Multi-Wavelength Fire Detection for Fewer False Alarms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spark detectors in reservoirs fail to accurately distinguish between harmless and hazardous fire-like phenomena, leading to false alarms and increased risk of fires or explosions due to inadequate adaptation to the specific conditions of the medium and environment.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple measuring units detecting electromagnetic radiation in different wavelength ranges, combined with sensor units for medium-specific data, adjusts its measurement sensitivity based on adaptation criteria to accurately assess the risk of fire or explosion, thereby reducing false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single measuring unit is used to detect fire-like phenomena, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and ability to differentiate between harmful and harmless phenomena deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the detection task into multiple measuring units, each responsible for detecting electromagnetic radiation in a specific wavelength range. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in detecting particular types of fire-like phenomena (e.g., sparks, flames, embers) while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing the complexity burden through functional distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extends detection into multiple spectral dimensions by incorporating measuring units that operate across different wavelength ranges (visible light, infrared, ultraviolet). This dimensional expansion in the spectral domain enables comprehensive detection of various fire-like phenomena that emit radiation at different wavelengths, significantly improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing physical complexity.
2Reliability
If the measuring arrangement continuously monitors all wavelength ranges, then the detection reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts its monitoring strategy based on detected conditions. The control device activates or deactivates specific measuring units depending on the type of fire-like phenomenon detected and the current operational context. This dynamic adaptation maintains high detection reliability by ensuring appropriate monitoring is always active while minimizing energy consumption by keeping unnecessary monitoring functions inactive.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes operational parameters (which measuring units are active) based on detected conditions. When a fire-like phenomenon is detected in one wavelength range, the system adjusts by activating measuring units suited for that phenomenon type while potentially deactivating others, thereby maintaining reliability through adaptive parameter changes while optimizing energy usage.
3Measurement precision
If the device does not adapt to medium-specific conditions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-adjustment by automatically adapting its detection parameters and sensitivity levels based on medium-specific conditions detected during operation. The control device analyzes measurements from multiple units and autonomously configures the system for optimal performance in the current medium environment, eliminating the need for manual calibration while maintaining high detection accuracy and reducing false alarms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements feedback mechanisms where measurements from all wavelength ranges are continuously analyzed, and the results feed back to the control device which adjusts detection parameters accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to learn and adapt to medium-specific conditions, improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automatic adjustment rather than manual intervention.
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
The device effectively differentiates between dangerous and harmless fire-like phenomena, minimizing false alarms and ensuring timely intervention only in hazardous situations, thus preventing unnecessary shutdowns and damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first measuring unit for detecting electromagnetic radiation emitted by the fire-like phenomenon in a first wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
a second measuring unit for detecting electromagnetic radiation emitted by the fire-like phenomenon in a second wavelength range
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for the metrological detection of a fire-like phenomenon (1), in particular a spark, flame or ember or hot particle phenomenon, in a media-flowing or media-loaded reservoir (2), with a measuring arrangement (4) designed for the acquisition of measurement data, the measuring arrangement (4) comprising a first and a second measuring unit (11, 12) for the acquisition of electromagnetic radiation (5) emitted by the fire-like phenomenon (1) in a first and second wavelength range respectively, optionally comprising a third measuring unit (13) for the acquisition of ambient light (7), and optionally comprising a sensor unit (14) for the measurement of media-specific or environment-specific measurement data.To reduce the risk of false alarms in such a device and to improve the detection and hazard assessment of fire-like phenomena, it is proposed to provide a test device (8) that is configured to check, at a current time (tA), based on measurement data acquired by the measuring arrangement (4) and/or stored medium- or environment-specific characteristic data, whether an adaptation criterion (A) is met. If the adaptation criterion (A) is met, a measurement sensitivity (M1, M2, M3) or an operating parameter (P1, P2, P3) of at least one of the measuring units (11, 12, 13) can be adjusted appropriately to the situation using a control device (10). Furthermore, the invention proposes a method for the metrological detection of fire-like phenomena (1) and a system for the demand-oriented and reliable elimination of a hazardous condition caused by a fire-like phenomenon.