WO2008017471A1

WO2008017471A1 - Mobile fire extinguishing system

Info

Publication number: WO2008017471A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/007020
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lars Frahm
Original assignee: Lars Frahm
Priority date: 2006-08-09
Filing date: 2007-08-08
Publication date: 2008-02-14

Abstract

Fire service vehicles generally have water as an extinguishment, which must be provided in tanks in the vehicle or locally by means of hydrants. According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mobile fire extinguishing system (100) is specified for a fire service vehicle, comprising a fuel cell (101) and a compressor (121). The compressor (121) compresses the depleted-oxygen exhaust air (128), which contains water, of the fuel cell system (101) such that an extinguishing jet is created which can be directed at the fire, at a distance from it. This allows autonomous operation, making the mobile fire extinguishing system (100) independent of water sources.

Description

Mobile fire extinguishing system

Related applications

The present application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 821,842, filed on August 9, 2006 and German Patent Application No. 10 2006 037 265.4 filed on Aug. 9, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical area

The present invention relates to fire fighting. In particular, the present invention relates to a mobile fire fighting system for a fire truck, a fire truck with a mobile fire fighting system, the use of a mobile fire fighting system for fire fighting and a method for fighting a fire.

Background of the invention

Fire trucks usually have water as an extinguishing agent, which must be provided locally in tanks in the vehicle or by hydrants. At full pump capacity, the tanks integrated in the vehicle are emptied after a few minutes. Fire trucks are dependent on hydrants in the immediate vicinity. Depending on the length of the hydrant, the path must be bridged via hoses and additional pumps so that sufficient water is available for extinguishing the vehicle. Furthermore, the power generators often produce only low power on today's fire trucks, so that under certain circumstances an increased energy requirement can not be met. Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fire fighting system for mobile fire fighting.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mobile fire fighting system comprising a mobile fire extinguishing system comprising a fuel cell system for generating a water-containing, low-oxygen exhaust air and a compressor for generating an extinguishing jet from the exhaust air of the fuel cell system, the extinguishing jet for extinguishing one from the mobile fire extinguishing system distant fire is usable.

The mobile fire extinguishing system is characterized by a self-sufficient operation, which makes it independent of hydrants or other sources of water. It is also immediately ready for use at the place of use, without first laying hoses and

Water connections must be activated. This saves time. Furthermore, it can also be extinguished in arid areas.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile fire extinguishing system further comprises a hydrogen supply for the fuel cell system.

For example, the hydrogen supply may include a hydrogen storage for storing and delivering hydrogen to the fuel cell system.

The hydrogen storage is designed for example as a liquid hydrogen storage and thus has a high storage density to ensure the use of the mobile fire extinguishing system self-sufficient for several hours. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen supply comprises a reformer system for generating hydrogen from hydrocarbons.

In this way, the required hydrogen can be produced on board the fire truck, for example, kerosene or other fuel. The hydrogen storage, for example, serve as a buffer, so that always a sufficient supply of hydrogen is guaranteed.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile fire extinguishing system further comprises a motor for driving the mobile fire extinguishing system.

For example, the engine is designed as an electric motor. The energy required to operate the electric motor can be provided directly or indirectly from the fuel cell system. Thus, the fuel cell system can be connected directly to the electric motor. Furthermore, an accumulator may be provided which can be charged via the fuel cell system and then supplies the motor with power.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the engine is designed as a hydrogen engine, wherein the energy required for the hydrogen engine is provided directly by the hydrogen.

The hydrogen engine, which may be designed as a conventional internal combustion engine, is operated with hydrogen as fuel. For example, a gasoline engine of the fire truck may be modified for operation with hydrogen become. In this way, the on-board hydrogen can be used both for generating the quenching jet and for propelling the vehicle.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the mobile fire extinguishing system further comprises an air supply for the fuel cell system, wherein the air supply comprises a filter, a fan, a heat exchanger and a compressor.

The air supply is used for optimal provision of the outside air for the fuel cell.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile fire extinguishing system further comprises a consumer for the benefit of an electrical energy generated by the fuel cell system.

The consumer may be, for example, an electro-hydraulic actuator for generating a hydraulic pressure for a cutting tool. Furthermore, these can be voltage converters for emergency power generation on site, batteries for covering power peaks, or cooling systems or heating systems.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical energy required for the compressor is provided directly or indirectly by the fuel cell system.

So it is not necessary generator, which would cause additional weight. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile fire extinguishing system further comprises an extinguishing agent supply for mixing an additional extinguishing agent in the exhaust air to increase the extinguishing performance.

For example, it may be foam, powder extinguishing or additional water, which can be mixed before or after the compression of the exhaust air.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the mobile fire extinguishing system further comprises a heat exchanger for cooling the exhaust air. The cooling could for example also be done by Peltier elements, compression refrigeration systems or the like.

As a result, the efficiency of the extinguishing jet can be further increased.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile fire extinguishing system comprises an air separation system for further reducing the oxygen content of the exhaust air, the air separation system being located behind the compressor.

This also allows the extinguishing performance to be further increased.

Furthermore, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a control and regulation unit is provided for recording and evaluating measurement data of the fire-extinguishing system and for forwarding corresponding control commands to the corresponding system components. The measured data are, for example, the temperature of the extinguishing jet, the pressure and volumetric flow of the extinguishing jet, the level of the hydrogen storage, the delivery rate of air or hydrogen to the fuel cell, the temperature of the anode or cathode of the fuel cell or the operating state of batteries or accumulators.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile fire extinguishing system further comprises a tank for storing and dispensing insecticides or other chemical substances.

Thus, the system can continue to be used for spraying pesticides or other substances.

All kinds of fuel cells can be used, such as an alkaline fuel cell (AFC), a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), a solid oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), or a Direct Alcohol / Methanol Fuel Cell (DAFC / DMFC).

Decisive here is not the operating temperature or the electrolyte, but only the composition of the cathode exhaust air. This should contain an inert gas such as nitrogen or the like. The exhaust air here is either dry or hydrous, depending on the fuel cell type and, where appropriate, depending on the system settings.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical or thermal energy required in the fire extinguishing system is removed directly from the Fuel cell provided. Thus, no external power supply is necessary. The system can work independently and it generates its own energy.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fire truck with a mobile fire extinguishing system as described above.

For example, the fire engine can be designed as a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle. This ensures that the mobile fire extinguishing system can be quickly brought to the source of the fire. Also is the use of the mobile

Fire extinguishing system in other means of transport, such as ships or aircraft possible.

The fire engine is characterized by its environmental friendliness, since it emits no pollutants.

Furthermore, the use of a mobile fire extinguishing system described above for firefighting is given.

Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling a fire is specified in which a water-containing, low-oxygen exhaust air is generated by a fuel cell system. Further, an extinguishing jet is generated from the exhaust air of the fuel cell system by a compressor, the extinguishing jet being usable for extinguishing a fire remote from the mobile fire extinguishing system.

A water tank or a water connection are not required. Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a mobile fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a fire truck according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a method for combating a fire according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of exemplary embodiments

The illustrations in the figures are schematic and not to scale.

In the following description of the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar elements.

1 shows a schematic representation of a mobile fire extinguishing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the mobile fire-extinguishing system 100 essentially comprises a fuel cell system 101 for generating an oxygen-poor exhaust air. Depending on used fuel cell system, this exhaust air 128 is more or less hydrous. Furthermore, a compressor 121 is provided, which compresses the exhaust air and thus generates an extinguishing jet, which can then be directed to the fire.

To supply the fuel cell system 101 serves on the one hand an air supply 105 to 109 and on the other hand, a hydrogen supply 102 to 104th

The fuel cell system 101 generates in addition to the exhaust air 128 electrical energy, which can be discharged via lines 129, 130.

The fuel cell system 101 is supplied with hydrogen at the anode and air at the cathode. This creates electrical energy, thermal energy and water-containing oxygen-poor exhaust air. The electrical energy is used for on-board systems, such as an electric motor, which makes the fire truck mobile. The thermal energy can be dissipated by appropriate heat exchangers and used for example for an in-vehicle heating system. The water-containing oxygen-poor exhaust air serves as an extinguishing agent.

The supplied air 105 is passed through a filter element 106, after which it passes through a fan 107. To the fan 107, a sensor or a control / control port 131 may be mounted to monitor the operating data of the fan and to transmit to a central control unit 126. In response, the unit 126 can receive corresponding control commands or control commands in order to set the fan accordingly. Furthermore, a heat exchanger 108 is provided to optionally preheat the air. Compressor 109 serves to compress the air. Also To the compressor 109, a corresponding sensor or control / regulating connection 132 may be provided.

The air supply is used to optimally provide the outside air to the fuel cell 101 in terms of purity, temperature, pressure and

Volume flow. From each component, the corresponding data is measured and transmitted to the controller 126.

The hydrogen supply to the fuel cell 101 includes a hydrogen storage 102, a heat exchanger 103 and a compressor 104. Alternatively, the use of a reformer system for generating hydrogen from hydrocarbons is also provided. As a hydrogen storage are particularly suitable liquid hydrogen storage, which have a high storage density and can thus ensure the use of the vehicle self-sufficient for several hours.

Again, as in the rest of the fire extinguishing system, the corresponding data is measured by each component and transmitted to the controller 126.

The fuel cell system 101 serves to generate electrical and thermal energy and water-containing, low-oxygen exhaust air. The thermal energy can be cooled away with internal coolers or used by internal consumers.

The electrical energy is used to drive the vehicle via an electrical

Motor (see electric motor 201 in Fig. 2). Furthermore, the electrical energy supplies all internal consumers of the entire vehicle 200 of FIG. 2. In use and at standstill of the vehicle 200, the electrical energy may operate large compressors, such as compressor 121, to increase the extinguishing effect and throw distance of the extinguishing jet.

Other consumers include, for example, electro-hydraulic actuators

To operate fire brigade auxiliary systems, voltage converters for emergency power generation on site, batteries to cover power peaks and cooling systems.

For cooling the cathode and anode of the fuel cell system 101, for example, cooling 110, 111 are provided.

The electrical energy generated by the fuel cell system 101 is supplied to a transformer 112 which charges the battery 113 and supplies power to the control electronics 114. From here, the electrical energy is passed to DC load 117 or via a voltage converter 115 to AC load 116.

The exhaust air 128 of the fuel cell 101 serves as the main extinguishing gas of the vehicle. To increase the extinguishing performance of the exhaust air still an additional extinguishing agent 119, 124 are added. For example, this may be foam,

Powder extinguishing agent or act on additional water. Depending on the application, this extinguishing agent supply can take place before or after the compression of the exhaust air by the compressor 121. Furthermore, the use of a heat exchanger or cooling unit 120 for cooling the exhaust air 128 is possible.

In order to control the extinguishing agent supply, valves 118, 123 and corresponding control terminals 127, 133 are provided. Since the exhaust air of the fuel cell 101 still has an oxygen content of, for example, about 6 to 15% by volume, an air separation system 122 can be connected after compression in order to further reduce the oxygen content and thus to further increase the extinguishing effect.

The control and regulation unit 126 can be operated or operated manually or automatically. All measurement data of the system are recorded and evaluated. Subsequently, corresponding control commands can be forwarded to the respective components.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a fire truck with a mobile fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fire truck 200 in this case has a fuel cell 101, which is connected to a hydrogen storage 102. The exhaust air of the fuel cell 101 is supplied via the compressor 121 to a fire extinguisher 202, which can direct the extinguishing jet to a fire source 204. Furthermore, an additional extinguishing agent tank 119, 124 is provided. In addition, the vehicle 200 includes a blower, an air supply, and a cooling 105.

An electric motor or other drive and the batteries are arranged in the area 201. The cab 203 provides space for the operator.

In this way, a self-sufficient operation is guaranteed. There is no need for hydrants or other sources of water. The fire truck is ready for use at the place of use.

A deletion with water-containing oxygen-poor air is possible over several hours, without the tanks having to be filled. For example, at an electric power of 200 kW and a hydrogen tank of 140 kg an extinguishing time of over 10 hours at about 16 standard cubic meters / minute (Nm ³ per min) at 10% vol oxygen gas (10% vol O ₂ ) can be achieved. During extinguishment, the electrical energy in compressors or cooling can be used to compress the quenching jet, as well as to increase the extinguishing effect and the throwing distance. The electric power generated may be used to provide on-site emergency systems having high power consumption. Due to the environmental friendliness and the low to no pollutant emission rate, the vehicle is particularly suitable for use in urban areas.

As an alternative to use as a fire truck, the vehicle can also be used for spraying insecticides or other chemical substances. In the system structure, a further tank with insecticides or the other chemical substances is then additionally provided, which supplements or replaces the extinguishing agent tank.

3 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step 1, hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell system. In step 2, air is supplied to the fuel cell system. The exhaust air produced during the reaction in the fuel cell system is removed in step 3 and compressed in step 4, so that an effective extinguishing jet is produced for extinguishing a distant fire. In step 5, this extinguishing jet is directed at the fire, so that the fire can be fought.

In addition, it should be noted that "comprehensive" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a multitude The above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limiting.

Claims

Patent claims

A mobile fire extinguishing system for a fire truck comprising the mobile fire extinguishing system comprising: a fuel cell system (101) for generating a low-oxygen exhaust air

(128); and a compressor (121) for generating an extinguishing jet from the exhaust air of the fuel cell system (101); wherein the extinguishing jet is usable for extinguishing a fire (204) remote from the mobile fire extinguishing system.

2. The mobile fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a hydrogen supply for the fuel cell system (101).

3. A mobile fire extinguishing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hydrogen supply comprises a hydrogen storage (102) for storing and discharging hydrogen to the fuel cell system.

4. A mobile fire extinguishing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hydrogen supply is a reformer system for generating

Has hydrogen from hydrocarbons.

A mobile fire extinguishing system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a motor (201) for driving the mobile fire extinguishing system.

6. A mobile fire extinguishing system according to claim 5, wherein the motor (201) is designed as an electric motor; and wherein the electrical energy required for the electric motor (201) is provided directly or indirectly from the fuel cell system (101).

7. A mobile fire extinguishing system according to claim 5, wherein the motor (201) is designed as a hydrogen engine; and wherein the energy required for the hydrogen engine (201) is provided directly by the hydrogen.

A mobile fire extinguishing system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an air supply to the fuel cell system (101); wherein the air supply comprises a filter (106), a fan (107), a heat exchanger (108) and a compressor (109).

A mobile fire extinguishing system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a consumer for use of electrical energy generated by the fuel cell system (101).

10. The mobile fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, wherein the electrical energy required for the compressor is provided directly or indirectly from the fuel cell system.

A mobile fire extinguishing system according to any preceding claim, further comprising: an extinguishing agent supply (119, 124) for adding an additional extinguishing agent to the exhaust air to increase the extinguishing performance.

12. Mobile fire extinguishing system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a heat exchanger (120) for cooling the exhaust air.

A mobile fire extinguishing system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an air separation system (122) for further reducing the oxygen content of the exhaust air; wherein the air separation system (122) is disposed behind the compressor (121).

The mobile fire extinguishing system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a control unit (126) for receiving and evaluating measurement data of the system and for forwarding corresponding control commands to the corresponding system components.

A mobile fire extinguishing system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a tank for storing and dispensing insecticides or other chemicals.

16. Mobile fire extinguishing system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fuel cell system (101) is designed to generate a water-containing exhaust air.

17. Fire truck with a mobile fire extinguishing system according to one of claims 1 to 16.

18. Use of a mobile fire extinguishing system according to one of claims 1 to 16 for fire fighting.

19. A method of combating a fire, the method comprising the steps of:

Generating a water-containing, low-oxygen exhaust air through a fuel cell system (101);

Generating an extinguishing jet from the exhaust air of the fuel cell system (101) by a compressor (121); wherein the extinguishing jet is usable for extinguishing a fire remote from the mobile fire extinguishing system.