GB2601326A - Fire suppression system - Google Patents

Abstract

There is described a fire suppression system for a building 100 comprising a sensor 120 arranged to detect a fire, a gas distribution apparatus 160 arranged to reduce a supply of gas to the building based on the detection of the fire and an electricity distribution apparatus 150 arranged to reduce a supply of electricity to the building based on the detection of the fire. In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a water distribution apparatus 170 arranged to divert a supply of water to one or more fire suppression units 130. A reset input 228 is also provided to control the gas, electricity and water distribution apparatuses to provide or reset the utility supplies to the building. An alarm 140 is provided to indicate the presence of a fire and a stopping input is arranged to halt the operation the fire suppression unit or alarm the fire has been suppression and/or extinguishing.

Description

Fire suppression system

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a fire suppression system. Background to the Disclosure Fires can cause significant damage, in terms of both property damage and human lives. In order to reduce this damage, fire suppression systems can be used to detect and extinguish fires. Conventional fire suppression systems commonly use sprinklers that are activated by exposure to a high heat.

However, there are a number of drawbacks to conventional fire suppression systems. As an example, conventional systems may activate in the absence of a serious fire (e.g. where a small fire occurs that could easily be smothered). Where this occurs, the fire suppression system may cause substantial property damage. Drawbacks such as this can discourage users from installing conventional fire suppression systems.

Summary of the Disclosure

According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, there is described: a fire suppression system for a building comprising: a sensor arranged to detect a fire; a gas distribution apparatus arranged to reduce a supply of gas to the building based on the detection of the fire; an electricity distribution apparatus arranged to reduce a supply of electricity to the building based on the detection of the fire; and optionally, a water distribution apparatus arranged to divert a supply of water to one or more fire suppression units based on the detection of the fire.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises one or more or: a gas status indicator; an electricity status indicator; and a water status indicator.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises two or more of: a gas status indicator; an electricity status indicator; and a water status indicator, where each indicator is a part of a single control unit.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises one or more of: a gas reset input arranged to control the gas distribution apparatus so as to provide and/or reset a gas supply to the building; an electricity reset input arranged to control the electricity distribution apparatus so as to provide and/or reset an electricity supply to the building; and a water reset input arranged to control the water distribution apparatus so as to provide a water supply to the building.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises two or more of: a gas reset input; an -2 -electricity status input; and a water status input, where each input is a part of a/the single control unit.

Preferably, the gas distribution apparatus is arranged to shut off the supply of gas to the building.

Preferably, the gas distribution apparatus is arranged to reduce a mains supply of gas.

Preferably, the gas distribution apparatus comprises a gas supply valve. Preferably, the gas supply valve is arranged to be operated by an electric signal, preferably a signal at 240V.

Preferably, the electricity distribution apparatus is arranged to reduce a mains supply of electricity.

Preferably, the electricity distribution apparatus is arranged to shut off the supply of electricity to the building.

Preferably, the electricity distribution apparatus is arranged to provide power to the fire suppression system. Preferably, the electricity distribution apparatus is arranged to maintain the supply of electricity to the fire suppression system while shutting off the supply of electricity to the rest of the building.

Preferably, the electricity distribution apparatus comprises a circuit breaker. Preferably, the electricity distribution apparatus comprises a residual circuit breaker with over-current (an RCBO).

Preferably, the electricity distribution apparatus comprises an electrical fire suppression unit. Preferably, the electrical fire suppression unit comprises a fire extinguishing powder and/or an inert gas.

Preferably, the electrical fire suppression unit is arranged to be activated based on the detection of a fire within the vicinity of the electrical distribution apparatus.

Preferably, the electrical fire suppression unit is arranged to be activated separately from one or more other fire suppression units.

Preferably, the electrical fire suppression unit is arranged to be activated in relation to the supply of electricity to the building being reduced.

Preferably, the water distribution apparatus is arranged to reduce a supply of water to the building based on the detection of the fire. Preferably, the water distribution apparatus is arranged to shut off the supply of water to the building.

Preferably, the water distribution apparatus is arranged to reduce and/or divert a mains supply of water. -3 -

Preferably, the water distribution apparatus is arranged to divert an external supply of water to the fire suppression units while reducing the supply of water to the rest of the building. Preferably, the water distribution apparatus is arranged to divert the entirety of the external supply of water to the fire suppression units.

Preferably, the water distribution apparatus comprises a water supply valve. Preferably, the water supply valve is arranged to be operated by an electric signal, preferably a signal at 240V.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises a dry fire suppression system.

Preferably, the fire suppression unit is arranged to operate using a water pressure of less than 5 bar, preferably a water pressure in the range of 2 -3.5 bar, more preferably in the range 2.6 -3.1 bar.

Preferably, the fire suppression units comprise a sprinkler head.

Preferably, the fire suppression system is arranged to activate the fire suppression units based on the detection of the fire.

Preferably, the fire suppression system is arranged to activate the fire suppression units immediately following detection of the fire.

Preferably, the fire suppression system is arranged such that the activation of the fire suppression units is delayed following detection of the fire.

Preferably, the sensor comprises one or more of: a smoke detector; a carbon monoxide detector; and a heat detector.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises a plurality of sensors. Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises at least two of: a smoke detector; a carbon monoxide detector; and a heat detector. Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises at least one smoke detector; at least one carbon monoxide detector; and at least one heat detector.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises a plurality of fire suppression units.

Preferably, each fire suppression unit is related to at least one sensor. Preferably, each fire suppression unit is arranged to be activated when said at least one sensor detects a fire.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises at least one fire suppression unit related to a plurality of different sensors, preferably a plurality of different types of sensors.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises an alarm, wherein the alarm is arranged to indicate the detection of the fire.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises an alarm for each room of the building. -4 -

Preferably, the alarm is arranged to provide one or more of: a visual signal an audible signal; and/or a tactile signal.

Preferably, the alarm is related to a first sensor and is arranged to provide a signal when said first sensor detects a fire.

Preferably, the alarm is arranged to provide a signal when any sensor detects a fire.

Preferably, the signal depends on a characteristic of the fire. Preferably, the signal depends on one or more of: a location of the fire, a severity and/or intensity of the fire, and/or a type of the fire.

Preferably, the alarm is arranged to provide a first signal on a first detection event and a second signal on a second detection event. Preferably, the second signal is different from the first signal; and/or the second detection event occurs after the first detection event; and/or the fire suppression system is arranged to activate a/the fire suppression unit only following the second detection event.

Preferably, the fire suppression system is capable of receiving a cancellation signal between the first detection event and the second detection event, which cancellation signal prevents the activation of a/the fire suppression unit.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises a cancellation input operable to provide the cancellation signal. Preferably, the cancellation input is a part of a/the control panel for the fire suppression system.

Preferably, the first detection event comprises detection of smoke and/or the activation of a smoke sensor.

Preferably, the second detection event comprises one or more of: a user input; detection of a predetermined heat; the spread of the fire and/or the detection of the fire by a further sensor; and the passage of an amount of time from the first detection event.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises an external alarm. Preferably, the external alarm is arranged to provide one or more of: an indication that the fire has been detected; and a location, type, intensity and/or severity of the fire; Preferably, the external alarm is arranged to provide one or more of a gas status, a water status, and/or an electricity status.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises a stopping input arranged to halt the operation of one or more of: a/the fire suppression unit; a/the alarm; and a/the external alarm.

Preferably, the fire suppression system is arranged to detect the suppression and/or -5 -extinguishing of a fire, optionally using the sensor and/or a suppression sensor.

Preferably, on detection of the suppression of the fire, the fire suppression system is arranged to: operate a/the gas reset input; and/or operate a/the electricity reset input; and/or operate a/the water reset input; and/or operate a/the stopping input; and/or halt the operation of a/the fire suppression unit.

Preferably, the fire suppression system comprises an emergency lighting unit. Preferably, the fire suppression system is arranged to activate the emergency lighting unit based on detection of the fire.

Preferably, the emergency lighting unit comprises a dedicated power supply, preferably a battery.

Preferably, the fire suppression system is arranged to be retrofitted into an existing building and/or fire suppression system.

Preferably, the control panel for the fire suppression system is provided as a software application on a computer device.

Preferably, the fire suppression system is arranged to receive a control signal from a remote device. Preferably, the control signal is arranged to control the operation of the fire suppression system.

Preferably, the fire suppression system is arranged to transmit an information signal to a remote device. Preferably, the information signal comprises information about the operation of the fire suppression system.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fire suppression system for a building comprising: a sensor arranged to detect a fire; and a gas distribution apparatus arranged to reduce a supply of gas to the building based on the detection of the fire.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fire suppression system for a building comprising: a sensor arranged to detect a fire; and an electricity distribution apparatus arranged to reduce a supply of electricity to the building based on the detection of the fire.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fire suppression system for a building comprising: a sensor arranged to detect a fire; and a water distribution apparatus arranged to divert an external supply of water for the building to one or more fire suppression units based on the detection of the fire. Preferably, the external supply of water comprises a mains water supply. -6 -

Preferably, the system comprises a computer implemented device.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating a fire suppression system, the method comprising: detecting a fire using a sensor; and reducing, using a gas distribution apparatus, the supply of gas to the building based on the detection of the fire.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating a fire suppression system comprising: detecting a fire using a sensor; and reducing, using an electricity distribution apparatus, a supply of electricity to the building based on the detection of the fire.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating a fire suppression system. detecting a fire using a sensor; and diverting, using a water distribution apparatus, an external supply of water for the building to one or more fire suppression units based on the detection of the fire.

Preferably, the aforesaid method is a computer-implemented method.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program comprising software code adapted when executed to carry out the aforesaid method.

Any feature described as being carried out by an apparatus, an application, and a device may be carried out by any of an apparatus, an application, or a device. VVhere multiple apparatuses are described, each apparatus may be located on a single device.

Any feature in one aspect of the disclosure may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly.

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the disclosure can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently. -7 -

The disclosure extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a building in which a fire suppression system may be implemented. Figures 2a and 2b show embodiments of an electrical distribution apparatus. Figure 3 shows a water distribution apparatus.

Figure 4 shows a control panel for the fire suppression system.

Figure 5 shows a method of operating the fire suppression system.

Figure 6a -6d show a practical implementation of the fire suppression system.

Figure 7 shows an electrical circuit that may form a part of the fire suppression system. Description of the preferred embodiments Referring to Figure 1, there is described a building 100 that comprises at least one room 110 and a fire suppression system. The room contains a sensor 120 that is a part of the fire suppression system and is arranged to detect the presence of a fire. This sensor may comprise a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, and/or a heat detector.

The room 110 also contains a fire suppression unit 130 that is arranged to suppress, reduce, or extinguish a fire once it has been detected. The fire suppression unit may, for example, comprise a sprinkler system that releases water (or another liquid) to suppress a fire or a gaseous fire suppression system that releases an inert gas to suppress a fire.

In some embodiments, the sensor 120 and the fire suppression unit 130 are combined; for example a sprinkler may be provided with a heat sensitive bulb that is arranged to break when sufficient heat is present; this can be used to activate the sprinkler in order to extinguish the fire.

Typically, the fire suppression system comprises a plurality of sensors and/or a plurality of fire suppression units. The sensors and the fire suppression units may be arranged in any of the rooms of the building such that any (or every) room may contain a sensor, a fire suppression unit, and/or a plurality of sensors or fire suppression units. Typically, each sensor is related to, and/or arranged in the vicinity of, one or more corresponding fire suppression units, which fire suppression units are arranged to activate when that sensor detects a fire. In some embodiments, the fire suppression unit may be related to a plurality of -8 -different sensors (e.g. a smoke sensor and a carbon monoxide sensor) where either sensor is capable of activating this fire suppression unit.

The fire suppression system may comprise a plurality of types of fire suppression units and/or the fire suppression units may have a plurality of modes. Therefore, the activation of the fire suppression units may depend on a characteristic of the fire that is detected by the sensors. For example, a wood fire may be differentiated from a grease fire by the sensor. With a wood fire a water-based fire suppression unit (e.g. a sprinkler) may be activated; with a grease fire a powder-based fire suppression unit may be activated.

The fire suppression system may be arranged such that a fire being detected activates every fire suppression unit or such that a fire being detected only activates a subset of the fire suppression units. In particular, the system may be arranged so that when a fire is detected by a sensor only the fire suppression unit(s) in the vicinity of that sensor are activated. This avoids unnecessary property damage that can be caused by the activation of the fire suppression units.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the fire suppression system comprises one or more alarms 140, which are arranged to indicate the detection of a fire. Typically, the alarms are arranged to produce a sound; the alarms may also, or alternatively, be arranged to produce a visual alarm (e.g. a light), a tactile alarm (e.g. a vibration), and/or a smell.

Typically, each sensor has a related alarm, so that it is possible to determine which sensor has detected a fire. The system may be arranged such that when a sensor detects a fire, only a related alarm is activated; equally, the sensing of a fire may activate a group of alarms and/or every alarm.

The type of alarm may depend on the situation detected by a sensor; for example, high levels of carbon monoxide may result in an alarm that differs from an alarm caused by high levels of smoke.

In some embodiments, the fire suppression system also comprises an external alarm, which is external to the building 200; this external alarm typically comprises a visual alarm and enables parties outside of the building to identify that one of the sensors has detected a fire.

One or more of the alarms may also be arranged to indicate which of the sensors has detected a fire. This is particularly beneficial with an external alarm, which can inform an arriving fire department regarding where in the building 100 there is a fire.

Typically, each room is fitted with an alarm; this ensures that in the event of a fire all occupants of the building 100 can be immediately alerted. -9 -

In some embodiments, the alarm is implemented on a device of the user, e.g. a user's smartphone. This may comprise the fire suppression system transmitting a message to this device and/or calling this device when a fire is detected. This enables the user to be informed of a fire even if they are not in the building 100.

The sensor 120, the fire suppression unit 130, and the alarm 140 (and indeed any other components of the fire suppression system) may be powered by a mains electricity supply and/or a separate battery supply. Typically each component comprises a plurality of power sources to ensure that these components are constantly operational. These components may be connected and powered by fire resistant cables and wiring to ensure reliable operation for the duration of a fire.

The building 100 further comprises one or more of: an electricity distribution apparatus 150, which provides electrical power to the building; a gas distribution apparatus supply 160, which supplies gas to the building; and a water distribution apparatus 170; which supplies water to the building.

According to the present disclosure, there is described a fire suppression system that is arranged to detect a fire and thereafter reduce and/or shut off at least one of the electricity supply to the building 100, the gas supply to the building, and the water supply to the building.

Such a system is particularly suited to domestic buildings, but is also beneficial in commercial and industrial buildings. In these buildings, the system may be modified appropriately, e.g. for a warehouse the fire suppression system may comprise particularly high pressure fire suppression units that can cover a large area.

The system disclosed herein may be implemented in a new build and/or may be retrofitted into existing buildings and/or systems.

As examples, the electricity distribution apparatus 150, gas distribution apparatus 160, and water distribution apparatus 170 described herein may be fitted into an existing building and/or combined with an existing fire suppression system. These apparatuses may be used with existing sensors, fire suppression units, and/or alarms. More generally, each component described herein may be implemented as part of a new fire suppression system or may be retrofitted into an existing system and/or building.

Referring to Figure 2a, the electricity distribution apparatus 150 typically comprises an electricity distribution board 152 that receives electricity from an external power source 154 (e.g. a mains electricity supply) and supplies electricity to the building 100. The electricity distribution board may comprise one or more circuit breakers 156 and/or fuses which are -10 -capable of stopping the supply of electricity. As an example, the electricity distribution board may comprise a number of residual current devices (RCDs) and/or miniature circuit breakers (MCBs).

In some embodiments, the electricity distribution board 152 comprises a residual current breaker with over-current (RCBO). An RCBO combines the functionality of RCDs and MCBs.

The fire suppression system is typically arranged to reduce or halt the supply of electricity to the building when a fire is detected; this typically comprises the fire suppression system being arranged to interact with the electricity distribution board 152 so as to control the supply of electricity (e.g. the fire suppression system may trip a circuit breaker so as to halt the supply of power to the building). An example of the fire suppression system being arranged to reduce the supply is that the fire suppression system may be arranged to only halt the supply of electricity to components in the vicinity of the fire and/or in the vicinity of a sensor that has detected a fire (e.g. by tripping a circuit breaker for a room in which a fire is detected).

Typically, there is provided an isolated supply of electricity that provides power to the fire suppression system. This isolated supply may comprise a circuit that is separated from the remaining circuits such that the fire suppression system supply is able to halt the supply of electricity to each circuit other than the isolated supply. This may comprise the fire suppression system circuit being connected to a specific circuit breaker; the fire suppression system can then operate every circuit breaker apart from this specific fire suppression system circuit breaker. The isolated supply may also be arranged to receive power from a separate source, such as a battery; this ensures that the fire suppression system can operate even if the external power source 154 is compromised.

The fire suppression system may be arranged to shut off the supply of electricity to the building 100 upon detection of a fire and/or to enable the provision of electricity only to one or more circuits that contribute to the operation of the fire suppression system.

By shutting off the supply of electricity to the building, the fire suppression system is arranged to reduce the risk of electrical fires.

Not least since shutting off the power will result in the loss of lighting, the fire suppression system may include emergency lighting (e.g. one or more light sources). The emergency lighting typically comprises lighting that enables a user to find an exit of the building 100, for example the emergency lighting may comprise arrows directing a user to an exit.

The emergency lighting may be combined with the sensor 120 or the alarm 140 so that upon a fire being detected the user is able to make their way to an exit. Typically, each component of the emergency lighting comprises a battery power supply to ensure that it continues to work even if the external power source 154 and/or the electricity distribution board 152 is damaged. This battery supply may last for at least 3 hours, this time is typically sufficient for occupants to escape and emergency services to tackle the fire.

Referring to Figure 2b, there is described an embodiment of the electricity distribution apparatus that comprises an electrical fire suppression unit 158. The electrical fire suppression unit is arranged to suppress a fire that occurs in or near the electricity distribution apparatus 150. Typically, this comprises the electrical fire suppression unit being arranged to release a powder, foam, and/or an inert gas as to prevent any sparks and/or fires that may occur due to electrical components being compromised; the use of a powder and/or inert gas minimises the damage to electrical circuits (as compared to the use of a liquid such as water). In particular, the electrical fire suppression unit may comprise a pressurised hose full of a fire extinguishing powder, where the electrical fire suppression unit is arranged to release the powder upon activation. Typically, the electrical fire suppression unit differs from the fire suppression unit 130; for example, the electrical fire suppression unit may comprise a fire extinguishing powder while the fire suppression unit comprises a sprinkler head.

The electrical fire suppression unit 158 may be arranged to activate based on one or more of: the detection of a fire near or in the electrical distribution apparatus 150 (e.g. the hose may be a heat-sensitive hose that is arranged to rupture once it reaches a certain heat); an external signal 159 (e.g. a signal from a sensor elsewhere in the building 100); a sensor located in or near the electrical distribution apparatus 150; for example, a sensor located in the electrical distribution may detect an increased heat and/or the presence of smoke.

Typically, the electrical fire suppression unit 158 is arranged to activate at the same time as the fire suppression unit 130 (e.g. to proactively prevent sparks even where a fire is not near the electrical distribution apparatus); equally, the electrical fire suppression unit may be arranged to activate separately from the fire suppression unit.

The electrical fire suppression unit 158 may also be arranged to be activated in dependence on the supply of electricity to the building being reduced. For example, the fire suppression system may be arranged to simultaneously (or near simultaneously) reduce the supply of electricity and activate the electrical fire suppression unit. Equally, the electrical fire suppression unit may detect the reduction of the supply of electricity and activate as a result -12 - (e.g. there may be a dead man's switch that is released when the supply of electricity is reduced).

Similarly, the reduction of electricity may be provided in relation to the electrical fire suppression unit 158 being activated. For example, the rupturing of the pressurised hose may result in a drop in pressure, which drop in pressure results in a circuit breaker being tripped (e.g. the circuit breaker may be held up by the pressurised hose).

The electricity distribution apparatus 150 typically activates the electrical fire suppression unit 158 along with reducing the supply of electricity to the building 100. The fire suppression unit may be arranged so that activation does not interfere with the operation of the electricity distribution board 152, so that the isolated supply for the fire suppression system can still operate (this may involve the use of a powder and/or an inert gas). Equally, the isolated supply may be separated from the electricity distribution board, where the isolated supply continues to operate when the electrical fire suppression unit is activated.

The isolated supply be arranged to provide the external signal 159 to the electricity distribution board 152 to activate the electrical fire distribution unit and/or to reduce (or shut off) the supply of electricity to the building 100.

Referring to Figure 3, the water distribution apparatus 170 is arranged to provide water to the building 100. The water distribution apparatus receives water from an external water source 172 (e.g. a mains water supply) and provides a water supply 174 to the building.

Typically, the water distribution apparatus comprises a valve that enables water to flow to the building when in an open position and prevents the flow of water to the building when in a closed position. Such a valve may be controlled by a handle 176. Equally, such a valve may equally be controlled by another means, such as an electrical signal and/or a hydraulic input.

Typically, the fire suppression system uses water to suppress a fire. In such embodiments, the fire suppression system may receive water from a reservoir; however, this requires a standing water supply and also requires a pressure pump to move water out of the reservoir. Therefore, typically the fire suppression system receives water from the mains water supply (via the water distribution apparatus 170). The fire suppression system may be arranged so that the supply of water to the fire suppression system is isolated from the supply to the remainder of the building. Therefore, the supply of water to the building can be shut off while water is supplied to the fire suppression system.

Furthermore, the fire suppression system may be arranged such that the system is arranged to receive water when the water supply 174 to the remainder of the building is shut off. In other words, the fire suppression system may be arranged to divert the mains water supply -13 -to supply the fire suppression units. Such an arrangement may, for example, use a valve that is moveable between a first position and a second position, where in the first position water flows from the mains supply to the building and in the second position water flows from the mains supply to the fire suppression units. The fire suppression system is typically arranged to move the valve from the first position to the second position when a fire is detected.

This arrangement has a number of benefits. This enables the fire suppression system to be provided as a dry system, where the pipes of the fire suppression system are empty when the system is not in use. In this regard, one problem with existing systems is that the standing water in conventional sprinkler systems can become unsanitary leading to fouling of the building 100 when such a sprinkler system is activated (which may spread Legionella). With the present system clean mains water is provided when the fire suppression system is activated. Furthermore, by providing water to the fire suppression system instead of the remainder of the building, the fire suppression system is able to benefit from a high flow rate (by receiving the entirety of the water flow supplied by the external water source 172). This enables the fire suppression system to be provided without additional pressure pumps, where high water pressures can be achieved by controlling the high volume of water being received from the external water source (e.g. passing the high volume of water received through narrow openings in the fire suppression units). Yet further, the use of a dry system enables servicing and testing to be performed using compressed air (which does not damage the building).

The fire suppression units may be arranged to operate at a pressure of less than 5 bar, and/or between 2 and 3.5 bar; these pressures are typically provided by mains water supplies.

Furthermore, by shutting off the water supply 174 to the building when a fire is detected, the undesirable leakage of water can be prevented. This can prevent additional property damage from water leakage (e.g. as may occur if an internal pipe is damaged by the fire).

It will be appreciated that the electricity distribution apparatus 150, the gas distribution apparatus 160, and the water distribution apparatus 170 disclosed herein may be retrofitted to existing buildings and/or fire suppression systems. In particular, the water distribution apparatus may be combined with an existing sprinkler system to provide a source of water to this sprinkler system.

Referring to Figure 4, typically the fire suppression system comprises a control panel 200, which provides information about, and/or enables a user to control, the operation of the fire suppression system.

-14 -Each component of the fire suppression system is typically monitored and/or controlled by a computer device; this computer device is typically arranged to interact with the control panel. In order to prevent loss of operation during a fire, the computer device that controls the fire system may be remote from the building.

The control panel 200 typically comprises one or more of the following components: An electricity status indicator 102, a gas status indicator 104, and/or a water status indicator 106. The fire suppression system is typically arranged to reduce or shut off at least one of the electricity supply to the building, the gas supply to the building, and the water supply to the building when a fire is detected; the control panel 200 is correspondingly arranged to indicate whether or not each of these supplies has been shut off. These indicators may also indicate a more detailed status (e.g. where the utilities are only shut off to a certain portion of the building, this portion may be shown by the indicators).

An electricity reset 212, a gas reset, 214 and/or a water reset 216. The resets are useable to turn on the electricity, gas, and water if it has been shut off. Typically, each of the electricity distribution apparatus 150, the gas distribution apparatus 160, and the water distribution apparatus 170 is arranged to be controlled using an electrical signal; for example, the water distribution apparatus may comprise an electrically controlled valve such that the fire suppression system is capable of shutting off, turning on, or diverting, the mains water supply by transmitting an electrical signal to this valve. By providing a simple method for resetting the electricity, gas, and water, a user is able to return operation of the building 100 to normal following a fire.

The circuits controlling the electricity distribution apparatus 150, the gas distribution apparatus 160, and the water distribution apparatus 170 may be isolated from the circuits controlling other components in the building so that these apparatuses can continue to operate after the electricity distribution apparatus shuts off the electricity supply for the rest of the building 100. Equally, the apparatuses may be arranged to receive power from a separate power supply, such as a battery.

In some embodiments, the electricity distribution apparatus 150, the gas distribution apparatus 160, and the water distribution apparatus 170 are controlled by a non-electrical means, such as mechanical linkages and/or hydraulics.

In some embodiments, the control panel 200 may comprise one or more shut-off buttons that the user can press to shut off the utilities. This can be used to provide a fire suppression system that is operable even where a sensor has malfunctioned. In a similar way, the user may be able to press a button to manually operate the sprinklers.

-15 -The resets 212, 214, 216 may only be operable when no fire is detected by the sensors, and/or the fire suppression units or alarms are not in operation; this can avoid a user inadvertently returning the electricity, gas, or water supply while a fire is ongoing.

A stop input 226. A concern that users might have is a false detection, where the sensor 120 detects a non-existent or small fire. In such a situation, the user may not want the fire suppression unit 130 to activate. Therefore, the control panel 200 typically comprises a stop input that is useable to stop the operation of the system (so that the fire suppression unit does not activate).

In some embodiments, the fire suppression system is arranged to activate a first alert 222 when a sensor detects a fire. This first alert may indicate the location of the fire and/or the mechanism of detection (e.g. high heat being detected, or smoke being detected). The activation of the first alert typically results in the activation of the alarm 140, where the first alert leads to a first light and/or sound being provided. The first alert typically does not lead to activation of the fire suppression unit 130. As such, the first alert then gives the user the opportunity to investigate the fire; if the user is not concerned about the fire, the user is then able to operate the stop input 226 to prevent activation of the fire suppression unit. The operation of the stop input may result in one or more of: the system becoming inactive for a certain period of time; one or more sensors and/or fire suppression units becoming inactive for a certain period; and one or more components of the fire suppression system becoming inactive until the user reactivates these components and/or the system.

Following the first alert 222, the fire suppression system is arranged to activate a second alert 224. This second alert may result in a different light and/or sound being provided (as compared to the first alert); the second alert may also result in emergency services being called (e.g. the fire department). The second alert also results in the fire suppression unit 130 being activated so that the fire is extinguished.

The progression from the first alert to the second alert is typically dependent on one or more of: a user input; the passage of a certain amount of time (e.g. the second alert may activate 5 minutes after the first alert); and/or the detection of a condition. In some embodiments, the first alert may activate when smoke is detected and the second alert may activate when a high heat is detected. In this regard, a fire may create smoke before it is hot enough to operate a heat sensor; however, smoke detectors may be more likely to give a false positive (e.g. from burnt food that is not a fire risk). Therefore, operating in this manner provides a chance for users to investigate fires while ensuring that high risk situations activate the fire suppression units.

-16 -It will be appreciated that the system may also be provided with a single alert that operates the fire suppression units as soon as a fire is detected (e.g. so the system proceeds immediately to the second alert).

- A reset input 228. The reset input halts operation of the fire suppression unit 130; this is typically used once a fire has been extinguished. The reset input may also restore the electricity, gas, and/or water supply to the boiling 100. Typically, the reset input is arranged to be activated automatically once the fire has been extinguished (e.g. when no smoke has been detected for a certain amount of time). The user may also be able to manually activate the reset input.

-An emergency services button (not shown). The control unit 200 may provide a mechanism for alerting a fire department of the fire. This mechanism may also send the fire department information about the fire (e.g. a location or severity of the fire, or a log of sensor data).

- An information display (not shown). The control unit 200 may display information about the operation of the fire suppression system, for example the control unit may indicate that a sensor is low on battery. This information display may be passive (e.g. responding to user commands) or active (e.g. sending notifications to a user when a potential problem, such as low battery, is detected).

The control panel 200 may be provided as a physical component (e.g. provided next to a fuse box or near a front door of the building 100. The control panel 200 may also be provided as a software application; for example, the control panel may be provided as an application on a smartphone of a user. This enables the user to monitor and control the fire suppression system from any location.

The status of the electricity, gas, and/or water supply is typically shown by the control panel 200. In some embodiments, the fire suppression system also comprises an external alarm and/or indicator that shows one or more of these statuses (e.g. a green or red light may be shown for each utility). Equally, the control panel may be provided on the exterior of the building 100. The external indicator can be used by emergency services to ensure that the electricity, gas, and water supplies have been switched off before they enter the building.

Referring to Figure 5, there is described a method 10 of operating the fire suppression system.

Typically, the fire suppression system comprises a computer device where this method is implemented on the computer device. More specifically, the fire suppression system may comprise one or more inputs (e.g. the sensor 120); a processor arranged to receive -17 -information from the inputs and process this information; and one or more outputs (e.g. the fire suppression unit 130 and the alarm 140), where the processor is arranged to operate the outputs based on the processed information.

In a first step 11, the fire suppression unit determines whether a signal has been received from a sensor. Typically, in a resting state, the fire suppression unit is continuously monitoring the sensors to determine whether any of the sensors has detected a fire; if no fire has been detected, the fire suppression system continues to monitor the sensors.

In a second step 12, if the fire suppression system has received a signal from a sensor (e.g. indicating that a fire has been detected), the fire suppression system activates the first alarm 222. The activation of the first alarm indicates to a user that a fire has been detected and gives the user a chance to investigate the fire.

In a third step 13, the fire suppression system identifies whether the stop input 226 has been operated. If stop reset input has been operated, the fire suppression system returns to the first step 11 of monitoring the sensors. Typically, the fire suppression system also disables the first alarm and/or inactivates one or more of the components of the fire suppression system. For example, the sensor which detected the fire may be disabled for a period of 5 minutes (to enable the user to address whatever has caused the false alarm).

In a fourth step 14, if the stop input 226 has not been operated during a certain period of time (or if the sensors have detected the fire has progressed, e.g. if another sensor has detected the fire), the fire suppression system activates the second alarm 224. This alarm typically encourages the occupants of the building 100 to evacuate the building immediately.

In a fifth step 15, the fire suppression system reduces or shuts off the gas supply and the electricity supply to the building. This ensures that further fires are not caused by gas leakages and/or sparks from damaged electrical components. The shut off is shown by the control panel 200 and/or the external indicator so that arriving parties can see these utilities have been shut off. The electricity being shut off also typically results in emergency lighting being turned on, which aids the occupants of the building in the evacuation.

In a sixth step 16, the fire suppression system diverts the external water supply (e.g. the mains water supply) to the fire suppression units in order to extinguish the fire. This sixth step may occur as soon as the second alarm is activated (where the first alarm still gives occupants of the building 100 time to evacuate) or may be delayed from the second alarm in order to give occupants of the building time to evacuate before the fire suppression units are activated.

-18 -Following the sixth step 19, the fire suppression units are activated and the fire is thereby extinguished. The activation of the fire suppression units may involve the activation of every unit or the activation only of the units in the vicinity of the detected fire. The fire suppression system may be arranged to activate only certain units by operating groups of valves. Each fire suppression unit may comprise a valve that can be operated by the fire suppression system to provide or block the flow of water; equally, there may be a single valve provided for a group of fire suppression units (e.g. where each unit in a single room is operated as a group).

Once the fire has been extinguished, the fire suppression system is deactivated. This may comprise the user manually deactivating the system (e.g. by pressing the reset input 228) and/or the system detecting that the fire has been extinguished and automatically halting the fire suppression units and alarms.

Referring to Figures 6a -6d, a practical implementation of the fire suppression unit is described. This implementation comprises: A plurality of different types of sensors. In particular, the system comprises smoke detectors, heat detectors, and carbon dioxide detectors.

A plurality of fire suppression units. In particular, the system comprises a plurality sprinklers. Each sprinkler head is arranged to be activated by a local sensor/detector.

A water distribution apparatus. In particular, the system comprises a water divert valve that is capable of diverting all available water pressure to the fire suppression units (e.g. when a fire is detected).

- A plurality of alarms, with each room comprising an alarm.

An external alarm, which can alert neighbours.

A plurality of emergency lighting devices, which are typically arranged to be activated when a fire is detected.

- A gas shut-off valve that is arranged to shut off the gas supply to the building when a fire is detected.

A gas valve status indicator.

An electricity shut-off valve that is arranged to shut off the electricity supply to each circuit of the building other than the fire suppression system circuit when a fire is detected.

- A fire control panel that is supplied by a dedicated circuit and circuit breaker.

-19 -Figure 6c shows exemplary electrical wiring that may be used to control the fire suppression system. This illustrates how the fire suppression system may be controlled using a dedicated circuit that can be left on while the remainder of the electricity supply to the building is shut off.

Referring to Figure 7, an exemplary circuit that is useable to control the fire suppression unit is described.

In particular, the circuit comprises one or more sensors (e.g. smoke detectors), which are arranged to transmit a signal to a controller (e.g. the processor of the fire suppression unit) when a fire is detected. This signal may result in one or more switches being opened and/or closed. In particular, this signal may result in switches being closed so as to provide power to the alarms, the emergency lighting, and the electricity, gas, and water distribution apparatuses 150, 160, 170. The signal may then sound the alarms, turn on the emergency lighting, shut off the electricity and gas supplies to the building, and divert the external water supply to the fire suppression units.

Some of these actions may be delayed in order to give a user an opportunity to prevent the activation of the fire suppression units and/or to give occupants the chance to evacuate before these fire suppression units activate.

The circuitry also includes an emergency stop button, which is useable to shut down the system.

It will be appreciated that this is only an example of possible circuitry. More generally, the fire suppression system may comprise a variety of circuitry. The fire suppression system may be implemented entirely using hardware (e.g. switches and logic gates). Typically, the fire suppression system is implemented using a controller, which is arranged to receive inputs from the sensors and to process these signals using software.

Alternatives and modifications It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

While the detailed description has primarily considered the use of a sprinkler system to suppress fires, it will be appreciated that a number of other fire suppression methods are known in the art. Any one of a solid, such as a powder, a liquid, such as water, or a gas, such as argon, may be used. Different systems may be used in different situations; for example the use of an inert gas (such as argon) has the benefit of causing minimal property damage as well as the benefit of not damaging electrical equipment; however, the use of such a gas carries a risk of suffocation. Therefore, an inert gas may be used in rooms that -20 -are not expected to be occupied (and the fire suppression system may comprise one or more person detectors to ensure that a room is empty before a gaseous fire suppression unit is activated).

The fire suppression system may comprise a plurality of different fire suppression units, which may use different suppression mechanisms. For example, a unit in a kitchen may use a powder mechanism to suffocate grease fires, and a fire suppression unit in a bedroom may use a water mechanism.

While the detailed description has considered the sensor 120 detecting a fire in order to activate the fire suppression unit 130, it will be appreciated that the sensor may detect another event, such as a high heat or the presence of an inflammable material. Typically, the sensor is arranged to detect either a fire or a high probability of a fire occurring soon. The sensor may also be arranged to detect a manual input so that a user can activate the fire suppression units and/or alarms.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims (4)

1. -21 -Claims 1. A fire suppression system for a building comprising: a sensor arranged to detect a fire; a gas distribution apparatus arranged to reduce a supply of gas to the building based on the detection of the fire; and an electricity distribution apparatus arranged to reduce a supply of electricity to the building based on the detection of the fire.
2. 2 The fire suppression system of claim 1, further comprising a water distribution apparatus arranged to divert a supply of water to one or more fire suppression units based on the detection of the fire.
3. 3 The fire suppression system of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more or: a gas status indicator; an electricity status indicator; and a water status indicator; preferably, comprising two or more of a gas status indicator; an electricity status indicator; and a water status indicator, wherein each indicator is a part of a single control unit.
4. 4 The fire suppression system of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more of: a gas reset input arranged to control the gas distribution apparatus so as to provide and/or reset a gas supply to the building; an electricity reset input arranged to control the electricity distribution apparatus so as to provide and/or reset an electricity supply to the building; and a water reset input arranged to control the water distribution apparatus so as to provide a water supply to the building.preferably, comprising two or more of a gas reset input; an electricity status input; and a water status input, wherein each input is a part of a/the single control unit.

   The fire suppression system of any preceding claim, wherein the gas distribution apparatus: is arranged to shut off the supply of gas to the building; and/or is arranged to reduce a mains supply of gas; and/or comprises a gas supply valve, preferably wherein the gas supply valve is arranged to be operated by an electric signal, preferably a signal at 240V.

   -22 - 6 The fire suppression system of any preceding claim, wherein the electricity distribution apparatus: is arranged to reduce a mains supply of electricity; is arranged to shut off the supply of electricity to the building; and/or is arranged to provide power to the fire suppression system, preferably wherein the electricity distribution apparatus is arranged to maintain the supply of electricity to the fire suppression system while shutting off the supply of electricity to the rest of the building.

   7 The fire suppression system of any preceding claim, wherein the electricity distribution apparatus comprises a circuit breaker, preferably a residual circuit breaker with over-current (an RCBO).

   8 The fire suppression system of any preceding claim, wherein the electricity distribution apparatus comprises an electrical fire suppression unit, preferably wherein: the electrical fire suppression unit comprises a fire extinguishing powder and/or an inert gas; and/or the electrical fire suppression unit is arranged to be activated based on the detection of a fire within the vicinity of the electrical distribution apparatus; and/or the electrical fire suppression unit is arranged to be activated separately from one or more other fire suppression units; and/or the electrical fire suppression unit is arranged to be activated in relation to the supply of electricity to the building being reduced.

   9 The fire suppression system of any of claim 2 to 8, wherein a/the water distribution apparatus: is arranged to reduce a supply of water to the building based on the detection of the fire, preferably wherein the water distribution apparatus is arranged to shut off the supply of water to the building; and/or is arranged to reduce and/or divert a mains supply of water; and/or comprises a water supply valve, preferably wherein the water supply valve is arranged to be operated by an electric signal, preferably a signal at 240V 10. The fire suppression system of claim 9, wherein the wherein the water distribution apparatus is arranged to divert an external supply of water to the fire suppression units while reducing the supply of water to the rest of the building, more preferably wherein the water distribution apparatus is arranged to divert the entirety of the external supply of water to the fire suppression units.-23 - 11 The fire suppression system of any preceding claim, further comprising an alarm, wherein the alarm is arranged to indicate the detection of the fire, preferably wherein: the alarm is related to a first sensor and is arranged to provide a signal when said first sensor detects a fire; and/or the alarm is arranged to provide a signal when any of a plurality of sensors detects a fire; and/or each room of the building comprises an alarm.12. The fire suppression system of claim 11, wherein the alarm is arranged to provide a first signal on a first detection event and a second signal on a second detection event, preferably wherein: the second signal is different from the first signal; and/or the second detection event occurs after the first detection event; and/or the fire suppression system is arranged to activate a/the fire suppression unit only following the second detection event.13. The fire suppression system of claim 12, wherein the fire suppression system is capable of receiving a cancellation signal between the first detection event and the second detection event, which cancellation signal prevents the activation of a/the fire suppression unit, preferably wherein the fire suppression system comprises a cancellation input operable to provide the cancellation signal, more preferably wherein the cancellation input is a part of a control panel for the fire suppression system.14. The fire suppression system of any of claims 12 to 13, wherein: the first detection event comprises detection of smoke and/or the activation of a smoke sensor; and/or wherein the second detection event comprises one or more of: a user input; detection of a predetermined heat; the spread of the fire and/or the detection of the fire by a further sensor; and the passage of an amount of time from the first detection event.15. The fire suppression system of any preceding claim, comprising an external alarm, preferably wherein the external alarm is arranged to provide one or more of: an indication that the fire has been detected; and a location, type, intensity and/or severity of the fire; 16. The fire suppression system of claim 15, wherein the external alarm is arranged to -24 -provide one or more of a gas status, a water status, and/or an electricity status.17. The fire suppression system of any preceding claim, further comprising a stopping input arranged to halt the operation of one or more of: a/the fire suppression unit; a/the alarm; and a/the external alarm.18. The fire suppression system of any preceding claim, wherein the fire suppression system is arranged to detect the suppression and/or extinguishing of a fire, optionally using the sensor and/or a suppression sensor, preferably wherein, on detection of the suppression of the fire, the fire suppression system is arranged to: operate a/the gas reset input; and/or operate a/the electricity reset input; and/or operate a/the water reset input; and/or operate a/the stopping input; and/or halt the operation of a/the fire suppression unit.19. The fire suppression system of any preceding claim, further comprising an emergency lighting unit, preferably wherein: the fire suppression system is arranged to activate the emergency lighting unit based on detection of the fire; and/or.the emergency lighting unit comprises a dedicated power supply, preferably a battery.20. The fire suppression unit of any preceding claim, being arranged to be retrofitted into an existing building and/or fire suppression system.21. A fire suppression system for a building comprising: a sensor arranged to detect a fire; and a gas distribution apparatus arranged to reduce a supply of gas to the building based on the detection of the fire.22. A fire suppression system for a building comprising: a sensor arranged to detect a fire; and an electricity distribution apparatus arranged to reduce a supply of electricity to the building based on the detection of the fire.-25 - 23. A fire suppression system for a building comprising: a sensor arranged to detect a fire; and a water distribution apparatus arranged to divert an external supply of water for the building to one or more fire suppression units based on the detection of the fire.24. A method of operating the fire suppression system of any preceding claim, preferably a computer-implemented method.25. A method of operating a fire suppression system, the method comprising: detecting a fire using a sensor; reducing, using a gas distribution apparatus, a supply of gas to the building based on the detection of the fire; reducing, using an electricity distribution apparatus, a supply of electricity to the building based on the detection of the fire; and optionally, diverting, using a water distribution apparatus, a supply of water to one or more fire suppression units based on the detection of the fire.