EP4721035A1

EP4721035A1 - Fire protection system

Info

Publication number: EP4721035A1
Application number: EP24815978.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hallgeir JAMTVEIT
Original assignee: Hatool AS
Current assignee: Hatool AS
Priority date: 2023-06-02
Filing date: 2024-06-03
Publication date: 2026-04-08
Also published as: WO2024248626A1; NO20230634A1

Abstract

A system for fire protection of buildings that will prevent fire from occurring, warn of fire outbreaks, and prevent fire from developing by early detection of the ignition source, where there is a standard electrical installation in the building and where the system consists of a control unit, controllable fuses, a radio unit and detectors; where the system at the control unit will receive a signal from the radio unit to switch off the power in a specific part of the building if the detectors have registered access to fire and where the control unit activates a signal that switches off the fuse belonging to the zone for the relevant part of the building.

Description

Title of Invention: FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

Technical Field

[0001 ] This invention relates to a system to prevent fire from occurring, to warn of fire outbreaks and to prevent fire from developing. The system is based on controlling the electrical system in a building by means of detectors and data communication, by cable and or wireless connections, as well as a control unit for fuses.

Background Art

[0002] Many systems and known technology for fire warning and fire extinguishing have been developed.

[0003] The scope of the invention applies to buildings with an electrical installation.

[0004] In the event of a fire in a building, it can be critical that the normal electrical system is switched off. The systems that help to combat fire outbreaks will run on emergency power systems. The smoke detectors must be made in accordance with NS_EN 14604.

[0005] An important factor in preventing a fire from starting or escalating is to render the ignition source harmless. This is achieved first by detecting the onset of fire by smoke, flame or temperature, then, depending on the circumstances, switching off the power and or activating the sprinkler system.

[0006] The publication US2012/0025972 A1 , Boyden, 2012.02.02, describes a module that can be plugged into a regular power socket. The module can detect errors such as heating net at the contact in question, or errors at the connected device, and notify early to a central receiving unit of the risk of fire or fire outbreaks. The heat flow in a socket is due to poor contact, i.e. transition resistance. WO2017/044947, Lermann, 2017.03.16, shows also a module that can be plugged into a power socket, between the power grid and an electrical device. This has an alarm and temperature and smoke sensor and can switch off the power to the appliance as well as physically disengage from contact. This has an alarm and temperature and smoke sensor and can switch off the power to the device as well as physically detach itself from the socket. This must also be able to send signals to a receiver as well as signals to cut the current in the entire power grid. These two above-mentioned publications are limited to removable modules for sockets and do not show any central control unit for controlling the wiring via independent detectors, or control of fuses. The invention must be seen in the light of the fact that the mains voltage in the USA is 1 10V, which causes the load in the sockets to be twice as much (and the heat transfer four times) as if you were using electrical equipment with the same power as in Europe.

[0007] Utility model publication CN213367394U, Sun Qingyi, et al, 2021.06.04, describes an automatic fire alarm device with the function of turning off the electric network. The unit is connected directly with the power distribution system or to the fuse box for a larger facility, such as in a factory, and is controlled by a PLC that controls the signals and causes courses that are at risk of overheating and fire being switched off. The system has a direct function in connection with faults in fuse boxes, but it has not shown how this works for the entire wiring network and fire alarm in a building.

[0008] KR101786979B1 , Cho Gyoo Soo, 2017.10.18, describes a fire protection system that cuts off power in the event of a fire and activates fire extinguishing. The main focus of the system is on the fire extinguishing system for the kitchen and especially the stove, and where the system contains a function that will turn off the electric power for the relevant course for an apartment without it being shown anything other than the use of a signal for a solenoid contact switch.

[0009] To cut power in an electrical installation, there are types of automatic fuses and remote-controlled fuses. One type of fuse can be a combined fuse and earth-fault circuit breaker with remote control. This has a type of residual current breaker with overload (RCBO) with hydraulic magnetic technology.

[0010] There is currently no system of components that effectively detects an ignition source and quickly cuts the current in an electrical installation and thus ignites the source (if it is electrical) in the event of a fire.

[0011 ] The purpose of this invention is to solve or remedy one or more of the problems with known technology and by partly using known components and setting up a system for fire alarm systems that can work with today's fuse boxes and power systems for both apartments, residential houses and large buildings and facilities. Summary of Invention

[0012] The invention constitutes a system for fire protection of buildings which shall prevent fire from occurring, warn of fire outbreaks, and prevent fire from developing as is evident from claim 1 and subsequent sub-claims 2-8.

[0013] The invention is a system consisting of three main modules; a control unit mounted in the fuse box, a radio unit mounted centrally in the building, and detectors distributed around the building.

[0014] In a first/preferred solution of the system according to the invention, there will be a wireless connection between detectors and the radio part, and a wireless connection or cable from the radio part to the control unit in the fuse box. In the fuse box there are remote-controlled fuses which are controlled by the control unit. The control unit, which is also located in the fuse box, receives a signal from the radio unit. In the event of an alarm, the device switches off the current course. The fuse is switched off with a signal 10 to 14 Volt de and 25 mA.

[0015] The system is made so that the radio part determines which detectors will control which fuses. The radio part can be set up so that the control unit via signals belonging to several detectors is controlled to the same fuse. By early detection of the ignition source, the power can be switched off in parts of the building that may have access to fire.

[0016] In addition, it is important that some systems can retain power even in the event of a fire, for example facilities that control water such as pumps, where the inventive control unit does not switch off courses that do not affect the fire or may be important for firefighting.

[0017] The system can also contain a digital visual service for a fire control central, especially for larger facilities, nursing homes, hotels or the like, where a floor plan of the building is placed on a screen and where detectors in alarm are displayed for the fire brigade's orientation in the building, and continuous messages about any spread.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0018] The invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings where: Fig.1

[0019] [Fig.1 shows a schematic representation of the system according to the invention

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of components and functions for the control unit 1

[0021 ] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of components and functions for the radio part 2.

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the system especially in relation to detectors.

[0023] Fig. 5 shows a diagram of a preferred connection of control unit 1 .

[0024] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the system with user interface.]

Description of Embodiments

[0025] The invention is a system consisting of a number of components that will constitute a fire protection system for a building with an electrical installation. Fig 1 shows a schematic representation of the system which has three main components: A control unit 1 mounted in the fuse box 5, a radio unit 2 mounted centrally in the building, and detectors 3 distributed around the building. The control unit 1 is in direct connection with fuses 4.

[0026] In a preferred solution of the system according to the invention, there will be a wireless connection between detectors 3 and the radio part 2, and a wireless connection or cable from the radio part to the control unit in the fuse box 5. This connection is monitored and if it is broken, the entire electrical system is deenergized. Now, fuse boxes in Norway are made of steel and make it difficult to transmit wireless signals, so it will therefore be necessary to have a signal connection via cable between the radio part 2 and the control unit 1 which is located inside the fuse box 5.

[0027] The radio part 2, which we can also call the receiver unit, can receive wireless signals and forward these on a cable such as RS485. As shown in Fig. 1 , the radio unit can be connected to the internet via a modem/WIFI 6 to a database 7 with a website and application 8. The radio part will also contain a mobile unit for GSM communication 9. The control unit receives RS 485 signals, decodes these, so to activate one or more digital outputs.

[0028] The control unit 1 therefore processes these signals in such a way that they can affect a circuit breaker with earth fault circuit breaker, and thus interrupt the current. So, in addition to the fact that the fuse will switch off in the event of an earth fault and a fault in the electrical system, the fuse can switch off the current with the help of a direct signal from control unit 1 . The starting point can be taken using an integrated circuit for example RV4145, intended for use with earth fault circuit breakers.

[0029] Another solution to be able to switch off the power is to use a type of fuse that has a servo unit that can be controlled to switch off the fuse with an electrical signal. One type of fuse can be a combined fuse and earth-fault circuit breaker with remote control. This can be a type of residual current breaker with overload (RCBO) with hydraulic magnetic technology. The control unit will thus be able to be set up to switch this type of fuse on and off.

[0030] The control unit 1 will receive a signal from the radio unit 2 to switch off the power in a certain part of the building if the detectors 3 have registered an approach to fire. The control unit 1 activates a signal which switches off the fuse belonging to the zone for the relevant part of the building where the detectors 3 have registered smoke, heat and or fire. The system is made so that the radio part 2 is programmed to determine which detectors are to control which fuses and several detectors 3 can be set up via the unit 1 to control the same fuse.

[0031 ] Fig. 2 shows control unit 1 which consists of a receiver part 10 which communicates with radio unit 2, a programmable unit (CPU/microprocessor) 1 1 for signal control and a control module 12 connected to the fuses. Signal control unit 1 1 is programmed so that it can distribute signals from the radio part in relation to relevant detectors and to the correct fuses for controlling power circuits in the building. The fuse is switched off with a signal 10 to 14 Volt de 25 mA.

[0032] The radio unit 2 exchanges signals with the control unit 1 and can send messages via the GSM network and or WIFI to the internet. Fig. 3 shows the radio unit 2 which consists of a mobile unit 20 with a Sim card for communication on the GSM network and unit 21 for communication via WIFI for logging on to data traffic on the internet. The unit also has a programmable unit 22 for signal control between detectors 3 and control unit 1 .

[0033] The detectors 3, which contain sensors to warn of smoke, heat and fire, are connected to the radio part 2. They can also be connected to each other. Communication between all units is preferably wireless, but where such signals are blocked by building mass, other electronic noise or long distances, it can take place either via signal amplifiers or cable.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation in relation to the detectors 3. Detector 3 is connected to mains current 30 with 220 volts AC, adjusted to 3.3 volts DC, 31 . The detectors 3 are secured by battery 32 which steps in when the mains current 30 is cut off. The batterie’s level, i.e. their voltage, is monitored and if the current here becomes weak, a warning will be sent into the system, which can switch off the current for the current course if necessary. Each detector has a microprocessor 34 that processes signals from the sensors in the detector that measure temperature 36 and smoke 37. A tamper sensor 38 is also included, which steps in if the sensor is, for example, removed by unauthorized personnel, or in the wrong way. In case of alarm, the detector will give a signal to activate a sound, either with a built-in sound element (speaker/clock), or sound element and system 40. In case of alarm, emergency lights 41 will also be lighted up, these supplied with 6V via converter 42 from 3V.

[0035] Fig. 5 shows a diagram of a preferred connection of control unit 1 .

[0036] An integrated circuit RV4145 50 is connected to earth fault detector 52, here by a galvanic separator 54.

[0037] Controlled fuse/alarm unit has open collector as interface, and is connected to J101 56. PIC10F220/222 is a programmable circuit 58. In an alarm situation, the circuit is voltage-set, the microcontroller 58 wakes up and checks the level of GP0. It finds this high, and sends a low pulse out at GP2. This results in a high pulse on the SCR trigger, which ignites the thyristor 60, and the fuse switches off. As this is a security system, an additional function has been added. When the "turn off signal" is sent, the controller GP1 checks if there are still pulses there, if so, it will continue sending pulses until the fuse is tripped. An LED Led 101 62 is inserted to show that the fuse has been stepped in by an external alarm. [0038] In a known manner, all necessary components of the system will have the necessary power supply from the electrical system in the building or from a battery and or are connected to an emergency power supply system which can consist of a type of aggregate or batteries.

[0039] In the radio part, a programmable user interface data module with a screen is integrated if the system contains also a visual location of detectors and possible fire access in the building. This will require the system to have detectors with identification for location in relation to the building and may also be connected to a camera.

[0040] The program for this is developed as a data application that can be accessed externally via GSM and or the internet.

[0041 ] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of how a system with a user interface is thought to be built up. The building 70 which contains the fire protection system according to the invention will, via the radio part 2, send information via the telecommunications network and, or the internet 71 , about which detector 3 has notified of a fire, and which part of the building the system has cut off the power, to the database and computer program 7 associated the system. This computer program contains a map/drawing 72 with an overview of all sensors and power circuits in the building and will show the status of these. Via a computer application 8 installed on other computer units 74 outside the building, on alarm stations, fire stations and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, notifications can be followed by, for example, fire crews who will then visually directly receive orientation in the building, and continuous messages about any spread, and see where the effort must first be placed^

Claims

[Claim 1] A system for fire protection of buildings which shall prevent fire from occurring, warn of fire outbreaks, and prevent fire from developing by early detection of the ignition source, where there is a standard electrical installation in the building and where the system consists of the following main components;

- control unit (1)

- automatically controllable fuses (4)

- radio unit (2)

- detectors (3) characterized by;

- the control unit (1 ) that is connected to the fuses (4),

- the radio unit (2) that is connected to the control unit (1 ),

- the radio unit (2) that is connected to the detectors (3),

- the detectors (3) that are interconnected. where the system at the control unit (1 ) will receive a signal from the radio unit (2) to switch off the power in a certain part of the building if the detectors (3) have registered an approach to fire and where the control unit (1 ) activates a signal that trips the fuse (4) belonging to the zone for the relevant part of the building.

2. A system for fire protection as specified in claim 1 , where the control unit consists of;

- signal receiver (10)

- signal handler (11 )

- activation/deactivation device for fuse (12).

3. A system for fire protection as stated in claims 1 and 2 where the control unit contains an integrated circuit (50), connected to an earth fault detector (52) with open collectors as an interface, which also includes a programmable circuit/microcontroller (58) and a thyristor (60), where when there is a signal for an alarm situation, the microcontroller (58) will control circuit (50) for ignition of the thyristor, which thus gives a signal for the fuse to be switched off.

4. A system for fire protection as stated in claim 1 , where the radio unit consists of:

- unit (20,21 ) for processing, receiving and sending signals from cable and wireless transmission (WIFI/GSM) from and to the control unit (1 ) and detectors (3),

- unit (22) for programming signals for control unit (1 ),

- unit for processing, receiving and sending signals from cable and wireless transmission from internal mobile device and or WIFI (20, 21 ) to an external mobile (9) or internet (6) connected database (7).

- unit for external monitoring and operation of the system containing detectors and control unit.

5. A system for fire protection as stated in claim 1 , where the detectors (3) consist of:

- sensors for detecting smoke, heat and or fire, (36, 37)

- tamper sensor (38)

- battery level sensor

- microprocessor (34) where the detectors (3) communicate signals to the radio part/receiver unit (2) via cables and or wireless connection.

6. A system for fire protection as stated in claim 1 , where the control unit (1 ), fuses (4), radio unit (2), detectors (3) and other necessary components of the system have the necessary power supply from the electrical system in the building or from a battery and or associated emergency power supply which may consist of a type of unit or batteries.

7. A system for fire protection as specified in claims 4 and 5, where the detectors (3) give warnings of low battery level for the system to take measures such as closing an associated course.

8. A system for fire protection as stated in claim 1 , where the detectors (3) have identification for location in relation to the building (70).

9. A system for fire protection as specified in claims 1 and 7 which is further connected to a database (7) and program (72), which via the internet and or telecommunications network (71 ), and a computer application (74) can provide the location of possible fire access in a building connected to the fire protection system and thereby provide a digital visual service for a fire control central, for the fire brigade's orientation in the building.i