Thermal Imaging Fire Suppression for Targeted Retardant Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire suppression systems face challenges in efficiently detecting and extinguishing fires within predetermined areas while optimizing the use of fire retardant fluid, particularly in systems that require rapid response and prevention in high-risk environments.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes thermal imaging and environmental data to determine the location and area of a thermal event, instructs retardant dispensers to provide fire retardant based on configuration parameters, and includes maintenance diagnostics for system components to ensure optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fire suppression systems use thermal imaging and environmental data to accurately detect and target fire areas, then fire detection precision and suppression effectiveness are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the observation zone into multiple zones and uses multiple thermal imaging devices positioned at different locations to monitor each zone. This segmentation approach improves detection precision by eliminating blind spots while managing complexity through modular deployment of identical sensor units throughout the protected area.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire suppression system integrates multiple functions into a single unified platform: thermal imaging detection, environmental parameter monitoring, fire zone identification, and coordinated suppressant delivery. This multi-functionality improves measurement precision by combining multiple sensing modalities while managing complexity through integrated control architecture.
2Reliability
If the system uses multiple sensors and data processing to evaluate thermal events and determine fire location, then detection reliability is improved, but response time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring environmental parameters and thermal conditions before actual fire events occur. Configuration records are pre-established for different fire scenarios, and the system maintains readiness states that enable rapid response while ensuring reliable detection through ongoing multi-parameter assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where thermal imaging data, environmental sensor readings, and suppressant delivery status are continuously monitored and fed back to the control system. This closed-loop feedback improves detection reliability by validating measurements against multiple data sources while managing response time through real-time adaptive control that adjusts processing based on event severity.
3Loss of substance
If the retardant dispenser system is precisely controlled to target specific fire areas, then fluid usage efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppression system applies suppressant locally to identified fire zones rather than distributing it uniformly throughout the entire protected area. Thermal imaging data is used to determine precise fire location and extent, and the control system activates only the specific dispensers and nozzle orientations needed for that location, improving fluid efficiency while managing complexity through localized control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts suppressant delivery based on real-time fire conditions, continuously updating the target zone coordinates and required suppressant flow rates. The control system modifies dispenser activation sequences and nozzle orientations dynamically as the fire evolves, improving fluid usage efficiency by adapting to changing fire characteristics while managing complexity through adaptive control algorithms.
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
Enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of fire suppression by accurately targeting fire areas and maintaining system components, minimizing damage and optimizing fluid use.
Implementation Method 1
receiving thermal imaging data from a thermal imaging camera
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method that, when executed by data processing hardware, causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. These operations include receiving alarm signals associated with a thermal event, receiving thermal imaging data for the observation zone associated with the thermal event, evaluating the thermal imaging data to determine the location and/or the area of the thermal event within the observation zone. The operations also include obtaining a configuration record that includes configuration parameters for a retardant dispenser associated with the observation zone. Using the configuration parameters, the operations include instructing the dispenser to provide a retardant to the thermal event.