Patent Application
20220401770
Fire suppression systems are commonly used to protect an area and objects within the area from fire. Fire suppression systems can be activated manually or automatically in response to an indication that a fire is present nearby (e.g., an increase in ambient temperature beyond a predetermined threshold value, etc.). Once activated, fire suppression systems spread a fire suppression agent throughout the area. The fire suppressant agent then suppresses or controls (e.g., prevents the growth of) the fire.
One implementation of the present disclosure is a modular fire suppression unit, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the modular fire suppression unit includes a housing, an off-gas detector, a fire suppression apparatus, and a controller. In some embodiments, the off-gas detector is provided within the housing and is configured to obtain air samples and detect a presence of off-gas in each air sample. In some embodiments, the fire suppression apparatus is provided within the housing and configured to provide a fire suppression agent to a space. In some embodiments, the controller is provided within the housing and is configured to receive signals from the off-gas detector indicating whether off-gas is detected in each of the air samples. In some embodiments, the controller is also configured to activate the fire suppression apparatus to provide the fire suppression agent to the space in response to detecting off-gas in one or more of the air samples. In some embodiments, the modular fire suppression unit is configured to be coupled to a sidewall of an enclosure.
In some embodiments, the fire suppression apparatus, the controller, and the off-gas detector are positioned within the housing.
In some embodiments, the modular fire suppression unit includes multiple of the off-gas detectors. In some embodiments, each of the multiple the off-gas detectors is configured to detect the presence of off-gas in a corresponding one of one or more battery racks in the enclosure.
In some embodiments, the off-gas detector is configured to draw an air sample from each of the multiple battery racks that are positioned within the enclosure serially. In some embodiments, the off-gas detector is configured to fluidly couple with the plurality of battery racks through a piping system. In some embodiments, the piping system includes one or more tubular members that each fluidly couple the off-gas detector with a corresponding one of the plurality of battery racks. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to operate one or more suction pumps to draw the air sample from each of the plurality of battery racks through the piping system to draw a first air sample from a first one of the plurality of battery racks at a first time, and a second air sample from a second one of the plurality of battery racks at a second time.
In some embodiments, the off-gas detector is configured to detect presence or concentration of any of a lithium-ion battery off-gas, carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, ash, soot, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur oxides, ammonia, chlorine, propane, ozone, ethanol, hydrocarbons, hydrogen cyanide, combustible cases, flammable gases, toxic gases, corrosive gases, oxidizing gases, or an electrolyte vapor in the air sample.
In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive signals from the off-gas detector indicating a concentration of off-gas in the air sample, compare the concentration of off-gas to a threshold value, and activate the fire suppression apparatus in response to the concentration of off-gas in the air sample exceeding the threshold value.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is a fire suppression system, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the fire suppression system includes an enclosure, one or more battery racks, and a modular fire suppression assembly. In some embodiments, the enclosure includes sidewalls and an internal volume defined within the sidewalls. In some embodiments, the one or more battery racks are positioned within the enclosure. In some embodiments, the modular fire suppression assembly includes an off-gas detector, a fire suppression apparatus, and a controller. In some embodiments, the off-gas detector is configured to obtain air samples from each of the one or more battery racks and detect a presence of off-gas in each of the one or more battery racks. In some embodiments, the fire suppression apparatus is configured to provide a fire suppression agent to the internal volume of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive signals from the off-gas detector indicating whether off-gas is detected in each of the one or more battery racks and activate the fire suppression apparatus to provide the fire suppression agent to the internal volume of the enclosure.
In some embodiments, the enclosure is any of a shipping container or a storage container and includes a vent configured to selectively fluidly couple the internal volume of the enclosure with an external environment.
In some embodiments, the fire suppression system further includes multiple of the off-gas detectors. In some embodiments, each of the multiple off-gas detectors is configured to detect the presence of off-gas in a corresponding one of the one or more battery racks and the off-gas detector is configured to draw an air sample from each of the battery racks serially. In some embodiments, the fire suppression system includes a piping system having one or more tubular members that each fluidly couple the off-gas detector with a corresponding one of the one or more battery racks. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to operate one or more suction pumps to draw a first air sample from a first one of the one or more battery racks at a first time, and a second air sample from a second one of the one or more battery racks at a second time.
In some embodiments, the off-gas detector is configured to detect presence or concentration of any of a lithium-ion battery off-gas, carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, ash, soot, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur oxides, ammonia, chlorine, propane, ozone, ethanol, hydrocarbons, hydrogen cyanide, combustible cases, flammable gases, toxic gases, corrosive gases, oxidizing gases, or an electrolyte vapor in the air samples.
In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive signals from the off-gas detector indicating a concentration of off-gas in one or more of the battery racks. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to compare the concentration of off-gas to a threshold value and activate the fire suppression apparatus in response to the concentration of off-gas in the battery racks exceeding the threshold value.
In some embodiments, the controller is configured to shut-off the one or more battery racks in response to detecting off-gas in the one or more battery racks.
In some embodiments, the controller is configured to alert emergency personnel in response to detecting off-gas in one or more of the battery racks.
In some embodiments, the controller is configured to operate a visual alert device or an aural alert device in response to detecting off-gas in one or more of the battery racks.
In some embodiments, the fire suppression system further includes an HVAC system. In some embodiments, the off-gas detector is positioned in an air stream of the HVAC system to reduce a number of off-gas detectors.
In some embodiments, the controller is configured to operate the HVAC system to open external vents to circulate air into the enclosure to prevent a buildup of off-gases from the one or more battery racks.
In some embodiments, the controller is configured to operate the HVAC system to reduce a pressure within the enclosure when the fire suppression apparatus is activated.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is a fire suppression system including an enclosure, one or more batter racks positioned within the enclosure, and a modular fire suppression assembly. In some embodiments, the enclosure include sidewalls and an internal volume defined within the sidewalls. In some embodiments, the modular fire suppression assembly includes sidewalls and an internal volume. In some embodiments, the modular fire suppression assembly is coupled with sidewalls of the enclosure and includes an off-gas detector, a fire suppression apparatus, and a controller. In some embodiments, the off-gas detector is configured to obtain air samples from each of the one or more battery racks and detect a presence of off-gas in each of the one or more battery racks. In some embodiments, the fire suppression apparatus is configured to provide a fire suppression agent to the internal volume of the enclosure and the internal volume of the modular fire suppression assembly. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive signals from the off-gas detector indicating whether off-gas is detected in each of the one or more battery racks and activate the fire suppression apparatus to provide the fire suppression agent to the internal volume of the enclosure.
In some embodiments, the off-gas detector is configured to detect a presence of off-gas in any of the one or more battery racks within five seconds of the off-gas being present.
In some embodiments, the fire suppression system further includes an ambient off-gas detector configured to monitor a presence or concentration of off-gas outside of the one or more battery racks. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive signals from the ambient off-gas detector and determine a difference between an ambient concentration of off-gas outside of the one or more battery racks and a concentration of off-gas within the one or more battery racks.
This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.
The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying FIGURES, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:
Before turning to the FIGURES, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the FIGURES. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Referring generally to the FIGURES, a fire suppression system is shown, according to some embodiments. The fire suppression system is, in some embodiments, usable with batteries and/or battery racks. The batteries may be stored within a container (e.g., a shipping container, a storage container, an enclosure, etc.). The fire suppression system may be provided as a modular fire suppression assembly that can be coupled with the container such that an internal volume of the modular fire suppression assembly is fluidly coupled with an internal volume of the container. The modular fire suppression system can include an off-gas detector configured to monitor and detect the presence of off-gas in the container (e.g., emitted by the batteries as the batteries begin to fail). In some embodiments, one or more off-gas detectors are positioned at and associated with each battery. In other embodiments, a single off-gas detector is positioned within the internal volume of the modular fire suppression assembly or within the internal volume of the container. The fire suppression system can include various plumbing and suction pumps configured to draw air samples from each battery (if a single off-gas detector is used that is not positioned locally at the batteries). The modular fire suppression assembly can include a controller that receives signals generated by the off-gas detector to indicate a concentration and/or presence of off-gas in the container.
The controller (e.g., a fire panel) can operate the suction pumps to modulate the pressure through various conduits to draw an air sample from each battery. The controller can use the off-gas detector to identify the concentration or levels of off-gas in the container. If the concentration or level of off-gas in the container exceeds a threshold value (e.g., a predetermined threshold value), this may indicate that a fire is likely to occur in the near future. The controller can activate a fire suppression apparatus to provide a fire suppression agent to the internal volume of the container and/or the internal volume of the modular fire suppression assembly to prevent the fire from occurring (e.g., to prevent or suppress combustion). Advantageously, the fire suppression system can preemptively detect and respond to conditions at the batteries to prevent a fire from occurring. Advantageously, the fire suppression system can provide single battery cell failure detection before thermal runaway occurs. When thermal runaway occurs at a single battery cell, thermal propagation may occur thereby causing a domino effect into adjacent cells and causing an increase in temperature in the adjacent cells. Off-gas detection can occur within five seconds of off-gas being generated at the battery cell. The systems and methods described herein for off-gas detection can be used in addition to or in place of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) technologies. The systems and methods described herein can be applied for wind farms and corresponding commercial equipment thereof, solar farms and commercial equipment thereof, data center or battery rooms, battery manufacturing applications, etc.
Referring particularly to
Preventing thermal runaway of the lithium ion batteries is advantageous since after lithium-ion batteries combust, they can be difficult to extinguish. Therefore, monitoring the gas emitted by the lithium-ion batteries and activating the fire suppression system may prevent or suppress the start and growth of the fire.
Referring particularly to
In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is configured to monitor and identify a presence of the off-gas emitted by battery cells of battery rack 16. In other embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is configured to measure a concentration of the off-gas emitted by battery cells of battery rack 16. For example, air sampling detector 24a can measure the off-gas in parts per million. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is configured to independently measure a concentration and/or a presence of each of any of the various off-gases described in greater detail above. For example, air sampling detector 24a can measure the concentration of each of lithium-ion battery off-gases, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, etc., independently. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is mounted (e.g., fixedly coupled, fastened, etc.) to battery rack 16. In some embodiments, at least one air sampling detector 24a is positioned at each battery rack 16 and is configured to detect off-gas in battery rack 16. In some embodiments, if air sampling detector 24a is positioned at battery rack 16 (e.g., fixedly coupled with, mounted to, positioned within, etc.), air sampling detector 24a may rely on internal airflow in battery rack 16. Battery rack 16 can include a cooling fan configured to drive airflow over the battery cells of battery rack 16 to force convective heat transfer (e.g., to cool the battery cells in battery rack 16).
Air sampling detector 24a can provide fire panel 12 with the identified presence of off-gas and/or the concentration of off-gas. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a provides an off-gas sensor signal to fire panel 12. In some embodiments, fire panel 12 uses the off-gas sensor signal to determine if a fire suppression apparatus 20 should be activated. In some embodiments, fire suppression apparatus 20 includes a tank, a container, a capsule, a cartridge, a pressure vessel, etc., that is configured to store and discharge a fire suppression agent. In some embodiments, fire suppression apparatus 20 includes any piping, plumbing, conduits, tubular members, discharge devices, nozzles, sprayers, outlets, etc., configured to fluidly couple with the tank and deliver or provide the fire suppression agent to battery rack 16 and/or to an enclosure within which battery rack 16 is positioned. In some embodiments, fire suppression apparatus 20 includes a cartridge, a discharge pressure vessel, a container, a capsule, etc., configured to fluidly couple with the tank that stores the fire suppression agent. In some embodiments, the cartridge contains a pressurized discharge gas that is configured to pressurize the fire suppression agent and drive the fire suppression agent into or toward battery rack 16. In some embodiments, the fire suppression agent is an inert gas, an ideal gas, etc., configured to flood and substantially fill battery rack 16. In some embodiments, the fire suppression agent is a foam fire suppression agent that can be sprayed onto the battery cells of battery rack 16. In some embodiments, an inner volume of battery rack 16 is flooded with the fire suppression agent. In some embodiments, an entire volume of an enclosure within which battery rack 16 is positioned is flooded with the fire suppression agent.
Fire panel 12 can receive the off-gas sensor signals from air sampling detector 24a and provide fire suppression activation signals to an activator of fire suppression apparatus 20. In some embodiments, fire panel 12 activates fire suppression apparatus 20 by puncturing a rupture disk or otherwise fluidly coupling the cartridge that contains the discharge gas with an internal volume of the vessel that contains the fire suppression agent. In some embodiments, fire panel 12 includes a processing circuit, a processor, and/or memory configured to execute one or more processes as described herein. For example, fire panel 12 can receive the off-gas sensor signals from air sampling detector 24a, compare the concentration of the off-gasses in battery rack 16 to corresponding threshold values, and perform one or more operations in response to one or more of the concentrations of the off-gases exceeding the corresponding threshold values.
Referring still to
In some embodiments, fire suppression system 10 also includes a smoke detector 22. In some embodiments, smoke detector 22 is a sensor configured to measure soot, ash, particulate matter, smoke, airborne particulate, etc. Smoke detector 22 can draw a sample of air from battery rack 16 and detect the presence or concentration of particulate (e.g., airborne particles) matter in the sample of air. In some embodiments, smoke detector 22 provides fire panel 12 with smoke detection signals. In some embodiments, fire panel 12 can use the smoke detection signals to activate fire suppression apparatus 20. In some embodiments, fire panel 12 uses the smoke detection to generate the battery control signals and provides the battery control signals to battery management system 18. Smoke detector 22 may be positioned at or near battery rack 16, within an enclosure that battery rack 16 is contained within, etc.
Referring still to
Fire panel 12 can also notify emergency personnel 26 in response to detecting that a fire has occurred at battery rack 16, or in response to determining that a fire is likely to occur in the near-future at battery rack 16. For example, fire panel 12 may use any of the off-gas sensor signals, the smoke detection signals, and/or the temperature at battery rack 16 to preemptively detect fire at battery rack 16 (e.g., to detect that a fire may occur in the near-future, before the fire occurs) and respond preemptively to prevent the fire. In some embodiments, fire panel 12 preemptively detects a fire at battery rack 16 and responds to prevent thermal runaway at battery rack 16, thereby preventing a fire from occurring at battery rack 16.
In some embodiments, fire panel 12 provides the alert to emergency personnel as a text message (e.g., an SMS message), an email, a remote notification, an instant message, an automated phonecall, a visual alert, an aural alert, etc., to emergency personnel 26 (e.g., a customer, a technician, a fire department, a building manager, a shipping manager, a remote system/network, etc.). Fire panel 12 can provide the alert to emergency personnel 26 in response to detecting that a fire has occurred at battery rack 16 (e.g., based on temperature received from temperature sensor 36 and/or based on smoke detection signals received from smoke detector 22) or in response to determining that a fire is likely to occur at battery rack 16 in the near future (e.g., preemptively, based on off-gas sensor signals received from air sampling detector 24a).
Referring particularly to
Air sampling detector 24a can draw an air sample from each of battery racks 16 serially. For example, air sampling detector 24a may first draw an air sample from the first battery rack 16 and detect the presence and/or concentration of off-gas in the first battery rack 16. Air sampling detector 24a then provides the off-gas sensor signal to fire panel 12 for further analysis, processing, etc., to determine if a fire has occurred or is likely to occur in the near future at the first battery rack 16. Air sampling detector 24a may then proceed to drawing an air sample from the second battery rack 16, a third battery rack 16, etc. In this way, a single air sampling detector 24a can be used to monitor and detect the presence and/or concentration of off-gas in battery racks 16. This facilitates a more efficient and cost-effective fire suppression system 10. In some embodiments, the volume of air sample drawn from battery racks 16 is substantially uniform. For example, air sampling detector 24a may draw a volume of air Vsample from battery racks 16 each time. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a uses the known volume of the air sample drawn from battery racks 16 to determine the concentration of off-gas in battery racks 16.
In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a draws air samples from multiple of battery racks 16. For example, if ten battery racks 16 are used, air sampling detector 24a may draw air samples from the first five battery racks 16 and detect if off-gas is present in the air samples. Air sampling detector 24a may also concurrently draw air samples from the next five battery racks 16 and detect if off-gas is present in the next five battery racks 16. In response to detecting the presence of off-gas in the first five or the next five battery racks 16, air sampling detector 24a may then proceed to draw air samples from subsets of the first five and/or the next five battery racks 16. In this way, air sampling detector 24a can start from sets of battery racks 16 that include multiple battery racks 16 and progressively draw air samples from smaller sets of battery racks 16 to determine in which of battery racks 16 off-gas is present.
Advantageously, fire suppression system 10 as shown in
Referring now to
Referring still to
It should be understood that while
Referring now to
Storage container 68 includes sidewalls, walls, panels, planar members, etc., shown as sidewalls 52. In some embodiments, storage container 68 is a generally rectangular container with six sidewalls 52. In other embodiments, storage container 68 is a room, a storage space, a closet, a compartment, etc., with sidewalls 52. Sidewalls 52 define an internal volume, an inner volume, a space, a storage space, an area, etc., shown as internal volume 65. Storage container 68 can be any structure or compartment that includes sidewalls and an inner volume for storing or transporting battery racks 16. Battery racks 16 are positioned in internal volume 65 within sidewalls 52. In some embodiments, battery racks 16 are positioned adjacent to each other. In some embodiments, battery racks 16 are spaced a distance apart throughout internal volume 65 of storage container 68. Battery racks 16 can fill substantially an entirety of internal volume 65 and may be accessible through doors, openings, apertures, windows, shutters, etc., shown as doors 56. In some embodiments, doors 56 are configured to selectably transition between a closed position and an open position to facilitate access of battery racks 16. In some embodiments, doors 56 are positioned along one side of shipping container 68. In some embodiments, doors 56 are positioned along two or more sides (e.g., sidewalls 52) of shipping container 68. In some embodiments, each battery rack 16 is associated with a corresponding door 56 to facilitate accessing each battery rack 16. Doors 56 can be independently selectably transitioned between the open position and the closed position. Doors 56 can be transitioned between the open and the closed position manually (e.g., by a technician, an operator, a user, etc.) or automatically (e.g., with various linkages, primary movers, electric motors, pistons, hydraulic cylinders, electric linear actuators, hydraulic linear actuators, hydraulic motors, internal combustion engines, etc.).
Storage container 68 (or more generally, battery container system 50) can include a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system 60. In some embodiments, HVAC system 60 is operated by BMS 14. In some embodiments, HVAC system 60 is controlled by fire panel 12. In other embodiments, HVAC system 60 is controlled by another controller (e.g., a building controller). HVAC system 60 can be any heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system that is configured to transfer heat into container 68, remove heat from storage container 68, force airflow through storage container 68 to ventilate storage container 68, circulate air through storage container 68, purify air circulating through storage container 68, etc. For example, HVAC system 60 can be a packaged air conditioning unit configured to provide ventilation and cooling to battery racks 16. In some embodiments, HVAC system 60 forces airflow through storage container 68 to facilitate forced convective cooling of battery racks 16. For example, HVAC system 60 can include a fan configured to drive outdoor air through storage container 68. HVAC system 60 may be operated by fire panel 12 to open external vents to facilitate or force airflow through storage container 68. HVAC system 60 can be operated by fire panel 12 concurrently with activation of fire suppression apparatus 20 to reduce a pressure within storage container 68. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is positioned along an airflow path of HVAC system 60 to reduce a required number of air sampling detectors 24.
Referring still to
In some embodiments, battery container system 50 includes piping system 38. Piping system 38 can extend through storage container 68 and can include various tubular members, hoses, conduits, pipes, etc., that are fluidly coupled with an internal volume of each battery rack 16. In some embodiments, battery container system 50 also includes a suction pump configured to draw air samples from each battery rack 16 independently. Piping system 38 can be fluidly coupled with air sampling detector 24a so that the air samples are provided to air sampling detector 24a. Air sampling detector 24a can operate suction pumps 40 to draw the air sample from each battery rack 16.
Referring particularly to
When fire suppression apparatus 20 provides the fire suppression agent to internal volume 64 of storage container 68, vents 62 may be actively transitioned into the open configuration (e.g., by an electric motor, an electric linear actuator, a primary mover, an engine, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a solenoid, etc.) so that oxygen is vented out of storage container 68. Once the fire suppression agent floods substantially the entirety of internal volume 64 of storage container 68 (or once the concentration of oxygen within storage container 68 is at an acceptably low level), vents 62 can be transitioned into the closed position/configuration to maintain the fire suppression agent within storage container 68 to facilitate suppressing of combustion within storage container 68.
Referring still to
Referring particularly to
Modular fire suppression attachment 74 can include a vent 84 that is configured to vent internal volume 72 with the environment outside of modular fire suppression attachment 74. In some embodiments, vent 84 includes louvres or is transitionable between an open state (e.g., a venting state) and a closed state (e.g., a sealed state). In some embodiments, internal volume 64 of storage container 68 and/or internal volume 72 of modular fire suppression attachment 74 are sealed internal volumes when vents 62 and/or vent 84 are transitioned into the closed state. In some embodiments, vent 84 of modular fire suppression attachment 74 is controllable. For example, vent 84 can be operated by an electric motor, an electric linear actuator, a pneumatic cylinder, a solenoid, a primary mover, etc., to transition between the open state and the closed state. In some embodiments, the primary mover is operated by fire panel 12.
Referring still to
Referring still to
Referring still to
Fire suppression apparatus 20 includes a neck 90, a pipe, a hose, a conduit, a tubular member, etc., shown as pipe 86, and a nozzle, a dispersion device, a suppression nozzle, a sprayer, etc., shown as suppression nozzle 76, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, suppression nozzle 76 is fluidly coupled with an internal volume of agent container 78 through neck 90 and pipe 86. Fire suppression apparatus 20 can include an actuator 92 that is configured to selectively fluidly couple the internal volume of agent container 78 with pipe 86 and suppression nozzle 76. In some embodiments, actuator 92 is the same as or similar to activation mechanism 836 as described in greater detail below with reference to
Referring still to
It should be understood that the size of modular fire suppression attachment 74 can be scaled to accommodate various sizes of storage container 68. For example, larger storage container 68 may require additional fire suppression apparatuses 20, additional air sampling detectors 24, a larger modular fire suppression attachment 74, etc. All such configurations and modifications should be understood to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
It should be further understood that modular fire suppression attachment 74 can be used for any container, enclosure, space, room, vehicle, area, etc. For example, modular fire suppression attachment 74 can be configured to detect or predict fire in any room, space, enclosure, etc., regardless of whether or not batteries or battery racks are present or stored within the enclosure. In this way, modular fire suppression attachment 74 can be removably coupled onto a sidewall or ceiling of any enclosure, container, etc., and can be used to detect and suppress fire. For example, modular fire suppression attachment 74 can be used for storage spaces, data centers, vehicles, etc., and may still provide fire detection/suppression without requiring the presence of batteries or battery racks.
Referring now to
Fire panel 12 can be a controller and is shown to include a processing circuit 602 including a processor 604 and memory 606. Processor 604 may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Processor 604 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 606 or received from other computer readable media (e.g., CDROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.).
Memory 606 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure. Memory 606 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory 606 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. Memory 606 may be communicably connected to processor 604 via processing circuit 602 and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor 604) one or more processes described herein. When processor 604 executes instructions stored in memory 606, processor 604 generally configures controller 106 (and more particularly processing circuit 602) to complete such activities.
In some embodiments, fire panel 12 includes a communications interface 608 (e.g., a USB port, a wireless transceiver, etc.) configured to receive and transmit data. Communications interface 608 may include wired or wireless communications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications external systems or devices. In various embodiments, the communications may be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or via a communications network (e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). For example, communications interface 608 can include a USB port or an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications link or network. In another example, communications interface 608 can include a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network or cellular or mobile phone communications transceivers. In some embodiments, communications interface 608 facilitates wired or wireless communications between fire panel 12 and air sampling detector 24a (and/or air sampling detector 24b), smoke detector 22, temperature sensor 36, battery management system 18, fire suppression apparatus 20, BMS 14, emergency personnel 26, and alert device 32.
Referring still to
Referring still to
In some embodiments, off-gas manager 612 is configured to use the off-gas sensor signals received from air sampling detector 24a to identify a concentration of off-gas in the associated battery rack 16. For example, off-gas manager 612 can determine a concentration Cj of the jth battery rack 16. In this way, if n battery racks 16 are used, off-gas manager 612 can use the received off-gas sensor signals to identify values of C1, C2, . . . , Cn, where C1 is the detected concentration of off-gas in the first battery rack 16, C2 is the detected concentration of off-gas in the second battery rack 16, etc., and Cn is the detected concentration of off-gas in the nth battery rack 16. In some embodiments, the concentrations have values of parts per million (e.g., Cj=off-gas ppm), a ratio of a volume Vgas of the detected off-gas to the volume of the air sample
a ratio of a massgas of the detected off-gas to mass of the air sample
etc. In some embodiments, the concentration indicates a ratio of an amount of the off-gas in the sample to the total amount of the air sample.
In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24b provides off-gas sensor signal(s) for detection of a concentration or presence of off-gas in ambient or surrounding areas. The concentration or presence of off-gas may indicate a reference or baseline concentration of off-gas. Off-gas manager 612 can compare concentrations of off-gas of the battery racks 16 (e.g., the concentration Cj) to concentration of off-gas in the ambient or surrounding areas (e.g., an ambient concentration Camb) to determine a difference (e.g., ΔCj) between the concentration of off-gas at the battery racks 16 (e.g., Cj) and the concentration of off-gas in the ambient or surrounding areas. In some embodiments, the difference ΔCj may be used in place of the concentrations Cj (e.g., by off-gas manager 612, by fire suppression manager 614, by alert manager 610, by battery manager 616, etc.).
In some embodiments, fire panel 12 is configured to monitor any of, or any combination of the concentrations Cj, the ambient concentration Camb, or the difference(s) ΔCj in real-time. Fire panel 12 (e.g., off-gas manager 612) can be configured to detect changes in any of the of the concentrations Cj, the ambient concentration Camb, or the difference(s) ΔCj of less than 1 ppm.
In some embodiments, off-gas manager 612 provides any of the concentrations C1, C2, . . . , Cn of the n battery racks 16 to fire suppression manager 614. Off-gas manager 612 can be configured to generate control signals for air sampling detector 24a (or for suction pumps 40) to draw air samples to air sampling detector 24a. In some embodiments, off-gas manager 612 modulates the suction on individual pipes that connect battery racks 16 to air sampling detector 24a. In this way, off-gas manager 612 can track which of battery racks 16 the air sample corresponds to, and can associate the detected concentration or presence of off-gas with the appropriate battery rack 16. For example, off-gas manager 612 may operate a first suction pump 40 to draw an air sample from the first battery rack 16, receive the off-gas sensor signals from air sampling detector 24a, and assign the detected concentration of off-gas in the air sample to the first battery rack 16 (e.g., C1). Off-gas manager 612 can then provide the concentrations C1, C2, . . . , Cn of battery racks 16 and/or the binary decision variables b1, b2, bn to fire suppression manager 614.
Referring still to
In response to any of the concentrations C1, C2, . . . , Cn exceeding the threshold concentration value Cthreshold, fire suppression manager 614 can determine that a fire is likely to occur in the near future at the corresponding battery rack 16. In response to determining that a fire is likely to occur in the near future at the corresponding battery rack 16, fire suppression manager 614 can generate activation signals (e.g., fire suppression release signals) and provide the activation signals to fire suppression apparatus 20 to activate fire suppression apparatus 20 and discharge the fire suppression agent to suppress or prevent the fire from occurring. If none of the concentrations of off-gas in any of battery racks 16 exceeds the threshold concentration value Cthreshold, fire suppression manager 614 does not activate fire suppression apparatus 20 and continues periodically checking the concentrations of off-gas as provided by off-gas manager 612.
In some embodiments, fire suppression manager 614 is configured to receive smoke detection signals and temperature signals from smoke detector 22 and temperature sensor 36, respectively. Fire suppression manager 614 can use the smoke detection and the temperature at any of battery racks 16 to determine if a fire has occurred or is likely to occur. Fire suppression manager 614 can compare the temperature at each battery rack 16 to a corresponding threshold temperature to determine if a fire has occurred or if a fire is likely to occur in the near future. In some embodiments, fire suppression manager 614 activates fire suppression apparatus 20 in response to the temperature at any of battery racks 16 exceeding the threshold temperature value or in response to the smoke detection indicating that smoke is present in any of battery racks 16.
In some embodiments, fire suppression manager 614 receives sensed temperature values associated with each battery rack 16 from temperature sensor 36. Fire suppression manager 614 can determine a rate of change of the temperature {dot over (T)}rack over time. In some embodiments, if the rate of change of the temperature {dot over (T)}rack exceeds a corresponding temperature rate of change threshold value {dot over (T)}threshold for a predetermined time duration Δt (e.g., if the temperature at one of battery racks 16 is increasing rapidly over the predetermined time duration), fire suppression manager 614 may determine that a fire is likely to occur at one of battery racks 16 and may activate fire suppression apparatus 20 to prevent the fire from occurring or to suppress if the fire if it has already occurred.
In this way, fire suppression manager 614 can use the off-gas concentrations, smoke detection, and temperature to preemptively activate fire suppression apparatus 20 to prevent a fire from occurring at battery racks 16. In some embodiments, fire suppression system 10 also includes an optical sensor configured to measure heat or light emitted by a fire. In this way, fire suppression manager 614 can receive sensor data from the optical sensor and use the sensor data to determine if a fire has occurred.
Fire suppression manager 614 can also provide a shut-off command to battery manager 616. In some embodiments, fire suppression manager 614 provides a shut-off command to battery manager 616 if activation signals are provided to fire suppression apparatus 20, or if fire suppression manager 614 determines that the temperature is increasing at a rate above the temperature rate of change threshold value. In this way, battery manager 616 may generate battery control signals to shut-off battery racks 16 concurrently with activating fire suppression apparatus 20 (e.g., in response to a fire being detected, or in response to fire suppression manager 614 determining that a fire is likely to occur in the near future). Likewise, fire suppression manager 614 can provide the shut-off command to battery manager 616 if the temperature at battery racks 16 exceeds a maximum allowable temperature (e.g., the threshold temperature value). In some embodiments, fire suppression manager 614 provides the shut-off command to battery manager 616 without providing activation signals to fire suppression apparatus 20. For example, if the temperature at battery racks 16 begins increasing at a rapid pace (e.g., above a corresponding rate of change threshold value) for at least a time interval or if the temperature at battery racks 16 exceeds the maximum allowable temperature, fire suppression manager 614 may provide the shut-off command to battery manager 616 without providing the activation signals to fire suppression apparatus 20. In this way, battery manager 616 may shut-off battery racks 16 without activation of fire suppression apparatus 20.
Battery manager 616 receives the shut-off command from fire suppression manager 614 and provides battery control signals to battery management system 18, battery racks 16, or a switch. In some embodiments, battery management system 18 shuts off battery racks 16 so that power cannot be drawn from the battery cells of battery racks 16 in response to receiving shut-off control signals. In some embodiments, all of battery racks 16 are shut off. In some embodiments, particular battery racks 16 are shut off which are associated with high temperatures (e.g., temperatures exceeding the maximum allowable temperature) or rapidly increasing temperatures (e.g., temperatures that are increasing at a rate greater than a maximum rate of change threshold).
Fire suppression manager 614 can also provide an indication to alert manager 610 regarding operations performed in response to detecting a fire or in response to determining that a fire is likely to occur in the near future. For example, if fire suppression manager 614 provides activation signals to fire suppression apparatus 20, fire suppression manager 614 may also notify alert manager 610 that fire suppression apparatus 20 has been activated. In some embodiments, if fire suppression manager 614 activates fire suppression apparatus 20 to preemptively suppress a fire at battery racks, fire suppression manager 614 also provides alert manager 610 with an indication that fire suppression apparatus 20 is being activated preemptively. Likewise, if fire suppression manager 614 activates fire suppression apparatus 20 due to a fire occurring at battery racks 16, fire suppression manager 614 may also notify alert manager 610 that fire suppression apparatus 20 was activated due to the occurrence of a fire. Additionally, fire suppression manager 614 can provide alert manager 610 with a notification of whether or not the shut-off command was provided to battery manager 616 or with a notification of which battery racks 16 were shut off.
Alert manager 610 receives the notifications of any of the operations of fire suppression manager 614 and provides an appropriate alert. Alert manager 610 can provide an alert to BMS 14, emergency personnel 26 (e.g., an SMS message, an email, an instant message, a notification, etc.), and/or alert device 32 (e.g., a visual alert, an aural alert, etc.). In some embodiments, alert manager 610 provides different alerts or provides alerts to certain devices/systems based on the notifications of the operations received from fire suppression manager 614. In some embodiments, the alerts provided to BMS 14, emergency personnel 26, and/or alert device 32 include the notifications received from fire suppression manager 614 and/or the reasons for why the various operations were performed. For example, alert manager 610 can alert BMS 14 that a fire was detected at the first battery rack 16 and that the battery racks 16 were shut off and fire suppression apparatus 20 has been activated in response to the fire. Likewise, alert manager 610 can alert BMS 14, emergency personnel, and/or alert device 32 that battery racks 16 were shut off due to high temperatures but that fire suppression apparatus 20 was not activated.
Alert device 32 can also be or include a display screen configured to provide a status of battery management system 18, temperature detection at battery racks 16, smoke detection in battery racks 16, off-gas detection in battery racks 16, rate of change of temperature at battery racks 16, etc. In some embodiments, alert device 32 is also configured to display a current status of fire suppression apparatus 20 (e.g., whether or not fire suppression apparatus 20 has been activated, a time at which fire suppression apparatus 20 was activated, a reason why fire suppression apparatus 20 was activated, etc.).
Advantageously, fire panel 12 is configured to monitor off-gas concentrations in battery racks 16 (e.g., that are positioned within storage container 68) and activate fire suppression apparatus 20 preemptively to reduce the likelihood of a fire occurring and to prevent thermal runaway. Since battery fires can be particularly difficult to extinguish after combustion, preemptively detecting and responding to fires by monitoring the off-gas emitted by the battery cells of battery racks 16 reduces the likelihood of a fire occurring, thereby reducing the likelihood that battery racks 16 or surrounding objects (e.g., storage container 68) are destroyed or damaged due to a fire occurrence.
Referring now to
Process 700 includes drawing air samples from battery racks (step 702), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step 702 is performed by suction pumps 40 and fire panel 12. In some embodiments, step 702 is performed by off-gas manager 612 and/or air sampling detector 24a. Step 702 can be performed by operating suction pumps 40 to draw air samples from each of battery racks 16 through piping system 38 of storage container 68. In other embodiments, step 702 is performed by receiving air samples from within each of battery racks 16 if there is a forced airflow through battery racks 16. Step 702 can be performed by serially modulating suction pressure through various conduits that each fluidly couple air sampling detector 24a with a corresponding battery rack 16.
Process 700 includes detecting a concentration Cj of an off-gas in each battery rack based on the air samples (step 704), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step 704 is performed by air sampling detector 24a. In some embodiments, step 704 includes identifying a concentration of one or more of a variety of gasses that are emitted by battery cells as they begin to fail. The concentration can be measured or detected in units of parts per million (ppm), percent concentration, a ratio between the volume of the off-gas and the air sample, etc. In some embodiments, off-gas manager 612 is configured to receive sensor signals from air sampling detector 24a and use the sensor signals to identify the concentration of off-gas in the air sample.
Process 700 includes comparing the concentration Cj of the off-gas in each battery rack to a threshold concentration value Cthreshold (step 706) and determining if the concentration Cj of the off-gas in each battery rack exceeds the threshold concentration value Cthreshold (step 708), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps 706 and 708 are performed by fire suppression manager 614 to determine if fire suppression apparatus 20 should be activated. In some embodiments, the threshold concentration value Cthreshold is a maximum allowable threshold value. Values above the threshold concentration value Cthreshold can indicate that the battery cells of battery rack 16 are emitting off-gasses and are in the process of failing. In some embodiments, the threshold concentration value Cthreshold has a value of zero. In some embodiments, the threshold concentration value Cthreshold is a value determined based on empirical testing. Process 700 proceeds to step 710 in response to the concentration of the off-gas in battery rack 16 exceeding the threshold concentration value Cthreshold, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, process 700 proceeds to step 710 in response to the concentration of the off-gas in battery rack 16 being substantially equal to the threshold concentration value Cthreshold In some embodiments, process 700 proceeds to step 716 (or returns to step 702) in response to the concentration of off-gas in battery rack 16 being less than the threshold concentration value Cthreshold
Process 700 includes activating the fire suppression system (step 710) in response to the concentration or level of off-gas in battery rack 16 being greater than (or greater than or equal to) the threshold concentration value Cthreshold, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step 710 includes activating fire suppression apparatus 20 to provide fire suppression agent to battery racks 16 (e.g., within storage container 64). In some embodiments, step 710 includes fluidly coupling agent container 78 with suppression nozzle 76 such that fire suppression agent can flow from agent container 78 to internal volume 64 of storage container 68 through suppression nozzle 76.
Process 700 includes providing an alert to emergency personnel (step 712), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step 712 includes providing the alert to BMS 14. In some embodiments, the alert includes an indication of whether or not fire suppression apparatus 20 has been activated and/or whether or not battery racks 16 have been shut-down. In some embodiments, step 712 is performed by alert manager 610. In some embodiments, step 712 includes operating alert device 32 to provide a visual and/or an aural alert. In this way, if off-gas is detected, the user can be alerted by operation of alert device 32, providing an alert to BMS 14, providing a text message, instant message, notification, etc., to emergency personnel 26, etc.
Process 700 includes shutting off the battery racks (step 714), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step 714 is performed by battery manager 616. In some embodiments, step 714 includes operating battery racks 16 such the battery cells do not provide power to an end user or for an end use. In some embodiments, any of steps 710-714 are performed concurrently. In some embodiments, the alert provided in step 712 includes an indication of a status of battery racks 16 (e.g., whether or not battery racks 16 are shut-off/deactivated).
Process 700 includes analyzing temperature and smoke detection of each battery rack (step 716), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step 716 includes receiving smoke detection and/or temperature sensor feedback from smoke detector 22 and/or temperature sensor 36. In some embodiments, step 716 is performed by fire suppression manager 614 and includes comparing the smoke detection or the temperature to a corresponding threshold value. In some embodiments, step 716 is optional. If the smoke detection and/or the temperature indicates a fire (e.g., if smoke is detected or if the temperature exceeds a threshold value), process 700 may proceed to step 710 and activate fire suppression apparatus 20 to suppress the fire. If the smoke detection and/or the temperature does not indicate a fire (e.g., if smoke is not detected and if the temperature does not exceed the threshold value), process 700 returns to step 702.
Referring to
Fire suppression system 810 may be used in a variety of different applications. Different applications may require different types of fire suppressant agent and different levels of mobility. Fire suppression system 810 is usable with a variety of different fire suppressant agents, such as powders, liquids, foams, or other fluid or flowable materials. Fire suppression system 810 may be used in a variety of stationary applications. By way of example, fire suppression system 810 is usable in kitchens (e.g., for oil or grease fires, etc.), in libraries, in data centers (e.g., for electronics fires, etc.), at filling stations (e.g., for gasoline or propane fires, etc.), or in other stationary applications. Alternatively, fire suppression system 810 may be used in a variety of mobile applications. By way of example, fire suppression system 810 may be incorporated into land-based vehicles (e.g., racing vehicles, forestry vehicles, construction vehicles, agricultural vehicles, mining vehicles, passenger vehicles, refuse vehicles, etc.), airborne vehicles (e.g., jets, planes, helicopters, etc.), or aquatic vehicles, (e.g., ships, submarines, etc.).
Referring again to
Fire suppression system 810 further includes a cartridge 820 (e.g., a vessel, container, vat, drum, tank, canister, pressure vessel, cartridge, or can, etc.). Cartridge 820 defines an internal volume 822 configured to contain a volume of pressurized expellant gas. The expellant gas may be an inert gas. In some embodiments, the expellant gas is air, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen. Cartridge 820 includes an outlet portion or outlet section, shown as neck 824. Neck 824 defines an outlet fluidly coupled to internal volume 822. Accordingly, the expellant gas may leave cartridge 820 through neck 824. Cartridge 820 may be rechargeable or disposable after use. In some embodiments where cartridge 820 is rechargeable, additional expellant gas may be supplied to internal volume 822 through neck 824.
Fire suppression system 810 further includes a valve, puncture device, or activator assembly, shown as actuator 830. Actuator 830 includes an adapter, a coupler, an interfacing member, a receiving member, an engagement member, etc., shown as receiver 832, that is configured to receive neck 824 of cartridge 820. Neck 824 is selectively coupled to the receiver 832 (e.g., through a threaded connection, etc.). Decoupling cartridge 820 from actuator 830 facilitates removal and replacement of cartridge 820 when cartridge 820 is depleted. Actuator 830 is fluidly coupled to neck 816 of fire suppressant tank 812 through a conduit, tubular member, pipe, fixed pipe, piping system, etc., shown as hose 834.
Actuator 830 includes an activation mechanism 836 configured to selectively fluidly couple internal volume 822 to neck 816. In some embodiments, activation mechanism 836 includes one or more valves that selectively fluidly couple internal volume 822 to hose 834. The valves may be mechanically, electrically, manually, or otherwise actuated. In some such embodiments, neck 824 includes a valve that selectively prevents the expellant gas from flowing through neck 824. Such a valve may be manually operated (e.g., by a lever or knob on the outside of cartridge 820, etc.) or may open automatically upon engagement of neck 824 with actuator 830. Such a valve facilitates removal of cartridge 820 prior to depletion of the expellant gas. In other embodiments, cartridge 820 is sealed, and activation mechanism 836 includes a pin, knife, nail, or other sharp object that actuator 830 forces into contact with cartridge 820. This punctures the outer surface of cartridge 820, fluidly coupling internal volume 822 with actuator 830. In some embodiments, activation mechanism 836 punctures cartridge 820 only when actuator 830 is activated. In some such embodiments, activation mechanism 836 omits any valves that control the flow of expellant gas to hose 834. In other embodiments, activation mechanism 836 automatically punctures cartridge 820 as neck 824 engages actuator 830.
Once actuator 830 is activated and cartridge 820 is fluidly coupled to hose 834, the expellant gas from cartridge 820 flows freely through neck 824, actuator 830, and hose 834 and into neck 816. The expellant gas forces fire suppressant agent from fire suppressant tank 812 out through neck 816 and into a conduit or hose, shown as pipe 840. In one embodiment, neck 816 directs the expellant gas from hose 834 to a top portion of internal volume 814. Neck 816 defines an outlet (e.g., using a syphon tube, etc.) near the bottom of fire suppressant tank 812. The pressure of the expellant gas at the top of internal volume 814 forces the fire suppressant agent to exit through the outlet and into pipe 840. In other embodiments, the expellant gas enters a bladder within fire suppressant tank 812, and the bladder presses against the fire suppressant agent to force the fire suppressant agent out through neck 816. In yet other embodiments, pipe 840 and hose 834 are coupled to fire suppressant tank 812 at different locations. By way of example, hose 834 may be coupled to the top of fire suppressant tank 812, and pipe 840 may be coupled to the bottom of fire suppressant tank 812. In some embodiments, fire suppressant tank 812 includes a burst disk that prevents the fire suppressant agent from flowing out through neck 816 until the pressure within internal volume 814 exceeds a threshold pressure. Once the pressure exceeds the threshold pressure, the burst disk ruptures, permitting the flow of fire suppressant agent. Alternatively, fire suppressant tank 812 may include a valve, a puncture device, or another type of opening device or activator assembly that is configured to fluidly couple internal volume 814 to pipe 840 in response to the pressure within internal volume 814 exceeding the threshold pressure. Such an opening device may be configured to activate mechanically (e.g., the force of the pressure causes the opening device to activate, etc.) or the opening device may include a separate pressure sensor in communication with internal volume 814 that causes the opening device to activate.
Pipe 840 is fluidly coupled to one or more outlets or sprayers (e.g., nozzles, sprinkler heads, discharge devices, dispersion devices, etc.), shown as nozzles 842. The fire suppressant agent flows through pipe 840 and to nozzles 842. Nozzles 842 each define one or more apertures, through which the fire suppressant agent exits, forming a spray of fire suppressant agent that covers a desired area. The sprays from nozzles 842 then suppress or extinguish fire within that area. The apertures of nozzles 842 may be shaped to control the spray pattern of the fire suppressant agent leaving nozzles 842. Nozzles 842 may be aimed such that the sprays cover specific points of interest (e.g., a specific piece of restaurant equipment, a specific component within an engine compartment of a vehicle, etc.). Nozzles 842 may be configured such that all of nozzles 842 activate simultaneously, or nozzles 842 may be configured such that only nozzles 842 near the fire are activated.
Fire suppression system 810 further includes an automatic activation system 850 that controls the activation of actuator 830. Automatic activation system 850 is configured to monitor one or more conditions and determine if those conditions are indicative of a nearby fire. Upon detecting a nearby fire, automatic activation system 850 activates actuator 830, causing the fire suppressant agent to leave nozzles 842 and extinguish the fire.
In some embodiments, actuator 830 is controlled mechanically. As shown in
Actuator 830 may additionally or alternatively be configured to activate in response to receiving an electrical signal from automatic activation system 850. Referring to
Fire suppression system 810 further includes a manual activation system 860 that controls the activation of actuator 830. Manual activation system 860 is configured to activate actuator 830 in response to an input from an operator. Manual activation system 860 may be included in addition to automatic activation system 850. Both automatic activation system 850 and manual activation system 860 may activate actuator 830 independently. By way of example, automatic activation system 850 may activate actuator 830 regardless of any input from manual activation system 860.
As shown in
Actuator 830 may additionally or alternatively be configured to activate in response to receiving an electrical signal from manual activation system 860. As shown in
Automatic activation system 850 and manual activation system 860 are shown to activate actuator 830 both mechanically (e.g., though application of a tensile force through cables, through application of a pressurized liquid, through application of a pressurized gas, etc.) and electrically (e.g., by providing an electrical signal). It should be understood, however, that automatic activation system 850 and/or manual activation system 860 may be configured to activate actuator 830 solely mechanically, solely electrically, or through some combination of both. By way of example, automatic activation system 850 may omit controller 856 and activate actuator 830 based on the input from the fusible link 854. By way of another example, automatic activation system 850 may omit the fusible link 854 and activate actuator 830 using an input from controller 856.
Referring further to
In some embodiments, fire suppression apparatus 20 is a component of fire suppression system 810. Fire suppression apparatus 20 can include any of the components or devices of fire suppression system 810. For example, fire suppressant tank 812, cartridge 820, hose 834, actuator 830, pipe 840, and nozzles 842 may be fire suppression apparatus 20.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The term “coupled,” as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. Such members may be coupled mechanically, electrically, and/or fluidly.
The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit and/or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.
The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the fire suppression system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/944,226, filed Dec. 5, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2020/061533 | 12/4/2020 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62944226 | Dec 2019 | US |
