Hydro fire mitigation system

Abstract

A hydro fire mitigation system is provided that is associated with a structure. The system employs a number of sensors that detect an oncoming fire, which directs a controller to initiate fluid flow through a number of sprinklers. The system is fully autonomous and does not require municipal water or power during use.

Claims

1. A hydro fire mitigation system, comprising: a connection to a water source; a sprinkler system interconnected to the water source and having at least one sprinkler head positioned outside of a structure; a controller in communication with the sprinkler system, the controller being operable to place the hydro fire mitigation system in at least three modes of operation comprising a sentry mode, an alarm mode, and a safe mode; at least one fire detection sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the at least one fire detection sensor is spaced from the structure and configured to detect fire approaching the structure; a tank for a fire retardant interconnected to the sprinkler system, wherein fluid expelled by the at least one sprinkler head selectively comprises either water, or a mixture of water and the fire retardant; an injector valve connected to the tank for the fire retardant and being operable to inject fire retardant into a fluid line, the controller in communication with the injector valve; wherein when the at least one fire detection sensor senses a fire, the controller activates the alarm mode and directs the sprinkler system to expel fluid in a predetermined area; wherein the safe mode is initiated after the sprinkler system has expelled fluid during the alarm mode and fire is not detected by the at least one fire detection sensor; and wherein the fire retardant is injected into the fluid line prior to the fluid reaching a pump associated with the fluid line.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein in the alarm mode the controller provides a signal to a mobile device.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein in the alarm mode the controller directs the sprinkler system to expel fluid for a predetermined period of time, and wherein, after the predetermined period of time, if the at least one fire detection sensor does not sense fire, the controller activates the safe mode.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, in the safe mode, the controller can periodically activate and deactivate the sprinkler system during a cycle, and wherein the safe mode continues for up to ten cycles.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sprinkler system is operable to be operated by a second controller.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to direct the sprinkler system to expel the fluid when a fire is a predetermined distance from the structure, the predetermined distance set by a user.

7. A hydro fire mitigation system, comprising: a connection to a water source; a sprinkler system interconnected to the water source and having at least one sprinkler head positioned outside of a structure; a controller in communication with the sprinkler system, the controller being operable to place the hydro fire mitigation system in at least four modes of operation comprising a sentry mode, an alarm mode, a safe mode, and a test mode; at least one fire detection sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the at least one fire detection sensor is spaced from the structure and configured to detect fire approaching the structure; a tank for a fire retardant interconnected to the sprinkler system, wherein fluid expelled by the at least one sprinkler head selectively comprises either water, or a mixture of water and the fire retardant; an injector valve connected to the tank for the fire retardant and being operable to inject fire retardant into a fluid line, the controller in communication with the injector valve; wherein when the at least one fire detection sensor senses a fire, the controller activates the alarm mode and directs the sprinkler system to expel fluid in a predetermined area; wherein the safe mode is initiated after the sprinkler system has expelled fluid during the alarm mode and fire is not detected by the at least one fire detection sensor; and wherein the controller activates the test mode and directs the sprinkler system to expel water without the at least one fire detection sensor sensing fire.

8. A method of hydro fire mitigation, comprising: providing a water source; providing a sprinkler system interconnected to the water source and having at least one sprinkler head positioned outside of a structure; providing a tank for a fire retardant interconnected to the sprinkler system, wherein fluid expelled by the at least one sprinkler head selectively comprises either water, or a mixture of water and the fire retardant; providing a controller in communication with the sprinkler system and one or more of a valve, a pump, and a fluid-level sensor associated with the water source, wherein the controller is operable to place the sprinkler system in at least a sentry mode, an alarm mode, and a safe mode; providing an injector valve connected to the tank for the fire retardant and configured to selectively inject the fire retardant into a fluid line; providing a primary power source interconnected to the controller, wherein the primary power source is operable to receive power from a second power source; providing at least one sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the at least one sensor is spaced from the structure and configured to detect fire approaching the structure; detecting a fire at a predetermined distance from the structure when the sprinkler system is in the sentry mode; initiating the alarm mode, wherein the controller directs all of the sprinkler heads within the sprinkler system to simultaneously expel fluid to a predetermined area when the fire is the predetermined distance from the structure; initiating the safe mode after the sprinkler system has expelled fluid during the alarm mode and fire is not detected by the at least one sensor; and further comprising providing a switch located outside a system housing which causes the controller to place the sprinkler system in a fourth mode of operation, a wetting mode, in which the sprinkler system expels fluid comprising water from all the sprinkler heads simultaneously without the at least one sensor detecting fire.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one sprinkler head is interconnected to a roof portion of the structure and is operable to expel the fluid about an exterior of the structure.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one senor comprises an infrared flame detector.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising polling the at least one sensor after expelling fluid for a predetermined period of time, wherein when fire is detected the controller directs the sprinkler system to expel the fluid for a second predetermined period of time.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising initiating the safe mode when the at least one sensor does not detect fire after the predetermined period of time and expelling fluid periodically while the sprinkler system is in the safe mode, the safe mode including up to 10 cycles of activating and deactivating the sprinkler system.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the injector valve is operable to inject the fire retardant into the water line based on a signal received from the controller.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the controller is operable to sense and determine a status of the second power source, and wherein the controller is further operable to monitor a status of the primary power source when the second power source fails.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is in communication with one or more of a valve, the pump, and a fluid-level sensor associated with the water source.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first power source interconnected to the hydro fire mitigation system, wherein the controller is operable to activate a second power source in the event that the first power source fails.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one fire detection sensor is operable to detect fire at least up to 300 feet from the structure.

18. The system of claim 7, wherein the fire retardant is injected into the fluid line prior to the fluid reaching a pump associated with the fluid line.

19. The system of claim 7, wherein the controller is operable to direct the sprinkler system to expel the fluid when a fire is a predetermined distance from the structure, the predetermined distance set by a user.

20. The system of claim 7, wherein in the alarm mode: the controller provides a signal to a mobile device; and the controller directs the sprinkler system to expel fluid for a predetermined period of time, and wherein, after the predetermined period of time, if the at least one fire detection sensor does not sense fire, the controller activates the safe mode.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.

(2) FIG. 1 is a representation of a hydro fire mitigation system of one embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a representation of the hydro fire mitigation system of another embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is an elevation view showing components of one embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is an elevation view showing a storage tank of one embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 is a representation of a controller of one embodiment present invention; and

(7) FIG. 6 is a representation schematic of a user interface of one embodiment of the present invention.

(8) To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:

(9) TABLE-US-00001 # Component 2 Control Assembly Hydro fire mitigation system. 3 Powder coated aluminum enclosure 6 Structure 10 Sensor 14 Controller 18 Fire 22 Pump 23 Pump controller 26 Storage tank 28 Water supply 30 Fire retardant tank 34 Sprinkler (on the structure) 38 Roof 42 Fluid spray 46 Sprinklers (in ground) 50 Perimeter 54 Sensors 58 Injector valve 62 Motorized ball valve acting as a Gate valve 66 Fluid line 69 Water level sensor 70 Battery bank 71 Municipal power battery charger 72 Municipal power switch and outlet 73 Liquid level sensor wire hub 74 Inlet 75 Solar panels 76 Battery charge controller, 48 volts 77 Battery charge controller, 24 volts 78 Circuit breakers for solar and battery bank 79 Municipal power surge protector 80 24vac transformer 81 24vac inverter 82 Municipal power ground fault circuit breaker 83 Fireman's switch 84 Flow Switch 100 Communications Port #1; Two Wire RS-485. 102 Terminal blocks: Fire sensor ports for Normally Open sensors. 103 Auxiliary Power: provides starting for backup generator, or backup solar supply 120vac inverter. 104 24vac Inv/Prop Valve: provides power to 24vac inverter, or Propane Valve for use with generator. 105 Communication Power: Provides power and control for communications equipment. 106 Tank Heater: Energizes power for water storage tank heater 107 Utility powered 24vac transformer power input 108 24vac inverter power input 109 24vdc power input 110 24vdc fuse; 5.0 amp slow blow 111 Transformer 12vac fuse;1.6 amp slow blow 112 Transformer 24vac fuse; 1.6 amp slow blow 113 24vac Inverter fuse; 1.6 amp slow blow 114 User input Switches 115 Tank Level LEDs: Indicate water level in tank 116 System LEDS; Indicate power type, output, input, alarm, fault, and sensors. 117 Status LED: Indicates particular operation modes or conditional states 118 12vdc auxiliary power fuse; 1.5 amp slow blow 119 Communications Port #2; Two Wire RS-485/RS-232 120 Communications Port #3; RS-232 121 Auxiliary Output 122 Auxiliary Output Status LED 123 Fireman's Switch input 124 Siren Output 125 Alarm Relay; Normally Open or Normally Closed contacts 126 Fault Relay; Normally Open or Normally Closed contacts 127 Outputs for Gate Valve, Pump, Fire Retardant Valve, Tank Fill Valve, Drain Valve, and tank water circulation pump 128 Sensor Inputs; Flow Switch, Tank Water Temperature, Water tank level sensors 129 Ground Rod Lug 119 Communications Port #2; Two Wire RS-485/RS-232 120 Communications Port #3; RS-232 121 Auxiliary Output 122 Auxiliary Output Status LED 123 Fireman's Switch input 124 Siren Output 125 Alarm Relay; Normally Open or Normally Closed contacts 126 Fault Relay; Normally Open or Normally Closed contacts 127 Outputs for Gate Valve, Pump, Fire Retardant Valve, Tank Fill Valve, Drain Valve, and tank water circulation pump. 128 Sensor Inputs; Flow Switch, Tank Water Temperature, Water tank level sensors 129 Ground Rod Lug 200 Remote keypad 204 User input switch 208 Status LED 214 System LED 294 Fill valve 300 Motorized ball valve acting as a drain valve

(10) It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) FIG. 1 shows a general layout of the hydro fire mitigation system 2 of one embodiment of the present invention. A structure 6 has at least one infrared sensor 10 that communicates with a controller 14. The controller 14 receives information from the infrared sensor 10 when a fire 18 approaches the structure. When the sensors 10 indicate the fire 18 is within a predetermined distance from the structure 6, the controller 14 opens a valve and directs a pump 22 to draw water from a storage tank 26. The storage tank 26 may be interconnected to municipal water supply 28, a lake, a pond, a pool, etc. During normal operations the storage tank 26 provides an autonomous fluid supply to the system to provide protection from the oncoming fire 18. Fire retardant drawn from a separate fire retardant storage tank 30 may also be added to the fluid stream. Fluid, i.e., mixture of water and fire retardant, is then directed to sprinklers 34 on the roof 38 of the structure 6 that issue a fluid spray 42 toward the approaching fire 18.

(12) FIG. 2 is an aerial view showing the hydro fire mitigation system of another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 1 and illustrates that other ground-based sprinklers 46 may help mitigate fire within or outside the normal fire protection perimeter 50 around the structure 6. The plurality of ground sprinklers 46 may also be associated with the storage tank 26 and be selectively activated by the controller 14. This version of the system provides protection from a fire from the ground and the air. Additional sensors 54 may be positioned about the perimeter 50 to help provide advanced fire warning. The advance warning helps the controller 14 quickly comes online to provide protection from combat the fire 18 before it enters the predetermined perimeter 50.

(13) FIG. 2 also illustrates that the controller 14 of one embodiment of the present invention can selectively control direct water from the tank 26. More specifically, as opposed to energizing each rooftop sprinkler 34, the controller 14 can selectively direct fluid from the manifold (not shown) such that a precise fluid blast mitigates fire at a predetermined location. This helps prevent waste as issuing water from the sprinklers not near the fire may do little to help mitigate the fire.

(14) FIGS. 3 and 4 show the hydro fire mitigation system 2 of one embodiment of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill the art will appreciate that the unit is self-contained, self-sustained, compact, and comprises controller 14 that communicates with various systems. When fire is detected, a motorized ball valve acting as a gate valve 62 associated with the storage tank 26 is opened and water enters a primary fluid line 66. The controller 14 also directs the flame retardant from a separate the flame retardant tank 30 to the fluid stream by opening injector valve 58 and the pump 22 (which may be controlled by a controller 23) pressurizes fluid mixture and sends it to the sprinkler system. The power needed for the components comes from a power source 70 comprising a plurality of batteries, which may be rechargeable or easily replaceable. The batteries are charged through one of two integrated battery charging systems. One system utilized while municipal power is available and active consists of battery charger 71, the power switch and outlet 72, the surge protector 79, ground fault circuit breaker 80 which is turn is interconnected to the municipal power source. The second or backup system operates when the municipal power is shut off consists of integrated solar panels 75, charge controllers 76 and 77, and circuit breakers and surge protector 78. An inverter may also be included that changes the direct-current taken from the batteries to alternating current to fit the power needs of the system. As shown in FIG. 4, the tank 26 is interconnected to the fluid line 66 and includes liquid level control sensors 69 in communication with the controller. The controller 14 receives fluid level 68 data from one or more sensors 69 to assess the high water level 69H, mid water level 69M, and low level 69L. The level sensors 69 are monitored by and interconnected to the controller 14. 73 that communicates with the controller. Water enters the tank 26 via an inlet 74.

(15) FIGS. 3 and 5 are illustrations of the self-contained, self-sustained hydro mitigation control system 2, and control panel 14 of one embodiment of the present invention, which includes one or more these features: 1) Powder coated aluminum enclosure 3; 2) Ground fault and power surge protected 120vac utility power 72, 79, 80; 3) Battery operated pump and controls 22, 14; 4) Battery charging through 120vac battery charger 71 and dedicated solar battery charger 75, 76, 77, 78; 5) At least four supervised sensor inputs for normally open fire detection sensors; 6) 24vdc power output for any fire sensors requiring power; 7) Audio and visual indicators for both system alarm and system fault conditions through LEDs, on board sounder, and optional 12vdc siren; 8) User input switches provide active user input to controller functions; 9) Remote wireless keypad for in home interaction with controller, up to 4 keypads per system; 10) Fireman's switch 83 providing a means of a precautionary 10 minute wetting cycle; 11) Water storage tank level control with automatic fill leak detection, and filling failure; 12) Control Valves: motorized ball valve acting as gate valve controls water flow into the pumping system; water storage tank fill solenoid electric valve controls the filling of the tank; fire retardant valve controls retardant flow to the injector: automatic motorized drain valve provides the means to drain the water storage tank and water lines; 13) Special programming for systems not requiring a water storage tank or a system that utilizes a multiuse water storage tank; 14) Pump controls that directly control pump or interface with special dedicated pump controller; 15) Pump operation verification upon alarm trigger and system test; 16) Water flow verification, via a flow switch 84, for systems not using a monitored water storage tank; 17) Twenty minute minimum wetting cycle; 18) Ten, three-minute Safe Mode cycles spaced fifteen minutes apart following wetting cycle; 19) Automatic system shut down when water storage tank is empty to protect pump; 20) If system is actively sensing fire when the tank empties, wetting functions will resume when water level reaches the half filled level sensor; 21) Suspend or disarm function: timed fire sensor lockout; maximum eight hours; 22) Roof cool function allows user to cool home or structure with 10 minute wetting cycle without fire retardant being used; 23) Panic button on remote keypad enables user emergency activation of the system; 24) Fault and error detection covering municipal power, fire sensors, fire sensor wiring circuits, environmental sensors, storage tank filing, storage tank leaking, non demand water flow, absence of on demand water flow, pump operations, backup power failure, low battery voltage, communications, and keypad communications. 25) Power type and source 24/7 monitoring enabling on demand power control; 26) Low power consumption when operating on battery power only; 27) Start and control interface with propane powered backup power generator or specially designed solar backup power supply; 28) Manual System Test function; timed feature maximum five minutes; 29) Tank and water line draining for maintenance and winterizing functions; 30) Optional function monitoring available through internet monitoring package (type of hardware package, wired or cellular will be case by case dependent), Wi-Fi compatible; 31) Optional voice over telephone alarm and fault monitoring capable; and 32) Alarm and Fault NC or NO relays provide contacts for interface with home fire or security systems.

(16) The controller shown in FIG. 4 includes these features, some of which will be described in further detail below:

(17) TABLE-US-00002 # Feature 100 Communications Port #1; Two Wire RS-485 102 Terminal blocks: Fire sensor ports for Normally Open sensors 103 Auxiliary Power: provides starting for backup generator, or backup solar supply 120vac inverter 104 24vac Inv/Prop Valve: provides power to 24vac inverter, or Propane Valve for use with generator 105 Communication Power: Provides power and control for communications equipment 106 Tank Heater: Energizes power for water storage tank heater 107 Utility powered 24vac transformer power input 108 24vac inverter power input 109 24vdc power input 110 24vdc fuse; 5.0 amp slow blow 111 Transformer 12vac fuse; 1.6 amp slow blow 112 Transformer 24vac fuse; 1.6 amp slow blow 113 24vac Inverter fuse; 1.6 amp slow blow 114 User input Switches 115 Tank Level LEDs: Indicate water level in tank 116 System LEDS; Indicate power type, output, input, alarm, fault, and sensors. 117 Status LED: Indicates particular operation modes or conditional states 118 12vdc auxiliary power fuse; 1.5 amp slow blow 119 Communications Port #2; Two Wire RS- 485/RS-232 120 Communications Port #3; RS-232 121 Auxiliary Output 122 Auxiliary Output Status LED 123 Fireman's Switch input 124 Siren Output 125 Alarm Relay; Normally Open or Normally Closed contacts 126 Fault Relay; Normally Open or Normally Closed contacts 127 Outputs for Gate Valve, Pump, Fire Retardant Valve, Tank Fill Valve, Drain Valve, and tank water circulation pump. 128 Sensor Inputs; Flow Switch, Tank Water Temperature, Water tank level sensors 129 Ground Rod Lug

(18) The controller 14 combines aspects of a fire annunciation and control panel, irrigation controller, pump controller, an electrical power monitor to automatically sense oncoming fires through infrared light detectors, and respond with precision water and fire retardant application. The control system is used with at least one storage tank, but may provide control for structures with adequate well flow, access to a pond, swimming pool, a community well, a community water storage structure, or a rainwater cistern. Further, the hydro fire mitigation system can use a multi-use water storage tank that can also be used for irrigation, home water, or reserve water.

(19) Again, as articulated above, the controller is designated to be fully automatic to aid in the detection and mitigation of a wildfire through wetting a protected area with water or water/fire retardant mix. Upon power up, the controller does not require user initiation to enter various modes of operation including: 1) sentry (i.e., armed) mode; 2) general alarm mode; 3) general fault mode. Other various modes or functions require user interaction including: 4) suspend or disarm mode; 5) system test mode; 6) roof cool mode; 7) tank drain mode; and 8) winter mode.

(20) In the sentry or armed mode the fire detection sensors review the property for fire which create alarm triggers. Also in the sentry mode, component health, such as sensor status, remote keypad communications, off-site communications, storage tank water level, and power status and source are monitored. Power status and source are constantly being monitored regardless of the mode the controller is executing. Municipal power is sensed through the 24vac transformer 81 and its corresponding input on the controller. Should municipal power fail, the batteries are monitored for their state or level of charge. If under battery power only and should an event arise that requires 24vac, the controller will activate the integrated 24vac inverter 82 and will monitor it's voltage level. Should an event arise that requires additional power and if the system employs such back up power equipment, then the controller may activate the employed back up power generator, or custom built solar power supply and 240vac/120vac inverter. Power status monitoring includes monitoring the battery state, wherein if the power provided by the municipality is below a certain level, a backup power source is used. If battery power is required, the controller will energize and the inverter will activate the backup power source. In sentry mode also allows the user may to change operational modes as desired upon request. The user can change these modes alter controller inputs through an integrated keyboard, an integrated remote keypad, a wireless computer, or mobile device. It follows that the controller may include direct connection mode using an internet interface that will maintain continual communication with a monitoring website so off-site personnel—fire department or the user—can confirm proper operation status of the controller.

(21) If the sensors identify a fire threat, a general alarm mode is triggered. The general alarm mode may further include a protection mode (initial wetting cycle) and a safe mode (cyclic wetting). An alarm indicator (e.g., an LED) corresponding to the active sensor may be illuminated to indicate a “hot” sensor at the controller, remote keypad, and off-site communications device. The user may also be notified on their mobile device that the alarm has been triggered. After the alarm is triggered, the protection mode begins.

(22) The protection mode may initiate a notification to fire protection personnel. More importantly, the gate valve associated with the storage tank is opened and the pump initiates controlled water flow. Water is then directed to the sprinkler heads, wherein such flow is monitored to ensure that it is delivered to the correct sprinkler heads. In some embodiments of the present invention, a 20 minute initial wetting cycle is commenced, at the conclusion of which the fire detection sensors are polled for continued fire danger. If fire danger is still detected, wetting will continue and every minute the sensors will be polled. If the sensors continue to detect fire, wetting will continue until either the tank empties or the sensors stop detecting fire danger.

(23) If water in the storage tank is depleted, it can be replenished during this time and, once replenished to a predetermined level, wetting can resume. In a tank empty situation, the booster pump is shut off and the gate valve is closed. The storage tank will be replenished until water level reaches the mid level sensor 69M. If the water supply tank cannot be replenished, wetting stops and a completed alarm cycle (CAC) mode is initiated.

(24) The safe mode provides a timed cycle wetting to help create an environment that prevents stray embers from igniting flammable materials. Again, this mode is initiated after the initial 20 minutes cycle after the initial fire threat is addressed. The safe mode turns on the sprinklers for 3 minutes, which is followed by a 15 minute pause. The cycle repeats until either the water in the storage tank has been depleted or when 10 wetting cycles are completed. The end of the safe mode initiates the CAC mode.

(25) The CAC mode may employ visual or audible alarms to inform the user that the controller has completed the alarm cycle. The siren may sound for at least 5 seconds, every 20 minutes until the user presses and alarm cancel switch. The system has an automatic drain valve that opens for at least 3 minutes to allow for fluid to be drained.

(26) Pump and Flow Monitoring

(27) The controller of one embodiment of the present invention will monitor the system with a flow switch 84 to determine if water is flowing when it is supposed to. The controller also provides pump monitoring and will verify if the pump has run when the command has been sent. As soon as pump verification is initiated, the sequences described above are started. If water flow is not detected within the 60 seconds of pump initiation, the controller will attempt to get the water flowing. For example, the controller may open and close the motorized ball valve acting as the drain valve, close and open the motorized ball valve acting as a gate valve, and restart the pump for a predetermined amount of time. If water flows, the timing sequences described above will be started. If after multiple attempts to start the pump are unsuccessful, the controller will initiate a pump fault. The controller will repeat the above sequences until flow is detected or the user intervenes by pressing an alarm cancel switch. The controller will continue to monitor water flow to detect any malfunctions of the system which may cause the water to stop flowing. If water flow stops unexpectedly, a flow fault will be initiated, and the controller will work to regain flow through the means described above.

(28) Tankless flow, which means pressurized water is being optimized from an alternative source and the booster pump is not being used, may also be monitored. As soon as water flow has been verified, timing sequences outlined above are started. If water flow is not detected within 60 seconds of the motorized ball valve acting as a gate valve being opened, the controller will attempt to initiate fluid flow by opening and closing the motorized ball valve acting as the drain valve, closing and opening the gate valve. If water flow is not detected at the end of the first attempt to get water flowing, the controller will continue to cycle opening and closing the gate valve repeat the above cycle until water is flow detected. If after multiple attempts to initiate fluid flow it is unsuccessful, a flow fault will be triggered and the sequences described above will continue to be executed.

(29) If an unexpected water flow has been detected, the controller will attempt to shut down the flow by flushing the lines and motorized ball valves acting as a gate valve and drain valve through a timed opening and closing cycle, stopping the pump, and closing the gate valve. If the flow does not stop after the cycle, the controller will initiate an unexpected flow fault.

(30) Storage Tank Monitoring

(31) The water storage tank is constantly monitored through sensors in the water storage tank set for full, half, and low levels. These levels are displayed at the controller, the remote keypad, and an off-site communication device. To provide flexibility, the water storage tank may be used for additional purposes such as irrigation. During normal operations with utility power active (or if the system includes an auxiliary power system, e.g. generator or custom built solar power supply), the controller continuously checks the water level. If the drop in the water level is detected, a storage tank fill valve is opened to refill the tank to its full capacity.

(32) A leak mode can also be activated to determine if there is a significant water leak. If the water level drops below the full water level sensor within a predetermined time period, a tank leak fault will be initiated. If, for example, the water level is maintained for a full 7 days, the leak mode is terminated. The controller fills a storage tank based on inputs from a filling timer. The timer durations are calculated based upon tank capacity and the volume of water the home can supply per minute. If the water level fails to cover an acceptable fill level sensor within the tank before the timer expires, a tank fill fault will be initiated.

(33) During the general alarm mode the tank will be monitored to assess the need to refill. The pump will be damaged if the tank is empty, so when the water level falls below the full sensor level, a solenoid fill valve 294 is opened to begin refilling of the tank. When the water tank level falls below the low sensor, the tank is presumed empty, and the pump will be shut down, the motorized ball valve acting as a gate valve will be closed, and the motorized ball valve acting as the drain valve will be opened to drain the lines to maintain a dry system.

(34) Fireman's Switch

(35) Because owners are often evacuated before the fire danger is eminent, some embodiments employ an initiation switch 83 so a fireman can start a precautionary wetting cycle. Pressing the switch will start putting down water and fire retardant on the structure and surrounding area for 10 minutes. Of course, it is envisioned that the switch may be activated remotely by the user or the fire department personnel.

(36) General Fault Mode

(37) A general fault mode initiates when 1) there is an issue with a sensor; 2) the storage tank fails to fill properly; 3) there is a leak in the storage tank; 4) fluid flow is not detected during a general alarm or system test; 5) fluid flow is detected when not in the general mode or systems test; 6) the auxiliary power fails; 7) the battery charge is low; or 8) one or more communication systems fail. If a fault is detected, a fault LED associated with the controller may illuminate, or a notification the sent to an off-site communication device.

(38) System Test Mode

(39) The system of one embodiment allows the controller, hydraulic subsystem (the valves and booster pump), and the sprinkler system to be tested through the controller or remotely. The test results may be delivered through the controller. During the test, certain system functionality are initiated, such as the sprinkler system, valve operation, pump operation, fluid flow initiation, etc. Once the system test has concluded, the controller will automatically enter back into sentry mode.

(40) Roof Cool Mode

(41) One embodiment of the present invention allows the user to use the system to cool down the structure's roof and surrounding area. This mode is initiated through the user pressing and holding for five seconds the system test switch at the controller, or pressing the roof cool switch on the remote keypad. During this mode, the controller will open the gate valve and activate the pump for a timed cycle of 10 minutes. The execution of this mode does not inject fire retardant into the sprinkler system. Once the roof cool cycle has concluded, the controller will automatically enter back into sentry mode.

(42) Suspend Mode

(43) This mode is initiated when an alarm cancel switch of the controller or remote keypad is pressed during the sentry mode described above. When this mode is initiated, the controller becomes blind in that it will not respond to any fire sensor alarm inputs. This mode may also be timed so it will only be active for a predetermined time, e.g., 8 hours. The suspend mode can be cancelled any time within the 8 hour window by pressing an alarm cancel switch. After this mode is complete, the controller will automatically initiate the sentry mode.

(44) Tank Drain or Valve Flush Mode

(45) The controller may have a tank drain switch to either drain the storage tank, drain the sprinkler system lines and pump, or flush the primary motorized ball valves acting as a gate valve and drain valves. In one embodiment, the drain and flush mode is initiated by the user at the controller through the pressing of the tank drain switch or by an off-site communication device. This function may not be initiated through the controller's remote keypad. Once the controller determines the storage tank is empty, the valves will remain open for a predetermined amount of time so any water in the pump and main line will drain. At the conclusion of the predetermined time, the controller may enter a winterized mode.

(46) Winter Mode

(47) This mode drains the system to prevent freezing and is primarily for systems protecting structures in cold climates. After this mode is complete, the alarm can be triggered, but water will not flow. Further, most faults will remain active, except for tank, pump, and flow faults; the faults that pertain to water operations.

(48) System Defaults Restore Mode

(49) The system defaults restore mode resets all memory and system operating devices to their original values and states. This mode will restore normal operations should anything go wrong, and also brings the controller out of winter mode. Once the memory has been restored to its default state, the controller will go through its boot up sequence, then automatically enter into sentry mode.

(50) FIG. 6 shows the remote keypad 200 of one embodiment of the present invention. The keypad 200 includes user input switches 204, a status LED 208 that reflects controller status, and system LEDs 214 that reflect the status of some modes and states of the controller. The remote keypad 200 provides audio and visual indication of controller modes and status, and gives the user the ability to initiate some select features and functions. The LEDs may include: 1) suspend LED that illuminates when the system is in the suspend mode; 2) roof cool LED that illuminates when the sprinkler system is activated in roof cool mode; 3) tank LEDs that reflect the water level in the storage tank; 4) alarm LED the that illuminates when the general alarm mode is initiated; 5) fault LEDs that illuminate when in the general fault mode; 6) sensor #1-#4 LEDs that illuminate when a corresponding sensor is an alarm or fault state. The controller remote keypad has user input switches associated with: 1) audio silence; 2) alarm cancel; 3) fault cancel; 4) panic that initiates general alarm mode; and 5) roof cool that initiates roof cool mode the sprinkler system.

(51) While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, it is to be understood that the invention(s) described herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the preceding description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.