Portable Battery-Powered Pump Station for Fire and Flood Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for fire suppression and emergency response, such as gas and diesel-fueled pumps, are limited by fuel constraints and complexity, and existing electric systems are not portable enough for individual use during wildfires and floods, while also failing to address simultaneous emergency situations like power outages and water pressure losses.
Innovation Solution
A portable, battery-powered, variable-pressure electric liquid pump system integrated with a user-programmable and remotely triggerable emergency station that includes a computer system for monitoring and control, capable of addressing fire suppression, flood mitigation, water pressure boosting, and power outages, featuring a wheeled chassis, electric motor, and interchangeable batteries with ultra-capacitor support for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas and diesel-fueled fire pumps are used for fire suppression, then fire suppression capability is provided, but fuel constraints and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces internal combustion engines with electric motors to power the fire pump. This substitution eliminates the need for fuel storage tanks, fuel lines, and engine starting systems, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining fire suppression capability. The electric motor is driven by a battery pack, creating a simpler, more reliable system for emergency use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the fuel storage and internal combustion components from the fire pump system. By taking out the gas or diesel engine and fuel tanks, the design eliminates the associated complexity of fuel management, storage safety, and engine maintenance, leaving only the essential pump function powered by electricity.
2Reliability
If industrial or large-scale commercial electric pump systems are used, then reliable fire suppression is provided, but portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fire suppression system into separate, modular components: a portable pump unit with battery power, and a separate water source connection. This segmentation allows the critical pump and power components to be lightweight and portable, while the water supply can be connected to existing infrastructure, maintaining reliability without sacrificing mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a variable speed motor that can dynamically adjust its operation based on power availability from the battery or AC source. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain optimal performance across different operating conditions while keeping the overall system weight manageable for portability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate emergency systems are used for different emergencies, then specific emergency functions are addressed, but system complexity and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the fire pump system to perform multiple emergency functions beyond just fire suppression. The variable speed pump can provide water for flood mitigation, water pressure boosting during pressure loss events, and the battery system can provide emergency power. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address various emergency situations without requiring separate specialized equipment for each scenario.
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 system provides a self-sufficient, user-friendly, and remotely manageable solution for emergency situations, ensuring reliable fire suppression, flood control, water pressure augmentation, and power supply, enhancing individual and community resilience during disasters.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor to power a liquid pump
Implementation Method 2
battery-powered, variable-pressure electric liquid pump system integrated with a user-programmable and remotely triggerable emergency station
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An integrated, portable, battery-powered, variable-pressure electric liquid pump and power emergency station comprising a chassis; one or more wheels supporting the chassis; an electrically powered, variable-pressure liquid pump carried by the chassis; one or more rechargeable batteries powering the variable-pressure liquid pump to transfer liquid at variable pressures from a liquid source to a liquid destination; and one or more AC outlets carried by the chassis and powered by the one or more rechargeable batteries to provide emergency back-up power during power outage.