closes the supply path of nitrogen gas from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the nitrogen head 12. Its structure and type are arbitrary, but for example, a remotely controllable solenoid valve is used. In this embodiment, the nitrogen on-off valve 30 is opened or closed by a control signal from the control panel 34, and the nitrogen on-off valve 30 is normally in a closed state.

[0089] (a2. Electrostatic spray fire extinguishing equipment) The electrostatic spray fire extinguishing system will be described in more detail. The electrostatic spray fire extinguishing system provided in this embodiment consists of an electrostatic spray head 14, a water-filled container 22, a water supply pipe 26, a pressurized pipe 28, a water shut-off valve 32, a high-voltage power supply unit 38, and a high-voltage cable 40.

[0090] The charged spray heads 14 release charged water particles into the protected compartment 10 in the event of a fire. For example, they are positioned at two locations on the ceiling of the protected compartment 10 with the release direction facing downwards, resulting in localized release. However, by utilizing the nitrogen gas released from the nitrogen heads 12 throughout the protected compartment 10, it is possible to uniformly distribute water particles throughout the entire protected compartment 10.

[0091] The water-filled container 22 is used to fill the water supplied to the charged spray head 14. The amount of water to be filled is arbitrary, but it should be a sufficient amount to release charged water particles by the first to seventh fire extinguishing control methods, which will be described in detail below. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since fire extinguishing is performed by combining the release of charged water particles with the release of nitrogen gas from the nitrogen fire extinguishing equipment, the amount of water to be filled in the water-filled container 22 is less than the amount required when extinguishing a fire by releasing only charged water particles.

[0092] The water supply pipe 26 forms a water piping route, with one end connected to the electrostatic spray head 14 located in the protective compartment 10, and the other end immersed in water contained in a filling container 22 located in a storage facility outside the protective compartment 10, supplying water from the water filling container 22 to the electrostatic spray head 14.

[0093] The pressurized piping 28 forms a pressurized piping path, with one end drawn into the water-filled container 22 and positioned in the space above the water filling the container 22, and the other end branching off from the nitrogen supply piping 24 to the nitrogen head 12 side via the nitrogen shut-off valve 30. Therefore, when the nitrogen shut-off valve 30 is opened, nitrogen gas is introduced from the nitrogen-filled container 20 through the pressurized piping 28 into the space above the water-filled container 22, pressurizing the water filling the container 22. Since the introduction of nitrogen gas from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the water-filled container 22 functions equivalently to pressurization by a pump, the pump equipment of conventional electrostatic spray fire extinguishing systems is eliminated.

[0094] The water shut-off valve 32 is located on the water supply piping 26 side of the water-filled container 22 and is a valve that opens and closes the water supply path from the water-filled container 22 to the electrostatic spray head 14. Its structure and type are arbitrary, but for example, a remotely controllable solenoid valve can be used. In this embodiment, the water shut-off valve 32 is opened or closed by a control signal from the control panel 34, and the water shut-off valve 32 is normally in the closed state.

[0095] (a3. Electrostatic spray head) The charged spray head of the charged spray fire extinguishing system will be explained in more detail. Refer to Figure 2, which shows the charged spray head removed from the system. Figure 2(A) is a perspective view of the charged spray head as seen from the discharge side, and Figure 2(B) is a cross-sectional view as seen from the side.

[0096] As shown in Figure 2, the charged spray head 14 releases charged water particles. Its configuration and structure are arbitrary, but as an example, it consists of a body 54, a spray nozzle section 56, an electrode holding section 58, an induction electrode section 60, a water-side electrode section 62, and a water supply connection section 64. The body 54, spray nozzle section 56, electrode holding section 58, and water supply connection section 64 are made of insulating material.

[0097] A through hole is formed inside the body 54 in the direction of the spray axis 55. A conductive water-side electrode section 62 is fitted into the body 54 from below (discharge side), a water supply connection section 64 is fitted above the water-side electrode section 62, and the ground cable of a high-voltage cable is connected to the electrode connection section 62a of the water-side electrode section 62 from the outside. Pressurized water is also supplied to the water supply connection section 64. A spray nozzle section 56 is provided below the water-side electrode section 62, which discharges water particles, for example, with an average particle diameter of about 100 to 300 μm.

[0098] A ring-shaped induction electrode section 60 is positioned in the open space below the spray nozzle section 56 by an electrode holding section 58. The configuration and structure of the induction electrode section 60 are arbitrary, but for example, it is formed by insulating a conductive electrode core material. A voltage application cable of a high-voltage cable is connected to the cable connection section 60a of the induction electrode section 60 from the outside.

[0099] Between the induction electrode section 60 and the water-side electrode section 62, a predetermined voltage (e.g., a DC voltage of 10kV) is applied from the high-voltage power supply section 38 shown in Figure 1, adjusted within a predetermined adjustment range (e.g., 0.5kV to 20kV) within a voltage range capable of charging water particles. This applied voltage creates a predetermined external electric field around the ring portion of the induction electrode section 60, and water particles released from the spray nozzle section 56 are charged by the induction charging method as they pass through the ring portion of the induction electrode section 60.

[0100] Here, the predetermined adjustment range may include a voltage range in which water particles cannot be charged, and it is sufficient that it can be adjusted to a predetermined voltage in which water particles can be charged. In addition, the polarity (positive / negative) of the applied voltage is switched by the high-voltage power supply unit 38.

[0101] The charging of water particles by the charged spray head 14 is performed, for example, by applying a predetermined DC voltage such that the potential of the induction electrode 60 becomes positive, with the water-side electrode 62 being the reference potential (earth potential, 0V). As a result, the water particles released from the spray nozzle 56 become negatively charged. Also, with the water-side electrode 62 as the reference potential (earth potential, 0V), the potential of the induction electrode 60 becomes negative. When a predetermined DC voltage is applied, the water particles released from the spray nozzle 56 become positively charged. Furthermore, by setting the absolute value of the voltage applied between the induction electrode 60 and the water-side electrode 62 to a range of, for example, 0.5kV to 20kV, the occurrence of spark discharge is prevented, and a spray stream of charged water particles is generated while ensuring safety.

[0102] The configuration and structure of the charged spray head 14 are arbitrary and not limited to Figure 2. They include any suitable structure or known structure that can generate water particles and charge the generated water particles to release the charged water particles.

[0103] (a4. High-voltage power supply section) The high-voltage power supply unit 38 will be described in more detail. In this description, refer to Figure 3, which shows an embodiment of the high-voltage power supply unit together with the electrostatic spray head.

[0104] The high-voltage power supply unit 38 supplies high voltage via a high-voltage cable 40 to generate charged water particles in the charged spray head 14. Its configuration and functions are arbitrary, but for example, as shown in Figure 3, it includes a high-voltage variable circuit 42 that functions as a voltage adjustment unit and a polarity switching circuit 44 that functions as a polarity switching unit. Also in Figure 3, the high-voltage cable 40 has a voltage application cable 40a connected to the induction electrode unit 60 side and a ground cable 40b connected to the water side electrode unit 62 side.

[0105] The voltage application cable 40a from the high-voltage power supply unit 38 branches off for each charged spray head 14 and is connected to the induction electrode section 60 of each charged spray head 14 via a current limiting resistor 46. The water-side electrode section 62 of each charged spray head 14 is connected to a common connection, to which the ground cable 40b from the high-voltage power supply unit 38 is connected. This allows the water particles emitted from the charged spray head 14 to be charged when a high voltage is applied between the induction electrode section 60 and the water-side electrode section 62. Here, the voltage application cable 40a and the ground cable 40b are high-insulation, voltage-resistant cables. However, when applying only DC voltage, the positive electrode cable may be a voltage-resistant cable, and the negative electrode cable may be a normal low-voltage cable.

[0106] The high-voltage variable circuit 42 adjusts the voltage applied between the induction electrode section 60 and the water-side electrode section 62 in response to a control signal from the control panel 34, thereby enabling the discharge of charged water particles with an appropriate charge for fire extinguishing from the charged spray head 14. Furthermore, by reducing the absolute value of the applied voltage, the amount of charge in the charged water particles is reduced, which prevents discharge accidents that could occur due to increased charging from the charged water particles in easily charged targets.

[0107] The polarity switching circuit 44 switches the polarity of the voltage applied between the induction electrode section 60 and the water-side electrode section 62 in response to a control signal from the control panel 34. This switches the charge polarity of the charged water particles released from the charged spray head 14 to either positive or negative polarity, allowing for the release of charged water particles with a charge polarity suitable for fire extinguishing. For example, by releasing a stream of charged water particles containing charged water particles with the opposite polarity to the charge polarity of the target of fire extinguishing, a higher fire extinguishing effect can be expected.

[0108] (a5. control panel) The control panel 34 will now be explained in more detail. When a fire occurs in the protected compartment 10, the control panel 34 controls the nitrogen fire extinguishing system to release nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head 12 and the electrostatic spray fire extinguishing system to release electrostatic water particles from the electrostatic spray head 14 to extinguish the fire. The control panel 34 can also be set to automatic mode or manual mode.

[0109] As shown in Figure 1, the control box 36 is installed outside the protected area 10 and is connected to the control panel 34 by signal lines. The control box 36 is also equipped with an activation switch (not shown) and a door (not shown) to protect the activation switch.

[0110] When the activation switch on the control box 36 is operated, the control panel 34 activates an emission indicator light (not shown) installed near the entrance outside the protected area 10 to indicate that nitrogen gas and charged water particles are being released into the protected area 10, warning people not to enter the protected area 10. The control panel 34 also outputs a gas release alarm sound, including a warning alarm and an evacuation alarm, from a speaker (not shown) installed inside the protected area 10, indicating that nitrogen gas and charged water particles are being released, urging people present in the protected area 10 to evacuate immediately.

[0111] Furthermore, fire detectors are installed within the protected area 10 to monitor for fires. The number, function, and type of fire detectors are arbitrary, but for example, smoke detectors 16 and heat detectors 18 are provided, each connected to a detector circuit from the control panel 34.

[0112] When the control panel 34 is set to automatic mode, if an AND condition for a two-line alarm is obtained from the fire alarm signals transmitted from both the smoke detector 16 and the heat detector 18, for example, when a fire is detected and triggered by both the smoke detector 16 and the heat detector 18, the control panel 34 determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for triggering the fire extinguishing system have been met. It then starts a countdown for a predetermined time and outputs a gas release alarm sound from the speaker, indicating a warning alarm and an evacuation alarm indicating that nitrogen gas and charged water particles are being released. The alarm signal from the smoke detector 16 is then transmitted to a receiver of a separately installed fire alarm system, and a fire alarm is output from the receiver.

[0113] Then, when the countdown on the control panel 34 ends, the nitrogen fire extinguishing system is controlled to release nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head 12, and the charged spray fire extinguishing system is controlled to release charged water particles from the charged spray head 14, thereby performing fire extinguishing control.

[0114] Furthermore, the control panel 34 and the operating box 36 are equipped with, for example, a 7-segment display with a 2-digit display. When the countdown starts, it sequentially displays the remaining time in seconds, and displays zero seconds when the countdown ends.

[0115] Furthermore, if the control panel 34 is set to manual mode, when a monitor detects a fire in the protected area 10 through visual inspection or a fire alarm triggered by a smoke detector 16, they press the activation switch on the operation box 36 located outside the protected area 10 to send an activation signal to the control panel 34.

[0116] Upon receiving the activation signal from the operation box 36, the control panel 34 determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met. Similar to when automatic mode is set, it starts a countdown and outputs a gas release alarm sound from the speaker, indicating a warning and an evacuation warning that nitrogen gas and charged water particles will be released. When the countdown ends, it controls the nitrogen fire extinguishing equipment to release nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head 12 and the charged spray equipment to release charged water particles from the charged spray head 14, thereby performing fire extinguishing control.

[0117] [b. First fire suppression control] The first fire extinguishing control performed by the control panel 34 installed in the first embodiment of the fire extinguishing system shown in Figure 1 will be described in more detail. In this description, refer to Figure 4, which shows an example of the flow of the first fire extinguishing control by the fire extinguishing system shown in Figure 1.

[0118] The first fire suppression control by the control panel 34 involves releasing nitrogen gas and charged water particles together into the protected area when a fire is detected within the protected area, and the details are as follows.

[0119] As shown in Figure 4, when a fire occurs in the protected area 10 in Figure 1 (S1), the smoke detector 16 will sound a fire alarm if it detects smoke from the fire (S2), the heat detector 18 will sound a fire alarm if it is affected by the hot airflow from the fire (S3), and the person in charge will discover the fire from the fire alarm triggered by the smoke detector 16 and activate the control box 36 (S4). The control panel 34 then receives the fire alarm signal from the smoke detector 16 that detected smoke from the fire, the fire alarm signal from the heat detector 18 that was affected by the hot airflow from the fire, and the activation signal from the activated control box 36 (S5).

[0120] If the control panel 34 is set to automatic mode, for example, when it receives fire alarm signals from two circuits, the smoke detector 16 and the heat detector 18, it determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met (S6). If the control panel 34 is set to manual mode, when it receives an activation signal from the operation box 36, it determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met (S6).

[0121] When the control panel 34 determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met, it opens the nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (S7). When the nitrogen shut-off valve 30 opens, nitrogen gas is supplied from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the nitrogen head 12 via the nitrogen supply piping 24, and nitrogen gas is released into the protected compartment 10. Also, when the nitrogen shut-off valve 30 is opened, nitrogen gas is introduced from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the water-filled container 22 via the pressurizing piping 28, pressurizing the water filled in the water-filled container 22.

[0122] Next, the control panel 34 activates the high-voltage power supply unit 38 to apply a predetermined high voltage to the charged spray head 14 (S8), and opens the water shut-off valve 32 (S9). Pressurized water is then supplied from the water-filled container 22 to the charged spray head 14 via the water supply pipe 26 by the introduction of nitrogen gas through the pressurized pipe 28. The charged spray head 14 charges the water particles and releases the charged water particles into the protected area 10.

[0123] As a result, the discharge of charged water particles from the charged spray head 14 begins without any delay after the start of nitrogen gas discharge from the nitrogen head 12, so that nitrogen gas and charged water particles are discharged together (S10). The discharge of nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head 12 ends after a predetermined time, for example, 1 to 2 minutes, and the discharge of charged water particles from the charged spray head 14 also ends when the discharge of nitrogen gas ends.

[0124] Therefore, a high fire extinguishing effect can be obtained through the synergistic effect of combining the suffocation fire extinguishing effect, which reduces the oxygen concentration by releasing nitrogen gas, and the cooling suffocation fire extinguishing effect, which reduces the oxygen concentration due to the temperature decrease caused by the absorption of heat of vaporization by the release of charged water particles and the removal of oxygen by the generation of water vapor.

[0125] Furthermore, since the released water particles are electrically charged, even if there are obstacles around the fire source, the charged water particles are attracted to the fire source by electrostatic force, thus increasing the amount of charged water particles that reach the fire source without being hindered by obstacles. In addition, since the charged water particles are released in conjunction with the release of nitrogen gas released throughout the entire protected area 10, it is possible to reach the fire source with charged water particles even if the distance from the charged spray head 14 to the fire source is great. Moreover, even if the distance to the fire source is sufficient for the release of charged water particles from the charged spray head 14, the electrostatic force of the charged water particles attracts the water particles to the fire source, making them less susceptible to the influence of nitrogen gas released throughout the entire protected area 10, and enabling the charged water particles to reach the fire source.

[0126] Furthermore, a high fire extinguishing effect is obtained through the synergistic effect of combining the suffocation fire extinguishing effect from the release of nitrogen gas and the cooling suffocation fire extinguishing effect from the release of charged water particles, thus reducing the capacity and number of nitrogen-filled containers 20 and water-filled containers 22. In addition, by realizing the function of the pump equipment for pressurizing the water filled in the water-filled containers 22 by introducing nitrogen gas from the nitrogen-filled containers 20, the pump equipment and the power supply system required for the pump equipment become unnecessary, thus reducing the scale of the equipment. As a result, the required equipment scale and equipment costs can be reduced compared to conventional nitrogen fire extinguishing equipment, increasing the likelihood of installing nitrogen fire extinguishing equipment as an alternative to carbon dioxide fire extinguishing equipment.

[0127] Furthermore, because the amount of nitrogen gas released can be reduced compared to conventional nitrogen gas-based fire extinguishing systems, the pressurization within the protected compartment 10 due to nitrogen gas release is reduced, eliminating the need to install pressure relief ports in the protected compartment 10. As a result, equipment costs can be lower than conventional nitrogen gas-based fire extinguishing systems, and the possibility of installing nitrogen fire extinguishing systems as an alternative to carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems can be increased.

[0128] [c. Second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system] A second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system will be described in more detail. This description will refer to Figure 5, which shows the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system.

[0129] As shown in Figure 5, the protected compartment 10 of the building is equipped with, for example, two nitrogen heads 12 for nitrogen fire extinguishing systems and two electrostatic spray heads 14 for electrostatic spray fire extinguishing systems.

[0130] The nitrogen fire extinguishing system of this embodiment consists of a nitrogen head 12, a nitrogen-filled container 20, a nitrogen supply pipe 24, a first nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-1), and a second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2). The nitrogen head 12, nitrogen-filled container 20, and nitrogen supply pipe 24 are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, so their description is omitted.

[0131] The difference from the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 is that instead of the nitrogen shut-off valve 30, a first nitrogen shut-off valve 30(30-1) and a second nitrogen shut-off valve 30(30-2) are arranged in the nitrogen supply piping 24. Furthermore, the structure and type of the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30(30-1) and the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30(30-2) are arbitrary, but for example, remotely controllable solenoid valves can be used.

[0132] The electrostatic spray fire extinguishing system of this embodiment consists of an electrostatic spray head 14, a water-filled container 22, a water supply pipe 26, a pressurized pipe 28, a water shut-off valve 32, a high-voltage power supply unit 38, and a high-voltage cable 40. The electrostatic spray head 14, water-filled container 22, water supply pipe 26, water shut-off valve 32, high-voltage power supply unit 38, and high-voltage cable 40 are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, so their description is omitted.

[0133] The difference from the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 is that the pressurized piping 28 is branched and connected to the nitrogen supply piping 24 between the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-1) and the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2).

[0134] The control panel 34 of this embodiment performs the second to seventh fire extinguishing controls, for example, as shown in the time charts of Figures 6(B) to 6(G). Figure 6(A) shows the first fire extinguishing control performed by the control panel 34 of the first embodiment of the fire extinguishing system, which releases nitrogen gas and charged water particles together, as detailed in the flow chart of Figure 4, and is shown for comparison with the second to seventh fire extinguishing controls.

[0135] The second fire extinguishing control in Figure 6(B) is a control that, when a fire is detected at time t1, releases nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head 12 and charged water particles from the charged spray head 14, stops the release of nitrogen gas at time t2, for example 30 seconds to 1 minute after time t1, and stops the release of charged water particles at time t3, for example 30 seconds to 1 minute after time t2. The third fire extinguishing control in Figure 6(C) is a control that, when a fire is detected at time t1, releases nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head 12 and charged water particles from the charged spray head 14, stops the release of charged water particles at time t2, and stops the release of nitrogen gas at time t3.

[0136] The fourth fire extinguishing control in Figure 6(D) is a control that, when a fire is detected at time t1, first releases charged water particles from the charged water particle head 14, then releases nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head 12 at time t2, and stops the release of nitrogen gas and charged water particles at time t3. The fifth fire extinguishing control in Figure 6(E) is a control that, when a fire is detected at time t1, first releases nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head 12, then releases charged water particles from the charged water particle head 14 at time t2, and stops the release of nitrogen gas and charged water particles at time t3.

[0137] The sixth fire extinguishing control in Figure 6(F) is a control that, when a fire is detected at time t1, first releases nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head 12, then stops releasing nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head 12 at time t2 and releases charged water particles from the charged water particle head 14, and stops releasing charged water particles at time t3. The seventh fire extinguishing control in Figure 6(G) is a control that, when a fire is detected at time t1, first releases charged water particles from the charged water particle head 14, then stops releasing charged water particles from the charged water particle head 14 at time t2 and releases nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head 12, and stops releasing nitrogen gas at time t3.

[0138] The details of the second to seventh fire extinguishing controls will be explained below, with time t2 being defined as 1 minute after time t1, and time t3 being defined as 1 minute after time t2.

[0139] [d. Second fire suppression control] The second fire extinguishing control by the control panel 34 installed in the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system shown in Figure 5 will be explained in more detail. In this explanation, refer to Figure 7, which shows an example of the flow of the second fire extinguishing control by the fire extinguishing system shown in Figure 5.

[0140] The second fire suppression control by the control panel 34 involves releasing nitrogen gas and charged water particles together into the protected area when a fire is detected within the protected area, and continuing the release of charged water particles into the protected area while stopping the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area one minute after the fire is confirmed. The details are as follows.

[0141] As shown in Figure 7, the control process from when a fire occurs in the protected compartment 10 until the control panel 34 determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met (S11-S16) is the same as in the case of the first fire extinguishing control in Figure 4 (S1-S6), so its explanation will be omitted.

[0142] When the control panel 34 determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met (S16), it opens the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-1) (S17), and nitrogen gas is introduced from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the water-filled container 22 via the pressurizing pipe 28, pressurizing the water filled in the water-filled container 22. Subsequently, the control panel 34 opens the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2) (S18), and nitrogen gas is supplied from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the nitrogen head 12 via the nitrogen supply pipe 24, releasing the nitrogen gas into the protected compartment 10 (S19).

[0143] Next, the control panel 34 activates the high-voltage power supply unit 38 to apply a predetermined high voltage to the charged spray head 14 (S20), and opens the water shut-off valve 32 (S21). Pressurized water, introduced by nitrogen gas via the pressurizing pipe 28, is supplied from the water-filled container 22 to the charged spray head 14 via the water supply pipe 26. The charged spray head 14 charges the water particles and releases the charged water particles into the protected area 10 (S22). As a result, when a fire is confirmed, nitrogen gas and charged water particles are released together. Alternatively, when a fire is confirmed and the conditions for activating fire extinguishing are met, the charged water particles may be released first, followed by the nitrogen gas.

[0144] Next, when the control panel 34 determines that one minute has passed since the fire was confirmed (time t2 in Figure 6(B)) (S23), it closes the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2) (S24), stopping the release of nitrogen gas (S25), while continuing the release of charged water particles.

[0145] The discharge of charged water particles is stopped two minutes after the fire is confirmed (time t3 in Figure 6(B)) to reduce water damage. In this case, stopping the discharge of charged water particles involves closing the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-1) and the water shut-off valve 32, thereby stopping the operation of the high-voltage power supply unit 38. Alternatively, the discharge may be stopped when the water in the water-filled container 22 is empty, or the discharge of charged water particles may be stopped by a monitor after confirming that the fire in the protected area 10 has been extinguished.

[0146] Therefore, the second fire extinguishing control system releases nitrogen gas and charged water particles together for one minute after the fire is detected. Similar to the first fire extinguishing control system, this system achieves a high fire extinguishing effect through a synergistic effect combining the suffocation fire extinguishing effect of reducing oxygen concentration by releasing nitrogen gas and the cooling suffocation fire extinguishing effect of reducing oxygen concentration due to the absorption of heat of vaporization by the release of charged water particles and the removal of oxygen by water vapor generation.

[0147] Furthermore, after reducing the scale of the fire and suppressing the combustion reaction by releasing nitrogen gas and charged water particles, if one minute has passed, the release of nitrogen gas is stopped and the system switches to releasing only charged water particles. This allows the fire to be extinguished by the cooling and suffocation effect of the released charged water particles. Since a sufficient amount of charged water particles is ensured, the nitrogen gas release time can be shortened, and the amount of nitrogen gas released can be reduced. As a result, the capacity and number of nitrogen-filled containers can be reduced even further than in the first fire extinguishing control method, which further reduces the scale and cost of the equipment compared to conventional nitrogen fire extinguishing systems, increasing the possibility of installing nitrogen fire extinguishing systems as an alternative to carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems.

[0148] [e. Third fire suppression control] The third fire extinguishing control by the control panel 34 installed in the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system shown in Figure 5 will be explained in more detail. In this explanation, refer to Figure 8, which shows an example of the flow of the third fire extinguishing control by the fire extinguishing system shown in Figure 5.

[0149] The third fire extinguishing control by the control panel 34 involves releasing nitrogen gas and charged water particles together into the protected area when a fire is detected within the protected area, and continuing the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area while stopping the release of charged water particles into the protected area one minute after the fire is confirmed. The details are as follows.

[0150] As shown in Figure 8, the control process from when a fire occurs in the protected compartment 10 until the control panel 34 confirms the fire and determines that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met (S31-S36) is the same as in the case of the first fire extinguishing control in Figure 4 (S1-S6), so its explanation will be omitted.

[0151] When the control panel 34 determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met (S36), it opens the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-1) (S37), and nitrogen gas is introduced from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the water-filled container 22 via the pressurizing pipe 28, pressurizing the water in the water-filled container 22. Subsequently, the control panel 34 opens the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2) (S38), and nitrogen gas is supplied from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the nitrogen head 12 via the nitrogen supply pipe 24, releasing the nitrogen gas into the protected compartment 10 (S39).

[0152] Next, the control panel 34 activates the high-voltage power supply unit 38 to apply a predetermined high voltage to the charged spray head 14 (S40), and opens the water shut-off valve 32 (S41). Pressurized water is then supplied from the water-filled container 22 to the charged spray head 14 via the water supply pipe 26 by the introduction of nitrogen gas through the pressurized pipe 28. The charged spray head 14 charges the water particles and releases the charged water particles into the protected area 10 (S42). The control up to this point (S37-S42) is the same as the second fire extinguishing control (S17-S22) shown in Figure 7.

[0153] Next, when the control panel 34 determines that one minute has passed since the fire was confirmed (time t2 in Figure 6(C)) (S43), it stops the operation of the high-voltage power supply unit 38 (S44), closes the water shut-off valve 32 (S45), stops the release of charged water particles (S46), and continues the release of nitrogen gas.

[0154] The release of nitrogen gas is to be stopped two minutes after the fire is confirmed (time t3 in Figure 6(C)). In this case, stopping the release of nitrogen gas will be achieved by closing the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2). Alternatively, the release may be stopped when the nitrogen gas in the nitrogen-filled container 20 is empty, or the release of nitrogen gas may be stopped by a monitor after confirming that the fire in the protected area 10 has been extinguished.

[0155] Therefore, the third fire extinguishing control system releases nitrogen gas and charged water particles together for one minute after the fire is detected. Similar to the first fire extinguishing control system, this system achieves a high fire extinguishing effect through the synergistic effect of combining the suffocation fire extinguishing effect of nitrogen gas release and the cooling suffocation fire extinguishing effect of charged water particle release.

[0156] Furthermore, after reducing the scale of the fire and suppressing the combustion reaction by releasing nitrogen gas and charged water particles, if one minute has passed, the release of charged water particles is stopped and the system switches to releasing only nitrogen gas. This allows the fire to be extinguished by the suffocation effect of the nitrogen gas, and since a sufficient amount of nitrogen gas is released, the release time of charged water particles can be shortened, thereby reducing the amount of charged water particles released. As a result, it is possible to reduce the damage caused by water damage compared to the first fire extinguishing control method.

[0157] [f. Fourth fire suppression control] The fourth fire extinguishing control method, provided by the control panel 34 in the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system shown in Figure 5, will be explained in more detail. In this explanation, please refer to Figure 9, which shows an example of the flow of the fourth fire extinguishing control method provided by the fire extinguishing system in Figure 5.

[0158] The fourth fire suppression control by the control panel 34 involves releasing charged water particles into the protected area when a fire is detected within the protected area, and continuing the release of charged water particles into the protected area and releasing nitrogen gas into the protected area one minute after the fire is confirmed. The details are as follows.

[0159] As shown in Figure 9, the control process from when a fire occurs in the protected compartment 10 until the control panel 34 determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met (S51-S56) is the same as in the case of the first fire extinguishing control in Figure 4 (S1-S6), so its explanation will be omitted.

[0160] When the control panel 34 determines that there is a fire and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met (S56), it activates the high-voltage power supply unit 38 to apply a predetermined high voltage to the charged spray head 14 (S57), opens the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-1) (S58), and opens the water shut-off valve 32 (S59). As a result, nitrogen gas is introduced from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the water-filled container 22 via the pressurized piping 28, the nitrogen gas pressurizes the water in the water-filled container 22, and the water is supplied from the water-filled container 22 to the charged spray head 14 via the water supply piping 26. The charged spray head 14 charges the water particles and releases the charged water particles into the protected area 10 (S60).

[0161] Next, when the control panel 34 determines that one minute has passed since the fire was confirmed (time t2 in Figure 6(D)) (S61), it opens the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2) (S62), and nitrogen gas is supplied from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the nitrogen head 12 via the nitrogen supply pipe 24, releasing the nitrogen gas into the protected compartment 10 (S63).

[0162] The release of charged water particles is to be stopped 2 minutes after the fire is confirmed (time t3 in Figure 6(D)), and the release of nitrogen gas is to be stopped 1 minute after the fire is confirmed (time t3 in Figure 6(D)). In this case, stopping the release of charged water particles is to close the water shut-off valve 32 and stop the operation of the high-voltage power supply unit 38, and stopping the release of nitrogen gas is to close the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2). Alternatively, the release may be stopped when the water in the water-filled container 22 and the nitrogen gas in the nitrogen-filled container 20 are empty, or the release of charged water particles and nitrogen gas may be stopped when a monitor confirms that the fire in the protected area 10 has been extinguished.

[0163] Therefore, in the fourth fire extinguishing control system, only charged water particles are released for the first minute after the fire is detected. The cooling and suffocating effect of the charged water particles reduces the scale of the fire. After one minute has elapsed since the fire was detected, nitrogen gas is released while the release of charged water particles continues. The synergistic effect of the suffocating effect of the nitrogen gas and the cooling and suffocating effect of the charged water particles combines to achieve a high fire extinguishing effect and enable fire suppression.

[0164] Furthermore, by ensuring a sufficient amount of charged water particles by setting the release time for charged water particles to 2 minutes, and then starting the release of nitrogen gas 1 minute after the release of charged water particles, the nitrogen gas release time can be shortened, thereby reducing the amount of nitrogen gas released. As a result, the capacity and number of nitrogen-filled containers can be reduced even further than in the first fire extinguishing control method, which further reduces the scale and cost of the equipment compared to conventional nitrogen fire extinguishing systems, and increases the possibility of installing nitrogen fire extinguishing systems as an alternative to carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems.

[0165] [g. Fifth fire suppression control] The fifth fire extinguishing control method, provided by the control panel 34 in the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system shown in Figure 5, will be explained in more detail. In this explanation, please refer to Figure 10, which shows an example of the flow of the fifth fire extinguishing control method provided by the fire extinguishing system in Figure 5.

[0166] The fifth fire suppression control by the control panel 34 involves releasing nitrogen gas into the protected area when a fire is detected within the protected area, and continuing the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area and releasing charged water particles into the protected area one minute after the fire is confirmed. The details are as follows.

[0167] As shown in Figure 10, the control process from when a fire occurs in the protected compartment 10 until the control panel 34 determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met (S71-76) is the same as in the case of the first fire extinguishing control in Figure 4 (S1-S6), so its explanation will be omitted.

[0168] When the control panel 34 determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met (S76), it opens the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-1) (S77) and the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2) (S78). As a result, nitrogen gas is introduced from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the water-filled container 22 via the pressurizing pipe 28, pressurizing the water in the water-filled container 22. At the same time, nitrogen gas is supplied from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the nitrogen head 12 via the nitrogen supply pipe 24, releasing nitrogen gas into the protected area 10 (S79).

[0169] Next, when the control panel 34 determines that one minute has passed since the fire was detected (time t2 in Figure 6(E)) (S80), it activates the high-voltage power supply unit 38 to apply a predetermined high voltage to the charged spray head 14 (S81), and opens the water shut-off valve 32 (S82), so that water is supplied from the water-filled container 22 to the charged spray head 14 via the water supply pipe 26, and the charged spray head 14 charges the water particles and releases the charged water particles into the protected area 10 (S83).

[0170] The release of nitrogen gas is to be stopped 2 minutes after the fire is confirmed (time t3 in Figure 6(E)), and the release of charged water particles is to be stopped 1 minute after the start of the release of charged water particles (time t3 in Figure 6(E)). In this case, stopping the release of charged water particles is to close the water shut-off valve 32 and stop the operation of the high-voltage power supply unit 38, and stopping the release of nitrogen gas is to close the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2). Alternatively, the release may be stopped when the water in the water-filled container 22 and the nitrogen gas in the nitrogen-filled container 20 are empty, or the release of charged water particles and nitrogen gas may be stopped when a monitor confirms that the fire in the protected area 10 has been extinguished.

[0171] Therefore, in the fifth fire suppression control system, only nitrogen gas is released for one minute after the fire is detected, and the release of nitrogen gas suppresses the combustion reaction through its suffocating effect. Then, after one minute has elapsed since the fire was detected, charged water particles are released while continuing to release nitrogen gas, and the synergistic effect of the suffocating effect of the nitrogen gas release and the cooling suffocation effect of the charged water particles release enables a high level of fire suppression.

[0172] Furthermore, by ensuring a sufficient amount of nitrogen gas is released by setting the nitrogen gas release time to 2 minutes, and then starting the release of charged water particles 1 minute after the nitrogen gas release, the release time of charged water particles can be shortened, thereby reducing the amount of charged water particles released. This makes it possible to reduce damage caused by water damage compared to the first fire extinguishing control method.

[0173] [h. Firefighting Control System #6] The sixth fire extinguishing control method, provided by the control panel 34 in the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system shown in Figure 5, will be explained in more detail. In this explanation, please refer to Figure 11, which shows an example of the flow of the sixth fire extinguishing control method provided by the fire extinguishing system in Figure 5.

[0174] The sixth fire suppression control by the control panel 34 is a control that, when a fire is detected in the protected area, releases nitrogen gas into the protected area, and stops the release of nitrogen gas into the protected area and releases charged water particles into the protected area one minute after the fire is confirmed, and the details are as follows.

[0175] As shown in Figure 11, the control process from the time a fire breaks out in the protected compartment 10 until the control panel 34 confirms the fire (S91-S96) is the same as in the case of the first fire extinguishing control in Figure 4 (S1-S6), so its explanation is omitted.

[0176] When the control panel 34 determines that there is a fire and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met (S96), it opens the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-1) (S97) and the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2) (S98). As a result, nitrogen gas is introduced from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the water-filled container 22 via the pressurizing pipe 28, pressurizing the water in the water-filled container 22. At the same time, nitrogen gas is supplied from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the nitrogen head 12 via the nitrogen supply pipe 24, releasing nitrogen gas into the protected area 10 (S99).

[0177] Next, when the control panel 34 determines that one minute has passed since the fire was confirmed (time t2 in Figure 6(F)) (S100), it closes the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2) (S101), stopping the release of nitrogen gas (S102).

[0178] Next, the control panel 34 activates the high-voltage power supply unit 38 to apply a predetermined high voltage to the charged spray head 14 (S103), and opens the water shut-off valve 32 (S104), so that water is supplied from the water-filled container 22 to the charged spray head 14 via the water supply pipe 26, and the charged spray head 14 charges the water particles and releases the charged water particles into the protected area 10 (S105).

[0179] The discharge of charged water particles is stopped after 1 minute has elapsed since the start of discharge (time t3 in Figure 6(F)) in order to reduce water loss. In this case, stopping the discharge of charged water particles involves closing the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-1) and the water shut-off valve 32, thereby stopping the operation of the high-voltage power supply unit 38. Alternatively, the discharge may be stopped when the water in the water-filled container 22 and the nitrogen gas in the nitrogen-filled container 20 are depleted, or the discharge of charged water particles may be stopped by a monitor after confirming that the fire in the protected area 10 has been extinguished.

[0180] Therefore, in the sixth fire suppression control system, only nitrogen gas is released for one minute after the fire is detected, suppressing the combustion reaction through the suffocating effect of the nitrogen gas release. After one minute has elapsed since the fire was detected, the system switches to releasing charged water particles, enabling fire suppression through the cooling and suffocating effect of the charged water particles.

[0181] [i. Firefighting Control System #7] The seventh fire extinguishing control by the control panel 34 installed in the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing system shown in Figure 5 will be explained in more detail. In this explanation, refer to Figure 12, which shows an example of the flow of the seventh fire extinguishing control by the fire extinguishing system in Figure 5.

[0182] The seventh fire extinguishing control by the control panel 34 is a control that, when a fire is detected in the protected area, releases charged water particles into the protected area, and stops the release of charged water particles into the protected area and releases nitrogen gas into the protected area one minute after the fire is confirmed, and the details are as follows.

[0183] As shown in Figure 12, the control process from the time a fire breaks out in the protected compartment 10 until the control panel 34 confirms the fire (S111-S116) is the same as in the case of the first fire extinguishing control in Figure 4 (S1-S6), so its explanation is omitted.

[0184] When the control panel 34 determines that there is a fire and that the conditions for activating the fire extinguishing system have been met (S116), it activates the high-voltage power supply unit 38 to apply a predetermined high voltage to the charged spray head 14 (S117), opens the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-1) (S118), and opens the water shut-off valve 32 (S119). As a result, nitrogen gas is introduced from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the water-filled container 22 via the pressurized piping 28, pressurizing the water in the water-filled container 22. The water is then supplied from the water-filled container 22 to the charged spray head 14 via the water supply piping 26, and the charged spray head 14 charges the water particles, releasing the charged water particles into the protected area 10 (S120).

[0185] Next, when the control panel 34 determines that one minute has passed since the fire was confirmed (time t2 in Figure 6(G)) (S121), it stops the operation of the high-voltage power supply unit 38 (S122), closes the water shut-off valve 32 (S123), and stops the release of charged water particles (S124).

[0186] Next, the control panel 34 opens the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2) (S125), supplying nitrogen gas from the nitrogen-filled container 20 to the nitrogen head 12 via the nitrogen supply pipe 24, and releasing the nitrogen gas into the protected area 10 (S126).

[0187] The release of nitrogen gas is to be stopped one minute after the start of nitrogen gas release (time t3 in Figure 6(G)). In this case, stopping the release of nitrogen gas will be achieved by closing the second nitrogen valve 30 (30-2). Alternatively, the release may be stopped when the water in the water-filled container 22 and the nitrogen gas in the nitrogen-filled container 20 are empty, or the release of nitrogen gas may be stopped by a monitor after confirming that the fire in the protected area 10 has been extinguished.

[0188] Therefore, in the seventh fire extinguishing control system, only charged water particles are released for one minute after the fire is detected, and the cooling and suffocating effect of the released charged water particles reduces the scale of the fire. After one minute has elapsed since the fire was detected, the system switches to releasing nitrogen gas, which extinguishes the fire through its suffocating effect.

[0189] [j. Modifications of the present invention] Modifications of the fire extinguishing system according to the present invention will now be described. In addition to the embodiments described above, the fire extinguishing system of the present invention includes the following modifications.

[0190] (First fire suppression control) In the above embodiment, the first fire extinguishing control, which releases nitrogen gas and charged water particles together, is performed in the first embodiment of the fire extinguishing equipment shown in Figure 1, but it may also be performed in the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing equipment shown in Figure 5. In the second embodiment of Figure 5, the first fire extinguishing control is performed by opening the first nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-1), the second nitrogen shut-off valve 30 (30-2), and the water shut-off valve 32, and activating the high-voltage power supply unit 38, when the control panel 34 determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met.

[0191] (Third fire suppression control) In the above embodiment, a third fire extinguishing control is performed in the second embodiment of the fire extinguishing equipment shown in Figure 5, in which nitrogen gas and charged water particles are released together, and when a predetermined time has elapsed since the release of the nitrogen gas and charged water particles, the release of nitrogen gas is continued and the release of charged water particles is stopped. However, this can also be performed in the first embodiment of the fire extinguishing equipment shown in Figure 1. In the third fire extinguishing control according to the first embodiment in Figure 1, when the control panel 34 determines that a fire has occurred and that the conditions for activating fire extinguishing have been met, the nitrogen shut-off valve 30 and the water shut-off valve 32 are opened and the high-voltage power supply unit 38 is activated, and when a predetermined time, for example 1 minute, has elapsed since the fire was determined, the water shut-off valve 32 is closed to stop the release of charged water particles.

[0192] (High-voltage power supply section) In the above embodiment, a DC voltage is applied from the high-voltage power supply unit 38 between the induction electrode section 60 and the water-side electrode section 62 of the charged fine spray head 14. However, in addition to a DC voltage, a pulse voltage, pulsating voltage, or AC voltage may also be applied. Furthermore, when applying a voltage from the high-voltage power supply unit 18 between the induction electrode section 60 and the water-side electrode section 62, voltage adjustment and voltage polarity switching are possible, but the applied voltage and / or voltage polarity may be fixed.

[0193] (others) Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes appropriate modifications that do not impair its purpose and advantages, and is not limited by the numerical values ​​shown in the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0194] 10: Protected Area 12: Nitrogen Head 14: Electrostatic spray head 16: Smoke detector 18: Heat detector 20: Nitrogen-filled container 22: Water filling container 24: Nitrogen supply piping 26: Water supply piping 28: Pressurized piping 30: Nitrogen shut-off valve 30(30-1): First nitrogen shut-off valve 30(30-2): Second nitrogen shut-off valve 32: Water shut-off valve 34: Control Panel 36: Operation box 38: High-voltage power supply unit 40: High-voltage cable 40a: Voltage application cable 40b: Ground cable 42: High-voltage variable circuit 44: Polarity Reversal Circuit 46: Current limiting resistor 54: Body 56: Spray nozzle section 58: Electrode holding part 60: Induction electrode part 62: Water side electrode part 64: Water supply connection

Claims

1. A fire extinguishing system for extinguishing fires within partitioned protective compartments, A nitrogen-filled container filled with nitrogen gas under pressure, A nitrogen head capable of releasing the nitrogen gas into the protected area, A water-filling container into which the nitrogen gas for filling with water and releasing the water is introduced, A first nitrogen shut-off valve that opens and closes the supply path of nitrogen gas, including its introduction into the water-filled container, A second nitrogen valve is positioned on the nitrogen head side of the first nitrogen valve and controls the release of nitrogen gas by the nitrogen head, A water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply path, When releasing the water, a high-voltage power supply unit applies a predetermined high voltage to the water particles to be released to charge them, A charged spray head capable of releasing the charged water particles into the protected area, A control unit that controls the first nitrogen shut-off valve, the second nitrogen shut-off valve, the water shut-off valve, and the high-voltage power supply unit, Equipped with, A fire extinguishing system characterized in that, when a fire is detected in the protected area, the first nitrogen shut-off valve and the second nitrogen shut-off valve are opened, then the high-voltage power supply unit is activated, and then the water shut-off valve is opened to release the nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head and the charged water particles from the charged spray head.

2. A firefighting method for extinguishing a fire within a partitioned, protected area, The nitrogen-filled container is filled with nitrogen gas under pressure. The nitrogen head allows the nitrogen gas to be released into the protected area. The water-filled container is used to fill with water and to introduce the nitrogen gas for releasing the water. The first nitrogen valve opens and closes the supply path of nitrogen gas, including its introduction into the water-filled container. A second nitrogen valve, positioned on the nitrogen head side of the first nitrogen valve, controls the release of nitrogen gas by the nitrogen head. The water supply path is opened and closed by a water valve. When the water is released by the high-voltage power supply unit, a predetermined high voltage is applied to the water particles to be released to make them charged water particles. The charged spray head makes it possible to release the charged water particles into the protected area. The control unit controls the first nitrogen on / off valve, the second nitrogen on / off valve, the water on / off valve, and the high-voltage power supply unit. A fire extinguishing method characterized by, when a fire is detected in the protected area, opening the first nitrogen shut-off valve and the second nitrogen shut-off valve, then activating the high-voltage power supply unit, and then opening the water shut-off valve to release the nitrogen gas from the nitrogen head and the charged water particles from the charged spray head.

3. A fire extinguishing system according to claim 1 or a fire extinguishing method according to claim 2, The fire extinguishing equipment or method is characterized in that the high-voltage power supply unit applies one of the following as the predetermined high voltage: DC voltage, pulse voltage, pulsating voltage, or AC voltage.

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