Fire Extinguishing Pump Control for Stable Nozzle Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extinguishing systems face issues with pressure and flow variations due to nozzle activation/deactivation, sensor malfunctions, and harsh operating conditions, leading to ineffective fire suppression.
Innovation Solution
An extinguishing system with a controller that determines operating pressure at the nozzle using system data and a feedforward mechanism, allowing for proactive control of the pump system to compensate for disturbances and adjust settings based on conduit length and nozzle configuration, reducing reliance on sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is used to control the pump system, then the operating pressure can be measured and controlled, but the system becomes dependent on sensor operation which may fail or malfunction under harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic pressure sensor system with a hydraulic calculation system. The controller determines operating pressure by calculating hydraulic losses based on flow rate, conduit length, diameter, and roughness, eliminating dependency on physical pressure sensors that can fail in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flow rate measurement as an intermediary parameter. Instead of directly measuring pressure with a sensor, the system measures flow rate and uses it to calculate pressure through hydraulic loss formulas, providing an indirect but more reliable measurement method.
2Reliability
If conventional pressure control is used, then the pump system responds to pressure changes, but pressure variations occur when nozzles are activated or deactivated, disrupting active nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedforward control by calculating the required pump output in advance based on the desired operating pressure at the nozzle and the known hydraulic characteristics of the system. This allows the pump to proactively adjust before pressure deviations occur, rather than reacting after they happen.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from flow rate measurements to continuously adjust pump output. The controller monitors actual flow rate and adjusts the pump to maintain the calculated operating pressure, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual system conditions.
3Productivity
If the pump system operates at high capacity, then fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but pressure variations and hydraulic losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pump system dynamic by enabling continuous adjustment of pump output based on actual conditions. The controller can optimize pump capacity in real-time, matching the exact flow requirements of the fire situation rather than operating at fixed high capacity, thereby reducing unnecessary hydraulic losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters dynamically by adjusting pump output based on calculated hydraulic losses. By modifying pump capacity according to actual conduit conditions, flow rate, and distance, the system maintains effective fire suppression while minimizing energy waste from excessive pressure and flow.
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
Ensures effective and efficient fire suppression by anticipating and adjusting for pressure fluctuations, enhancing system reliability and safety without sensor dependency, even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
Water for extinguishing is supplied from a waterway or fire hydrant and carried with the pump system to at least one nozzle
Implementation Method 2
determines with the controller (34) on the basis of data obtained with the input system the operating pressure at or close to the at least one nozzle (28, 30)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to an extinguishing system and method for extinguishing fires. The extinguishing system comprises: a pump system for pumping extinguishing agent; one or more nozzles connected operatively to the pump system for the purpose of spraying extinguishing agent at a source of fire; a supply or inlet arranged on the pump system for the purpose of supplying extinguishing agent to the pump system; an extinguishing conduit with an extinguishing length arranged on the pump system for the purpose of supplying extinguishing agent to the at least one nozzle; an extinguishing controller provided with an input system for inputting system data, including data about the extinguishing conduit, the pump system and the at least one nozzle, wherein the extinguishing controller is configured to determine with the system data an operating pressure at or close to the at least one nozzle and thereby control the pump system.