Pneumatic Actuator for Fire Suppression Power Failure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dry pre-action fire suppression systems rely on electrical power for operation, leading to a loss of functionality during AC power outages, even with battery backup, which can result in a non-functional fire protection system if the outage lasts beyond battery life.
Innovation Solution
A fire suppression sprinkler system that converts from electrical to pneumatic operation in the event of a power failure, using a control system with an electrical actuator and a pneumatic actuator associated with the control valve, and an isolation valve that can be set to allow fluid communication between the pneumatic actuator and the piping network without drawing electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical power supply and battery backup are used to operate the fire suppression system, then the system can function during normal conditions, but the system becomes non-functional when AC power is lost and battery is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pneumatic actuator that uses compressed gas stored in the piping network to open the control valve, replacing the electrical actuator that requires continuous electrical power. The compressed gas serves as a mechanical energy storage medium that can activate the system without electrical power, resolving the contradiction between reliability during power outages and electrical power dependency.
2Ease of operation
If an electrical actuator is used to open the control valve, then the system can be controlled electrically, but the system cannot operate independently of electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is designed to accept multiple types of actuators - both electrical actuators for normal operation and pneumatic actuators for power outage conditions. The system can adapt between different actuation methods depending on the operational context, achieving multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between ease of electrical operation and adaptability to power source independence.
Solution Approach 2:
A dual-actuator configuration is introduced where the electrical actuator and pneumatic actuator work as intermediaries for different operational modes. The electrical actuator handles normal controlled operation, while the pneumatic actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that activates when electrical power is unavailable, allowing the system to adapt to different power conditions.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery backup power is provided, then the system can maintain operation during short AC power outages, but the system fails when the outage exceeds battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores compressed gas in the piping network during normal operation, creating a preliminary mechanical energy reserve that can immediately activate the pneumatic actuator when electrical power is lost. This preliminary action of storing pneumatic energy ensures the system can operate indefinitely during power outages without relying on battery duration, resolving the contradiction between operational duration and reliability.
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 continuous fire protection by allowing the system to function independently of electrical power, using a pneumatic actuator to open the control valve and release the fire suppressant when a pressure change is detected, even after battery backup is depleted.
Implementation Method 1
The pneumatic actuator is associated with the control valve for opening the control valve in response to a pressure change within the piping network
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for converting a fire suppression system from a single interlock electric or double interlock electro-pneumatic system to a single interlock pneumatic system which draws no electrical power. A pneumatic actuator is in fluid communication with a pressurized piping network and a control valve controlling flow of fire suppressant to the network. The pneumatic actuator is isolated from the piping network by a check valve and a latching solenoid valve. In the event of a power failure the latching solenoid valve is opened, placing the pneumatic actuator in fluid communication with the piping network. Electrical power is drawn only to change the state of the latching solenoid valve, it otherwise draws no power. When the latching solenoid valve is open the pneumatic actuator controls actuation of the control valve, and triggers the control valve when there is a pressure change in the piping network indicative of a fire.