Integrated Fire Suppression Control for Wildfire Water Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a long-standing need for integrated systems and methods to manage and suppress wildfires and internal structure fires, including the coordination of external and internal fire suppression systems, activation of these systems, management of water resources, and coordination of evacuation plans during a wildfire event.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an external fire management system (EFMS), a graphic user interface (GUI), and a control system that integrates with local controllers to automate the activation and management of fire suppression systems, utilizing hydration plans, lockout plans, and auto-activation notices to manage fire risks, with features like cloud-based operation control and interlocking control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fire suppression systems (external and internal) are integrated and coordinated, then the effectiveness of wildfire mitigation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fire suppression systems (external fire management systems and internal fire suppression systems) into a single integrated networked system. The control system merges data from sensors, hydrants, sprinkler systems, and communication networks into a unified platform that coordinates their operation, allowing them to work together as one cohesive system rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality to manage diverse components including sensors, hydrants, sprinkler systems, communication networks, and various fire suppression methods. This universal control platform can adapt to different fire types (wildfires, structure fires) and coordinate multiple suppression approaches (water, foam, retardant) through a single system.
2Loss of time
If automated control and coordination of fire suppression systems is implemented, then the response time is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning suppression resources and pre-establishing coordination protocols. Sensors are pre-deployed to detect fire conditions, hydrants and sprinkler systems are pre-connected to the control network, and suppression methods are pre-configured based on fire type and location, enabling immediate automated response without complex real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor fire conditions and system status, hydrants and sprinkler systems report their operational state, and the control system adjusts suppression actions in real-time based on this feedback. This automated feedback mechanism enables rapid response without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Productivity
If water resources are optimized through integrated management, then the efficiency of fire suppression is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service water resource management where the control system automatically monitors water availability, hydrant status, and suppression needs. The system self-adjusts water distribution by activating appropriate hydrants and sprinkler systems based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual water resource allocation while maintaining high efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided systems, equipment and networks having a control system having an operation control command plan for wild fire and internal fire mitigation and suppression. In embodiments there is provided a parcel by parcel control and optimization of the EFMS and IFMS for a particular area. In embodiments of these systems and methods they have a failsafe valve for operation of IFMS and EFMS, where the default or failsafe is for the operation of the IFMS. In embodiments of these systems and methods they have a water pumper truck feeding water to the EFMS, and can further have water tower system that is feed by the pumper truck.