Extinguishing Nozzle, Fire Extinguishing Installation and Fire Protection System with Energy Harvesting

Abstract

The invention relates to an extinguishing nozzle of a fire extinguishing installation for selectively identifying and fighting fires in at least one protected area, and to an associated fire extinguishing installation and to a method for operating an extinguishing nozzle. The extinguishing nozzle comprises i) a communication unit which is configured for communicating with a fire detector and/or extinguishing control station of the fire extinguishing installation, ii) a control element which is configured for controlling the extinguishing nozzle, wherein the extinguishing nozzle is connectable to at least one fluid line and the control element is configured for selectively enabling and/or shutting off a passage of an extinguishing fluid, which is flowing in the fluid line, through the extinguishing nozzle, and iii) an energy harvester which is configured for providing energy for at least the communication unit and the control element by means of energy harvesting.

Claims

1. An extinguishing nozzle of a fire extinguishing installation for selectively identifying and fighting fires in at least one protected area, wherein the extinguishing nozzle comprising: a communication unit which is configured for communicating with a control unit of the fire extinguishing installation, a control element which is configured for controlling the extinguishing nozzle, wherein the extinguishing nozzle is connectable to at least one fluid line and the control element is configured for selectively enabling and/or shutting off a passage of an extinguishing fluid, which is flowing in the fluid line, through the extinguishing nozzle, and an energy harvester which is configured for providing energy for at least the communication unit and the control element by energy harvesting.

2. The extinguishing nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy harvester is configured to provide energy utilizing at least one of: a piezoelectric effect, a thermoelectric effect, an electromagnetic effect, a photoelectric effect and/or from a flow energy.

3. The extinguishing nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy harvester is configured to receive and provide the energy from an energy transmitter which is provided for each protected area and which is configured for transmitting energy.

4. The extinguishing nozzle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the energy harvester has a piezo element.

5. The extinguishing nozzle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the energy harvester is configured to utilize a pressure or a change in the pressure within the fluid line for the purposes of providing energy.

6. The extinguishing nozzle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the energy harvester is configured to utilize a temperature or a flow through the fluid line for the purposes of providing energy.

7. The extinguishing nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy harvester is configured to provide an electrical current, which is conducted by a fluid arranged within the fluid line, as energy.

8. The extinguishing nozzle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the energy harvester implements at least two different forms of energy harvesting.

9. The extinguishing nozzle as claimed in claim 1, which furthermore comprises an energy store which is configured to buffer-store energy provided by the energy harvester, wherein a capacity of the energy store is configured such that, in the event of failure of the energy harvester, reliable operation is ensured until the transmission of energy has been restored.

10. The extinguishing nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extinguishing nozzle comprises a controllable triggering arrangement with a housing and with a shut-off valve which is arranged in said housing and which is sealed off by a sealing element.

11. The extinguishing nozzle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the controllable triggering arrangement furthermore comprises a temperature-sensitive, destructible probe element, wherein the temperature-sensitive destructible probe element is coupled to a thermal heating element, and the heating element is equipped with outputs for connection to an energy store in conjunction with the control element.

12. A fire extinguishing installation for selectively identifying and fighting fires in at least one protected area, wherein the fire extinguishing installation comprises, for each protected area, one or more extinguishing nozzles as claimed in claim 1.

13. The fire extinguishing installation as claimed in claim 12, which furthermore comprises, for each protected area, an energy transmitter which is configured for transmitting energy to the one or more extinguishing nozzles.

14. The fire extinguishing installation as claimed in claim 13, wherein the energy transmitter comprises a communication connection to a control unit or a fire detector and/or an extinguishing control station, and is configured to communicate with the one or more extinguishing nozzles, wherein the communication of the extinguishing nozzles with the control unit takes place via the energy transmitter.

15. The fire extinguishing installation as claimed in claim 13, wherein the energy transmitter is configured to overlay or superimpose the communication with an energy receiver onto the transmitted energy.

16. The fire extinguishing installation as claimed in claim 13, wherein the transmitted energy comprises electromagnetic energy in the form of a targeted light beam or a targeted electromagnetic pulse.

17. The fire extinguishing installation as claimed in claim 12, which furthermore comprises at least one fluid line for providing extinguishing fluid at the one or more extinguishing nozzles, wherein the fluid line is electrically insulated, and the energy harvester is configured to provide electrical energy transmitted by an electrically conductive fluid within the fluid line.

18. The fire extinguishing installation as claimed in claim 12, wherein the activation of the extinguishing nozzles takes place automatically in the event of a communication failure.

19. A fire extinguishing system comprising a fire extinguishing installation as claimed in claim 12 and comprising a fire detector and/or an extinguishing control station.

20. A method for operating an extinguishing nozzle of a fire extinguishing installation for selectively identifying and fighting fires in at least one protected area, wherein the extinguishing nozzle comprises: a communication unit which is configured for communicating with a fire detector and/or extinguishing control station of the fire extinguishing installation, a control element which is configured for controlling the extinguishing nozzle, wherein the extinguishing nozzle is connectable to at least one fluid line and the control element is configured for selectively enabling and/or shutting off a passage of an extinguishing fluid, which is flowing in the fluid line, through the extinguishing nozzle, and an energy harvester which is configured for providing energy for at least the communication unit and the control element by energy harvesting, wherein the method comprises harvesting a provision of energy by the energy harvester.

21. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the method comprises a transmission of energy to the energy harvester of the extinguishing nozzle by an energy transmitter.

22. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Further advantages and configurations will be described below with reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0074] FIG. 1 shows, schematically and by way of example, a fire extinguishing installation according to the invention;

[0075] FIG. 2 shows, schematically and by way of example, an extinguishing nozzle according to the invention;

[0076] FIG. 3 shows, schematically and by way of example, a fire extinguishing installation;

[0077] FIG. 4 shows, schematically and by way of example, a cross section of a fluid line;

[0078] FIG. 5 shows, schematically and by way of example, a cross section of a fluid line; and

[0079] FIG. 6 shows, schematically and by way of example, a cross section of a fluid line.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0080] FIG. 1 shows, schematically and by way of example, a fire extinguishing installation 1 according to the invention for protecting, in particular for fighting a detected fire in, at least one protected area 200. The fire extinguishing installation 1 comprises a fluid line network with a fluid line 120 and multiple extinguishing nozzles 100 connected to the fluid line 120. In a preferred case, the fire extinguishing installation 1 also has sensor means, for example as part of the extinguishing nozzles 100, which sensor means are configured for detecting fires. The fire extinguishing installation 1 is then also designed for monitoring the one or more protected areas 200.

[0081] The extinguishing nozzle 100 is configured for receiving energy. In this exemplary embodiment, the extinguishing nozzle 100 is configured for receiving energy 142 from an energy transmitter 140. The energy transmitter 140 may for example be configured for transmitting electromagnetic energy in the form of light or the like. The energy transmitter 140 is optionally connected to a control unit 300, which centrally coordinates functions and triggering events of the fire extinguishing installation 1. The control unit 300 is for example formed as part of a fire detector and/or extinguishing control station, though may also comprise any other PLC or proprietary control unit.

[0082] Whereas, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the energy 142 is transmitted from the energy transmitter 140 to the energy harvester 102, an alternative transmission of the energy 142 is also possible in other embodiments. For example, the energy 142 may be transmitted by means of the fluid line 120, for example by a flow of the fluid situated therein or an electrically conductive fluid.

[0083] FIG. 2 shows, schematically and by way of example, the extinguishing nozzle 100 in detail. The extinguishing nozzle 100 has an energy harvester 102, a communication unit 104, a control element 106 and an energy store 108. The energy harvester 102 is configured for receiving energy by means of energy harvesting. The energy harvested by the energy harvester 102 serves for the operation of the communication unit 104 and for the triggering of the control element 106. For this purpose, the harvested energy may be buffer-stored in the energy store 108 such that triggering of the control element 106, for example of a valve for opening the fluid line 120, is ensured at all times.

[0084] The energy harvester 102 may implement all forms of energy harvesting. For example, said energy harvester may, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, receive energy 142 from an energy transmitter 140. The energy harvester 102 may however also harvest energy present in the fluid line 120, for example vibrations, flows or else electrical currents which flow in an extinguishing fluid or else the fluid line 120. This is possible for example if the fluid line 120 has a suitable coating.

[0085] The communication unit 104 is configured to communicate for example with the energy transmitter 140 or with a similar suitable communication receiver and/or communication transmitter in order, in the event of a fire, to effect a release of the extinguishing fluid by means of the control element 106. Optionally, the extinguishing nozzle 100 may additionally have sensor means for detecting a fire. A detected fire signal can then likewise be transmitted by means of the communication unit 104 for example to the energy transmitter 140 and then to the control unit 300. The communication unit 104 is also preferably configured to transmit fault and/or status messages, for example in the event of a fault identified by means of a facility for self-monitoring of the device functions of the extinguishing nozzle 100. In other examples, the communication unit 104 may also communicate status messages at regular or irregular intervals independently of identified faults.

[0086] Although a single protected area 200 is shown by way of example in FIG. 2, the fire extinguishing installation 1 according to the invention is likewise applicable to any number of protected areas. In particular, the splitting-up into protected areas allows selective firefighting only in the sub-area in which a fire or a risk of fire also actually exists. It is also additionally or alternatively possible for multiple fire areas/areas of risk to be combined, for example if one area poses a particular risk to the surrounding areas.

[0087] FIG. 3 shows, schematically and by way of example, a further configuration of a fire extinguishing installation 1, which can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0088] The fire extinguishing installation 1 comprises a first extinguishing fluid line 40, a second extinguishing fluid line 42, a third extinguishing fluid line 44, a fourth extinguishing fluid line 46 and a fifth extinguishing fluid line 48, on each of which there are arranged multiple extinguishing devices in the form of sprinklers 50. By means of an extinguishing fluid pump 30, extinguishing fluid is, in the case of a triggering event, pumped from an extinguishing fluid source 20 through the first to fifth extinguishing fluid lines 40-48. As an alternative to the sprinkler 50, use may also be made of other extinguishing devices, for example extinguishing nozzles and in particular controllable extinguishing nozzles.

[0089] In this exemplary embodiment, each of the extinguishing fluid lines 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 is coupled to an energy source 10, wherein the extinguishing fluid line 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 itself allows the transmission of energy. This is therefore an electrically conductive extinguishing fluid line, whereby the need for separately implemented electrical connections to the sprinklers 50 is eliminated. The installation and maintenance outlay of the fire extinguishing installation 1 is thus reduced.

[0090] Each of the sprinklers 50 may have a dedicated control device 60, which may alternatively also be provided centrally for the entire fire extinguishing installation 1. The control device 60 can selectively effect a triggering of one or more of the sprinklers 50, or can alternatively or additionally also receive data from the individual sprinklers 50 and transmit said data for example to a fire detector and/or extinguishing control station. It is particularly preferable for one, multiple or all of the sprinklers 50 to comprise sensors such as temperature sensors or smoke sensors for this purpose.

[0091] The communication between sprinkler 50 and fire detector and/or extinguishing control station takes place preferably likewise via the extinguishing fluid line, wherein, preferably, the communication signal is superimposed onto the electrical voltage supply signal. Other communication channels, for example wireless communication channels, are also conceivable.

[0092] FIG. 4 shows, schematically and by way of example, a cross section of an extinguishing fluid line 1000 which is used for example as one of the extinguishing fluid lines 40-48 of FIG. 3. The extinguishing fluid line 1000 comprises a line conduit 1100 which is composed of an electrically conductive material or comprises an electrically conductive material and/or which is arranged and designed such that electrical energy can flow through the line conduit 1100. In the interior of the extinguishing fluid line 1000, there is a cavity 1500 in which the extinguishing fluid can flow.

[0093] FIG. 5 shows, schematically and by way of example, a cross section of a further extinguishing fluid line 2000, which, in addition to a line conduit 2100 like the extinguishing fluid line 1000 shown in FIG. 4, has a conductive layer 2200, in particular a conductive coating. The conductive layer 2200 is composed of an electrically conductive material or comprises an electrically conductive material. The conductive layer 2200 is arranged on an outer circumferential surface and/or an inner circumferential surface of the line conduit 2100. The extinguishing fluid line 2000 is, in this example, arranged and designed to conduct electrical energy through the conductive layer 2200 to the extinguishing device. Preferably, in this case, the line conduit 2100 is composed of, or comprises, substantially electrically non-conductive material. In the interior of the extinguishing fluid line 2000, there is a cavity 2500 in which the extinguishing fluid can flow.

[0094] FIG. 6 shows, schematically and by way of example, a cross section of a further extinguishing fluid line 3000, which has an insulating layer 3300, in particular an insulating coating, and a conductive layer 3200. The conductive layer 3200 is arranged between a line conduit 3100, which was likewise comprised in the extinguishing fluid lines 1000 and 2000, and the insulating layer 3300 in a radial direction of the extinguishing fluid line 3000. The insulating layer 3300 is preferably arranged to the inside of the 3100 in a radial direction and/or the insulating layer 3300 is preferably arranged to the outside of the line conduit 3100 in a radial direction. In addition to the elements shown in FIG. 5 for the extinguishing fluid line 2000, the extinguishing fluid line 3000 accordingly comprises the insulating layer 3300. In the interior of the extinguishing fluid line 3000, there is a cavity 3500 in which the extinguishing fluid can flow.

LIST OF UTILIZED REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0095] 1 Fire extinguishing installation [0096] 5 Protected area [0097] 10 Energy source [0098] 20 Extinguishing fluid source [0099] 30 Extinguishing fluid pump [0100] 40 First extinguishing fluid line [0101] 42 Second extinguishing fluid line [0102] 44 Third extinguishing fluid line [0103] 46 Fourth extinguishing fluid line [0104] 48 Fifth extinguishing fluid line [0105] 50 Sprinkler [0106] 60 Control device [0107] 100 Extinguishing nozzle [0108] 102 Energy harvester [0109] 104 Communication unit [0110] 106 Control element [0111] 108 Energy store [0112] 120 Fluid line [0113] 140 Energy transmitter [0114] 142 Energy [0115] 200 Protected area [0116] 300 Control unit [0117] 1000 Extinguishing fluid line [0118] 1100 Line conduit [0119] 1500 Cavity [0120] 2000 Extinguishing fluid line [0121] 2100 Line conduit [0122] 2200 Conductive layer [0123] 2500 Cavity [0124] 3000 Extinguishing fluid line [0125] 3100 Line conduit [0126] 3200 Conductive layer [0127] 3300 Insulating layer [0128] 3500 Cavity