Energy Extraction Module for Fire Alarm Bus Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hazard alarm systems face challenges in maintaining functionality during power failures, requiring large and expensive backup batteries, limiting the use of high-energy consumers, and complicating system expansions due to energy supply constraints.
Innovation Solution
An energy decoupling module with a current-limiting unit and energy store, connected to a detector line, provides a decentralized power supply for external consumers, allowing for compact and efficient operation of peripheral devices like radio transmitters, even during power failures, using a buck converter and capacitor or accumulator for energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery capacity is increased to meet power outage requirements, then the system reliability is improved, but the device complexity, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the power supply system into two segments: a centralized power supply for the control panel and decentralized energy storage units distributed at detector locations. This segmentation allows the system to meet power outage requirements without requiring a single large battery in the control panel, thereby reducing device complexity and integration challenges while maintaining system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more electrical devices are connected to the bus, then the system functionality is improved, but the required battery capacity and energy available via the bus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements local energy storage at detector locations rather than relying solely on centralized bus power. Each detector with an integrated energy storage unit can independently power additional devices, allowing the system to support more devices without proportionally increasing the total battery capacity or energy requirements of the main bus.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If larger batteries are used to extend bridging time, then the duration of action is improved, but the weight and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large battery to achieve extended bridging time, the invention distributes multiple smaller energy storage units across different detector locations. The combined capacity of these distributed units provides the required bridging time while keeping individual unit weights manageable and easier to handle during installation and maintenance.
4Device complexity
If the energy storage device is integrated into the detector, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage unit is designed as a standardized module that can be integrated into different detector types without requiring custom manufacturing for each application. This universal design approach maintains relatively simple manufacturing processes while achieving the benefits of integration, as the same module can serve multiple detector models and configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the continued operation of peripheral devices, reduces the need for large batteries, allows for additional functionalities without affecting the main bus performance, and provides a cost-effective, maintenance-friendly solution for hazard alarm systems, enabling extended bridging times and flexible system upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
a current limiting unit (SBE) connected in series with the first electrical connection (K), an energy storage device (C) connected downstream of the current limiting unit (SBE)
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage device (C) connected downstream of the current limiting unit (SBE)... the electrical energy (E) extracted from the detector line (ML), apart from an electrical self-supply component for the energy extraction module (EIM), is intended exclusively for the electrical supply of the connected consumer (EXT)
Data Source
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AI summary
Energy extraction module (EIM), with a first electrical connection (K) for connecting the energy extraction module (EIM) to a detector line (ML), in particular to a two-wire line, of a fire alarm system (100), wherein the energy extraction module (EIM) has a current limiting unit (SBE) connected to the detector line (ML), an energy storage device (C) connected downstream of the current limiting unit (SBE) and a second electrical connection (PS) connected downstream of the energy storage device (C) for connecting an external consumer (EXT), wherein the electrical energy (E) extracted from the detector line (ML), apart from an electrical self-supply component for the energy extraction module (EIM), is intended exclusively for the electrical supply of the connected consumer (EXT).