Fire prevention or extinction system

Abstract

The invention provides a fire prevention or extinction system for a solar panels on a slanted roof. The system comprises at least one fluid feed line, at least one fluid delivery line connected to the at least one fluid feed line, the fluid delivery line comprising nozzles for emitting fluid, at least one sensor for determining hazardous conditions, and a processor device connected to the at least one sensor. The system is adapted to be placed on a roof underneath one or more solar panels so that the fluid delivery line runs along a highest edge of the one or more solar panels and the nozzles will emit fluid in a downward direction underneath the solar panels. The processor device is configured to detect the existence of hazardous conditions based on sensor data and, in case there are hazardous conditions, perform at least one of raising an alarm and sending fluid through the fluid feed lines.

Description

[0001] FIRE PREVENTION OR EXTINCTION SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a solar panel fire prevention system, in particular such a system for solar panels on a slanted roof

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Solar energy, a renewable and abundant source of power, has seen a significant rise in adoption over the past few decades. Solar panels, the primary devices used to harness this energy, are often installed on rooftops to maximize exposure to sunlight. However, the integration of solar panels onto rooftops, particularly slanted ones, has introduced a new set of challenges related to fire safety.

[0006] Solar panels, by their very nature, convert sunlight into electricity, a process that inherently generates heat. This heat, if not properly managed, can lead to an increased risk of fire, particularly in regions with high solar irradiance. The risk is further exacerbated when solar panels are installed on slanted roofs, where the angle of installation can trap heat beneath the panels, creating a potential fire hazard. Another significant risk factor are the vulnerable electrical sockets and plugs in damp environments combined with the DC current generated by the solar panels. These connections can short-circuit and cause fire.

[0007] The challenge of extinguishing fires beneath roof-mounted solar panels is significant. Traditional firefighting methods often prove ineffective due to the difficulty in accessing the space beneath the panels. Furthermore, the presence of live electrical circuits in solar panels poses an additional risk to firefighters. These challenges have led to stringent municipal regulations on the types of solar panels permitted on roofs and the manner in which they are installed.

[0008] Existing fire prevention and extinguishing systems for solar panels have several limitations. Many of these systems rely on manual intervention, which may not be feasible in all situations, particularly when the residents are away. Furthermore, these systems often lack the ability to detect and respond to fire hazards in a timely manner.

[0009] In addition, the placement of fire prevention and extinguishing systems is critical. Systems that are not strategically placed may not effectively cool both the roof tiles and the solar panels, leading to a higher risk of fire. Moreover, the use of water as the primary extinguishing fluid may not be sufficient in all cases, particularly in regions with water scarcity.

[0010] The use of sensors in fire prevention and extinguishing systems is another area of concern. While some systems incorporate sensors to detect hazardous conditions, these sensors often lack the ability to analyze sensor data and control system operations. Furthermore, the lack of visual inspection capabilities in many systems hampers the ability to identify and respond to fire hazards.

[0011] JP 2023-107201 A discloses a fire-extinguishing device for use with solar panels on a slanted roof. The system in D1 comprises a cooling circuit where a refrigerant continuously circulates through refrigerant flow pipes to cool the solar panels during normal operation. The refrigerant remains within the pipes under standard conditions, and the system is continuously operational under normal conditions.

[0012] US 2019 / 0356264 A1 discloses a solar transfer module incorporating roof solar photovoltaic cells in a cased layer sandwiched between two water-handling layers. The bottom waste heat layer contains heat transfer pipes tuned for absorbing heat from the bottom of the photovoltaic layer and to dissipate heat into cool water pumped through the transfer pipes from ground level. The system is continuously operational under normal conditions.

[0013] Improvements are desired to overcome shortcomings of existing implementations.

[0014] SUMMARY

[0015] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a fire prevention or extinction system for a solar panels on a slanted roof. The system comprises at least one fluid feed line, at least one fluid delivery line connected to the at least one fluid feed line, the fluid delivery line comprising nozzles for emitting fluid, at least one sensor for determining hazardous conditions, and a processor device connected to the at least one sensor. The system is adapted to be placed on a roof underneath one or more solar panels so that the fluid delivery line runs along a highest edge of the one or more solar panels and the nozzles will emit fluid in a downward direction underneath the solar panels. The processor device is configured to detect the existence of hazardous conditions based on sensor data and, in case there are hazardous conditions, perform at least one of raising an alarm and sending fluid through the fluid feed lines. In general terms, the present disclosure is directed to a fire prevention or extinction system for solar panels on a slanted roof. The system includes fluid feed lines, fluid delivery lines with nozzles for emitting fluid, sensors for detecting hazardous conditions, and a processor device. The system is designed to be placed on a roof under the solar panels, with the fluid delivery line running along the highest edge of the panels. The processor device is configured to detect hazardous conditions based on sensor data and can raise an alarm or send fluid through the feed lines if necessary. Advantageously, the invention solves the problem of preventing and extinguishing fires beneath roof-mounted solar panels, a significant challenge faced by fire departments.

[0016] Optionally, the system comprises a fluid vessel connected to the fluid feed line and a pump for pumping fluid from the fluid vessel into the fluid feed line.

[0017] Optionally, the at least one fluid feed line comprises an adapter to receive fluid from a pressurized fluid source such as a water supply.

[0018] Optionally, the processor is configured to automatically supply fluid from the pressurized fluid source to the at least one fluid feed line in case of hazardous conditions.

[0019] Optionally, the system further comprises further fluid delivery lines to be placed at various positions along the slanted roof underneath the solar panel.

[0020] Optionally, the system further comprises further fluid feed lines.

[0021] Optionally, the at least one fluid feed line and / or the at least one fluid delivery line are made of fireproof or fire-resistant material.

[0022] Optionally, the system comprises a temperature sensor.

[0023] Optionally, the system further comprises at least one gas feed line, at least one gas delivery line connected to the gas feed line, and nozzles for emitting gas. The gas delivery line is adapted to run along the lowest edge of the solar panels and the nozzles will emit gas in an upward direction underneath the solar panels in order to improve ventilation. In a preferred embodiment, air is used as gas.

[0024] Optionally, the system further comprises a compressor to supply compressed air to the at least one gas feed line. Optionally, the compressor is connected to the processing device and the processing device is configured to control the compressor to supply compressed air to the at least one gas feed line in certain conditions.

[0025] Optionally, the system comprises an external fluid connection and / or an internal gas connection which is, in an installed state of the system, outside of the slanted roof in order to receive additional fluid and / or gas from a source outside of the slanted roof. The system may optionally comprise an internal fluid connection and / or an internal gas connection which is, in an installed state of the system, inside the slanted roof in order to receive additional fluid and / or gas from a source inside the slanted roof.

[0026] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer device communicate via a network with a processor device for receiving alarm and / or status information from a fire prevention or extinction system.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] These are and other aspects will now be described in relation to the figures in which:

[0029] Figure 1 schematically shows a fire prevention or extinction system according to the present disclosure placed on a slanted roof.

[0030] Figure 2 schematically shows a fire prevention or extinction system according to the present disclosure including a ventilation system.

[0031] Figure 3 schematically shows a further fire prevention or extinction system according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 schematically shows a mobile device running an application in communication with a fire prevention or extinction system according to the present disclosure.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1 illustratively shows a fire prevention or extinction system 100 according to the present disclosure. The system 100 comprises at least one fluid feed line 101 , at least one fluid delivery line 102 connected to the at least one fluid feed line 101 , and fluid nozzles 103 for emitting fluid. Additionally, the system 100 has at least one sensor 104 for determining hazardous conditions and a processor device 105 connected to the at least one sensor 104. The system 100 is adapted to be placed on a roof underneath one or more solar panels 106 so that the fluid delivery line 102 runs along a highest edge of the one or more solar panels 106 and the fluid nozzles 103 will emit fluid in a downward direction underneath the solar panels 106. The processor device 105 is configured to detect the existence of hazardous conditions based on sensor data and, in case there are hazardous conditions, perform at least one of raising an alarm and sending fluid through the fluid feed lines 101.

[0035] Advantageously, the system 100 is ingeniously designed to tackle the formidable challenge of extinguishing fires that occur beneath roof-mounted solar panels 106, a problem that has been a significant concern in the industry. The fluid feed line 101 and fluid delivery line 102 form a network that facilitates the distribution of an extinguishing fluid. This fluid is primarily water, but the system is versatile enough to accommodate other fire-suppressing fluids if necessary. The fluid is directed to the critical area beneath the solar panels 106, a region that is typically hard to reach and therefore vulnerable to fire hazards.

[0036] The sensor 104 is designed to detect hazardous conditions that could potentially lead to a fire. This sensor could be a temperature sensor, a smoke detector, or a high-resolution camera that can visually identify smoke or other signs of a fire. The sensor 104 could also be a combination of both, providing a dual mode of detection for enhanced reliability and accuracy. Preferably, the sensor is able to detect hazardous conditions before a fire starts. A temperature sensor could be useful for this. A camera, on the other hand, can be uniquely useful to detect hazardous conditions such as a bird nest being created underneath the solar panels 106. Such bird nests can be starting points for a fire when the temperature underneath the panels increases due to sunny weather.

[0037] The processor device 105 analyzes the data from the sensor 104. It can use algorithms and machine learning techniques to interpret the sensor data and make intelligent decisions based on that data. The processor device 105 controls the operation of the system 100, including the activation of an alarm and the distribution of fluid in response to detected hazards. The alarm could be a loud audible alarm to alert residents, or a silent alarm that sends notifications to the residents' mobile devices 200 or to a central monitoring station.

[0038] The fluid distribution is controlled by the processor device 105, which can adjust the volume and rate of fluid flow based on the severity of the detected hazard. For instance, in the event of a minor hazard, the processor device 105 might initiate a slow, steady flow of fluid. In contrast, for a major hazard, the processor device 105 could trigger a rapid, high-volume flow of fluid to quickly suppress the fire.

[0039] The strategic placement of the fluid delivery line 102 and fluid nozzles 103 is another key feature of the system 100. The fluid delivery line 102 is positioned along the highest edge of the solar panels 106, ensuring that the fluid reaches the entire area beneath the panels. The fluid nozzles 103 are designed to emit fluid in a downward direction, taking advantage of gravity to ensure a uniform distribution of fluid. The fluid nozzles 103 could be adjustable, allowing the direction and spread of the fluid to be controlled for optimal coverage.

[0040] The fluid cools both the roof tiles and the solar panels 106 as it flows downward, effectively preventing and / or extinguishing fires. The cooling effect on the roof tiles reduces the risk of the fire spreading to other parts of the building, while the cooling of the solar panels 106 helps to prevent damage to the panels and maintain their efficiency. The fluid also helps to remove smoke and heat from the area, further reducing the risk of fire.

[0041] In some embodiments the system comprises a fluid vessel 107 connected to the fluid feed line 101 and a pump 108 for pumping fluid from the fluid vessel 107 into the fluid feed line 101.

[0042] Advantageously, the fluid vessel 107 serves as an internal fluid source, allowing the system 100 to operate independently, particularly during periods when residents are away. The pump 108, controlled by the processor device 105, distributes fluid from the fluid vessel 107 through the fluid feed line 101 in response to detected hazards. This autonomous functionality is useful for the effective prevention and extinguishing of fires.

[0043] In some embodiments the system comprises an adapter 109 to receive fluid from a pressurized fluid source 110 such as a water supply. If such a source is available near the solar panels 106, this may make the fluid vessel 107 redundant. Advantageously, the adapter 109 allows the system 100 to connect directly to an external pressurized fluid source 110, such as municipal water mains. This ensures a consistent fluid source for the fluid feed lines 101 , enhancing the system's ability to prevent and extinguish fires.

[0044] In some embodiments the processor device 105 is configured to automatically supply fluid from the pressurized fluid source 110 to the at least one fluid feed line 101 in case of hazardous conditions. Advantageously, the processor device 105's ability to automatically supply fluid from the pressurized fluid source 110 to the fluid feed line 101 in response to hazardous conditions enhances the system's autonomous functionality. This feature allows for immediate response to potential fire hazards, significantly improving the system's effectiveness in preventing and extinguishing fires.

[0045] In some embodiments the system further comprises further fluid delivery lines 101 to be placed at various positions along the slanted roof underneath the solar panel 106.

[0046] Advantageously, the additional fluid delivery lines 102 provide broader coverage, distributing fluid received from the feed lines to various points along the roof. This ensures that the entire area beneath the solar panels 106 is cooled, further enhancing the system's ability to prevent and extinguish fires.

[0047] In some embodiments the system further comprises further fluid feed lines 101 .

[0048] Advantageously, the additional fluid feed lines 101 allow for the distribution of fluid to multiple fluid delivery lines 102. This ensures a consistent fluid supply to all areas beneath the solar panels 106, further enhancing the system's ability to prevent and extinguish fires.

[0049] In some embodiments the at least one fluid feed line 101 and / or the at least one fluid delivery line 102 are made of fireproof or fire-resistant material.

[0050] Advantageously, the use of fireproof or fire-resistant material for the fluid feed lines 101 and / or fluid delivery lines 102 ensures that the system 100 remains operational even in high- temperature conditions. This feature significantly enhances the system's reliability and effectiveness in preventing and extinguishing fires.

[0051] In some embodiments the system comprises a temperature sensor 104.

[0052] Advantageously, the temperature sensor 104 provides real-time data on the temperature beneath the solar panels 106. This data is analyzed by the processor device 105 to detect hazardous conditions and control the operation of the system 100. The use of a temperature sensor 104 enhances the system's ability to detect potential fire hazards and respond accordingly. Figure 2 schematically shows a fire prevention or extinction system 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The system 100 encompasses at least one gas feed line 115 in fluid communication with a compressor 117 for provisioning compressed air, and at least one gas delivery line 116 coupled to the at least one gas feed line 115. The gas delivery line 116 is equipped with gas nozzles 118 designed for the discharge of gas. The system is configured such that the gas delivery line 116 is situated along a lowermost edge of one or more solar panels 106, with the gas nozzles 118 oriented to expel gas in an upward trajectory underneath the solar panels 106.

[0053] The compressor 117 is configured to supply a sustained flow of compressed air to the gas feed line 115, thereby significantly bolstering the fire mitigation potential of the system 100. The expelling of compressed air from the gas nozzles 118 engenders a cooling breeze beneath the solar panels 106, improving ventilation and allowing heat to escape upwards, substantially diminishing the probability of ignition due to accumulated heat. Consequently, the system 100 provides an augmented protective mechanism against fire hazards, affirming its utility in safeguarding solar panel installations.

[0054] While shown in figure 2 as an addition to the earlier described fluid distribution system 101 - 103, it is possible to provide the ventilation system 115 - 118 of figure 2 without said fluid distribution. In many cases, improved ventilation will be sufficient to prevent fires.

[0055] In some embodiments the compressor 117 is connected to the processing device 105, and the processing device 105 is configured to control the compressor 117 to supply compressed air to the at least one gas feed line 115 in certain conditions.

[0056] Advantageously, the connection between the compressor 117 and the processing device 105 allows for automated control of the compressed air supply. The processing device 105, based on data from the sensor array, can control the operation of the compressor 117, ensuring the optimal supply of compressed air to the gas feed line 115 in response to detected hazards. This feature enhances the system's autonomous functionality, allowing for immediate response to potential fire hazards.

[0057] Figure 3 schematically shows a variant of the fire prevention or extinction system 100, consistent with certain embodiments of the current innovation. The system 100 is constituted by at least one fluid feed line 101 and a trio of fluid delivery lines 102, each fluidly interconnected to the fluid feed line 101. The fluid delivery lines 102 are each furnished with fluid nozzles 103, contrived for the dispersion of fluid. Moreover, the system 100 integrates a dual arrangement of gas delivery lines 116, each connected to at least one gas feed line 115. The gas delivery lines 116 incorporate gas nozzles 118, specifically adapted for the ejection of gas.

[0058] The expanded assembly with multiple fluid and gas delivery lines 102, 116 amplifies the system's capability to combat and prevent fires, by facilitating a more comprehensive and layered distribution of fire suppressant and ventilation gasses. The additional lines ensure a more uniform application of fluid and a broader dispersal of compressed air, which contributes to a marked reduction in temperature across a larger area beneath the solar panels 106. Consequently, the system 300 offers a robust and versatile solution to fire hazards, enhancing the safety and longevity of solar panel installations.

[0059] Figure 4 schematically shows a mobile device running an application in communication with a fire prevention or extinction system according to the present disclosure. The application communicates, via a wired or wireless network with a processor device 105. The applications is configured for at least one of the following:

[0060] - receiving an alarm condition related to hazardous conditions under the solar panels

[0061] - raising an audible alarm

[0062] - contacting a third party when an alarm condition is reached

[0063] - enabling I disabling the distribution of fluid through the system 100

[0064] - enabling I disabling ventilation through the system 100

[0065] - setting parameters for alarms and / or preventive actions, e.g. maximum allowable temperature

[0066] - displaying status information concerning settings, operating conditions, fluid and gas levels, etc.

[0067] In the foregoing description of the figures, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as summarized in the attached claims.

[0068] In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, combinations of specific features of various aspects of the invention may be made. An aspect of the invention may be further advantageously enhanced by adding a feature that was described in relation to another aspect of the invention.

[0069] It is to be understood that the invention is limited by the annexed claims and its technical equivalents only. In this document and in its claims, the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations are used in their non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, without excluding items not specifically mentioned. In addition, reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements. The indefinite article "a" or "an" thus usually means "at least one".

[0070] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS fire prevention or extinction system (100)

[0071] (further) fluid feed line (101)

[0072] (further) fluid delivery line (102) fluid nozzles (103) sensor (104) processor device (105) solar panels (106) fluid vessel (107) pump (108) adapter (109) pressurized fluid source (110)

[0073] (further) gas feed line (115)

[0074] (further) gas delivery line (116) compressor (117) gas nozzles (118) mobile device (200) mobile device screen (201) io

Claims

CLAIMS1. Fire prevention or extinction system (100) for solar panels (106) on a slanted roof, the system comprising- at least one fluid feed line (101);- at least one fluid delivery line (102) connected to the at least one fluid feed line (101), the fluid delivery line (102) comprising fluid nozzles (103) for emitting fluid;- at least one sensor (104) for determining hazardous conditions;- a processor device (105) connected to the at least one sensor (104), wherein the system (100) is adapted to be placed on a roof underneath one or more solar panels (106) so that the fluid delivery line (102) runs along a highest edge of the one or more solar panels (106) and the fluid nozzles (103) will emit fluid in a downward direction underneath the solar panels (106), wherein the processor device (105) is configured to detect the existence of hazardous conditions based on data from the at least one sensor and, in case there are hazardous conditions, perform at least one of raising an alarm and sending fluid through the fluid feed lines (101).

2. The system (100) of claim 1 , comprising a fluid vessel (107) connected to the fluid feed line (101) and a pump (108) for pumping fluid from the fluid vessel (107) into the fluid feed line (101).

3. The system (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one fluid feed line (101) comprises an adapter (109) to receive fluid from a pressurized fluid source (110) such as a water supply.

4. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein the processor device (105) is configured to automatically supply fluid from the pressurized fluid source (110) to the at least one fluid feed line (101) in case of hazardous conditions.

5. The system (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising further fluid delivery lines (102) to be placed at various positions along the slanted roof underneath the solar panel (106).

6. The system (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising further fluid feed lines (101).

7. The system (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fluid feed line (101) and / or the at least one fluid delivery line (102) are made of fireproof or fire-resistant material.

8. The system (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (104) is a temperature sensor.

9. The system (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising:- at least one gas feed line (115);- at least one gas delivery line (116) connected to the at least one gas feed line (115), the gas delivery line (116) comprising gas nozzles (118) for emitting gas; wherein the gas delivery line (116) is adapted to run along a lowest edge of the one or more solar panels (106) and the gas nozzles (118) will emit gas in an upward direction underneath the solar panels (106) in order to improve ventilation.

10. The system (100) of claim 9, further comprising a compressor (117) to supply compressed air to the at least one gas feed line (115).

11. The system (100) of claim 10, wherein the compressor (117) is connected to the processing device (105), and wherein the processing device (105) is configured to control the compressor (117) to supply compressed air to the at least one gas feed line (115) in certain conditions.

12. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an external fluid connection and / or an internal gas connection which is, in an installed state of the system, outside of the slanted roof in order to receive additional fluid and / or gas from a source outside of the slanted roof.

13. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an internal fluid connection and / or an internal gas connection which is, in an installed state of the system, inside the slanted roof in order to receive additional fluid and / or gas from a source inside the slanted roof.

14. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer device (200), cause said computer device to communicate via a network with a processor device (105) for receiving alarm and / or status information from a fire prevention or extinction system (100) according to any one of the previous claims.

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