Dynamic Fire Suppression Flow Control via Real-Time Valve Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire suppression systems deliver fire suppressants at a constant high rate based on cylinder pressure decay, leading to inefficient agent application and potential overflow, reducing the effectiveness of fire suppression and increasing agent waste.
Innovation Solution
A fire suppression system with a control valve and controller that adjusts the flow rate of the fire suppressant based on real-time fire conditions and parameters, allowing for initial high flow to form a saponification layer followed by reduced flow to optimize agent distribution and prevent overflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the fire suppressant is discharged at a constant high rate based on cylinder pressure decay, then the discharge speed is fast, but the agent application efficiency is poor and overflow occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed delivery system to a dynamic controlled delivery system. The control valve is adjusted in real-time based on fire conditions, allowing the discharge rate to vary dynamically. This enables the system to maintain high discharge speed when needed while optimizing agent application efficiency through controlled rate adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter from a constant high value to a variable value based on fire conditions. The controller adjusts the control valve to modify the discharge rate, transforming the single-parameter constant delivery into multi-parameter controlled delivery, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and efficiency.
2Reliability
If the fire suppressant is discharged at a constant high rate, then the initial suppression effect is strong, but agent waste increases due to overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control where the controller continuously monitors fire conditions and adjusts the control valve accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that high discharge rates are maintained only when necessary for effective suppression, while reducing or stopping discharge when the fire is controlled, thereby preventing overflow and agent waste.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining excessive high-rate discharge throughout the entire fire suppression process, the system applies partial action by adjusting the discharge rate to match actual fire conditions. The control valve is opened to appropriate degrees based on fire severity, avoiding both insufficient suppression and excessive agent application.
3Device complexity
If a fixed delivery system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different fire conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve serves multiple functions: it can be adjusted to different opening degrees to accommodate various fire conditions, from small to large fires. This single component provides multi-functionality, allowing the system to adapt to different scenarios without requiring completely different delivery systems, thus balancing complexity with adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and operations for controlling effective delivery of fire suppressant are disclosed. The fire suppression system comprises a control valve operatively coupled with a cylinder containing a fire suppressant. The system comprises a controller operatively coupled with the control valve. The controller is configured to command the control valve to open, discharging a flow of the fire suppressant at a first flow rate; and adjust the flow of the fire suppressant to a second flow rate during the discharge.