Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A fire extinguishing system (100) comprising:
fire sensors (102a-102n) configured to sense signals representing an amount of smoke and/or heat present in premises of controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant, wherein each of the fire sensors (102a-102n) is associated with a sensor identifier (ID); and
a control unit (104) coupled with the fire sensors (102a-102n) and valves (108a-108p), and configured to:
receive the sensed signals, and the associated sensor identifier (ID) from one of, the fire sensors (102a-102n);
determine a numerical value of the amount of smoke and/or heat based on the received sensed signals and a location of a storage room at which one of, the fire sensors (102a-102n) is installed based on the sensor identifier (ID);
compare the determined numerical value with a threshold value stored in a memory;
generate an activation signal when the determined numerical value is greater than or equal to the threshold value; and
activate a corresponding valve of the valves (108a-108p) to release nitrogen gas from a nitrogen storage tank (112) into the storage room through one of, nitrogen dispensers (106a-106m).
2. The fire extinguishing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (104) is further configured to generate a deactivation signal when the determined numerical value is less than the threshold value.
3. The fire extinguishing system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit (104) is further configured to deactivate the corresponding valve of the valves (108a-108p) to stop the release of the nitrogen gas into the storage room.
4. The fire extinguishing system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the valves (108a-108p) are electrically coupled with the control unit (104) such that the valves (108a-108p) are configured to receive the activation signal or the deactivation signal from the control unit (104) to either open or close a nitrogen gas line (110).
5. The fire extinguishing system (100) as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a main valve (114) configured to be opened and/or closed based on the activation signal and/or deactivation signal generated by the control unit (104).
6. The fire extinguishing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valves (108a-108p) are electro-pneumatic valves.
7. The fire extinguishing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a nitrogen gas line (110) connected between the valves (108a-108p) and the nitrogen storage tank (112).
8. A method for extinguishing a fire using a fire extinguishing system (100), the method comprising steps of:
receiving sensed signals representing an amount of smoke and/or heat, and associated sensor identifier (ID) from one of, fire sensors (102a-102n) installed in ceilings of a controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant;
determining a numerical value of the amount of smoke and/or heat based on the received sensed signals and a location of a storage room at which one of, the fire sensors (102a-102n) is installed;
comparing the determined numerical value with a threshold value stored in a memory;
generating an activation signal when the determined numerical value is greater than or equal to the threshold value; and
activating a corresponding valve of valves (108a-108p) to release nitrogen gas from a nitrogen storage tank (112) into the storage room through one of, nitrogen dispensers (106a-106m).
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a step of generating a deactivation signal when the determined numerical value is less than the threshold value.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a step of deactivating the corresponding valve of the valves (108a-108p) to stop the release of the nitrogen gas into the storage room.
Date: 09 November, 2021
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10, and rule 13)

FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM AND METHOD

APPLICANT(S)
NAME: SR University
NATIONALITY: INDIAN
ADDRESS: S R University Ananthasagar, Warangal, Telangana, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system and a method for providing safety, and more particularly to a fire extinguishing system and a method of using nitrogen gas of a fruit storage plant for fire extinguishing.
Description of Related Art
[002] Controlled atmosphere storage chambers are used for preserving fruits and vegetables for long duration. Low temperature and lower oxygen levels are maintained to control respiration of the fruits and vegetables. Around 1% to 2% oxygen is maintained instead of 21% of ambient oxygen. This will make fresh produce to cause delay in ripening and further increases a life of the produce in the fruit storage chambers. Apart from the lower oxygen levels, a high level of carbon-dioxide is maintained. Around 0.5% to 1% is maintained in place of 0.03% of ambient carbon-dioxide.
[003] Moreover, nitrogen generation plants are used to supply 99% pure nitrogen to the fruit storage chambers to reduce the oxygen level in the fruit storage chambers. Normally, nitrogen is stored at 5 to 10kg/cm2 pressure. On an average, small stores have 50 cubic meter nitrogen storage and large stores can have 100 to 200 cubic meter nitrogen storage at any point of time. However, when a fire incident takes place in such fruit storage chambers, it becomes difficult to mitigate fire.
[004] Thus, there is a need for a better technical solution that prevents such mishaps in the fruit storage chambers.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a fire extinguishing system comprising: fire sensors configured to sense signals representing an amount of smoke and/or heat present in premises of controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant. Each of the fire sensors is associated with a sensor identifier (ID). The fire extinguishing system further comprising: a control unit coupled with the fire sensors and valves. The control unit is configured to receive the sensed signals, and the associated sensor identifier (ID) from one of, the fire sensors. The control unit is further configured to determine a numerical value of the amount of smoke and/or heat based on the received sensed signals and a location of a storage room at which one of, the fire sensors is installed based on the sensor identifier (ID). The control unit is further configured to compare the determined numerical value with a threshold value stored in a memory. The control unit is further configured to generate an activation signal when the determined numerical value is greater than or equal to the threshold value. The control unit is further configured to activate a corresponding valve of the valves to release nitrogen gas from a nitrogen storage tank into the storage room through one of, nitrogen dispensers.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a method for extinguishing a fire using a fire extinguishing system, the method comprising steps of: receiving sensed signals representing an amount of smoke and/or heat and associated sensor identifier (ID) from one of, fire sensors installed in ceilings of a controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant; determining a numerical value of the amount of smoke and/or heat based on the received sensed signals and a location of a storage room at which one of, the fire sensors is installed; comparing the determined numerical value with a threshold value stored in a memory; generating an activation signal when the determined numerical value is greater than or equal to the threshold value; and activating a corresponding valve of valves to release nitrogen gas from a nitrogen storage tank into the storage room through one of, nitrogen dispensers.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present invention may provide a fire extinguishing system that may make an existing nitrogen gas 99% pure with less than 1% oxygen for making emergency gas available for extinguishing fire in case of fire accidents.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present invention may provide a fire extinguishing system that may utilize a high quantity of nitrogen that can be released through many fire outlet nozzles instantly.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present invention may provide a fire extinguishing system that may not leave any residue after fire extinguishing like foam extinguisher or power type extinguisher.
[0010] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0011] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a fire extinguishing system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram depicting a control unit of the fire extinguishing system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method for extinguishing a fire using the fire extinguishing system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having”, and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a fire extinguishing system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The fire extinguishing system 100 may be designed to utilize nitrogen gas of a controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant (not shown) for extinguishing a fire. The fire extinguishing system 100 may be installed in the controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant, in an embodiment of the present invention. The fire extinguishing system 100 may comprise fire sensors 102a-102n (hereinafter collectively referred to as the fire sensors 102 and individually referred to as the fire sensor 102), a control unit 104, nitrogen dispensers 106a-106m (hereinafter collectively referred to as the nitrogen dispensers 106 and individually referred to as the nitrogen dispenser 106), valves 108a-108p (hereinafter collectively referred to as the valves 108 and individually referred to as the valve 108, a nitrogen gas line 110, and a nitrogen storage tank 112. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fire sensors 102, the control unit 104, the nitrogen dispensers 106, the valves 108, the nitrogen gas line 110, and the nitrogen storage tank 112 may be communicatively coupled to each other through a communication network (not shown). In other embodiments of the present invention, the fire sensors 102, the control unit 104, the nitrogen dispensers 106, the valves 108, the nitrogen gas line 110 and the nitrogen storage tank 112 may be communicably coupled through separate communication networks established therebetween.
[0021] The communication network may include suitable logic, circuitry, and interfaces that may be configured to provide a plurality of network ports and a plurality of communication channels for transmission and reception of data related to operations of various entities (such as the fire sensors 102, the control unit 104, the nitrogen dispensers 106, and the valves 108) of the fire extinguishing system 100. Each network port may correspond to a virtual address (or a physical machine address) for transmission and reception of the communication data. For example, the virtual address may be an Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPV4) (or an IPV6 address) and the physical machine address may be a Media Access Control (MAC) address. The communication network may be associated with an application layer for implementation of communication protocols based on one or more communication requests received from the fire extinguishing system 100. The communication data may be transmitted or received, through the communication protocols. Examples of the communication protocols may be, but not limited to, a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), a File Transfer Protocol (FTP), a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), a Domain Network System (DNS) protocol, a Common Management Interface Protocol (CMIP), a Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), a User Datagram Protocol (UDP), a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) communication protocol, and so forth. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication protocols including known, related art, and/or later developed communication protocols.
[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication data may be transmitted or received through at least one communication channel of a plurality of communication channels in the communication network. The communication channels may be, but not limited to, a wireless channel, a wired channel, a combination of wireless and wired channel thereof. The wireless or wired channel may be associated with a data standard which may be defined by one of a Local Area Network (LAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), Wireless Area Network (WAN), Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a satellite network, the Internet, a fiber optic network, a coaxial cable network, an infrared (IR) network, a Radio Frequency (RF) network, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication channels, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0023] The fire sensors 102 may be installed in ceilings (not shown) of the entire controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant such as storage rooms (not shown) where various operations such as, sorting, grading, and packing are carried out. In an embodiment of the present invention, oxygen levels are normal (i.e., around 21%) in the storage rooms of the controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant. In case of a fire accident, such rooms may be prone to catch the fire immediately due to availability of oxygen. The fire sensors 102 may be coupled to the control unit 104, and configured to sense signals representing an amount of smoke and/or heat occurred within premises of the controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant. Further, each of the fire sensors 102 may have an associated sensor identifier (ID) that may facilitate the control unit 104 to identify each of the fire sensors 102. The fire sensors 102 may be, but not limited to, heat detectors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, multi-sensor detectors, manual call points, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the fire sensors 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0024] The control unit 104 may be coupled with the fire sensors 102 by means of the communication network. The control unit 104 may include the suitable logic, the instructions, the circuitry, the interfaces, and/or the codes for executing the various operations. The control unit 104 may be configured to perform the various operations associated with the fire extinguishing system 100 by communicating one or more commands and/or instructions over the communication network. The control unit 104 may be configured to activate the valves 108 of the nitrogen gas line 110 to release the nitrogen gas to the storage rooms. The control unit 104 may be further configured to stop a nitrogen supply to the controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant and further start supplying the nitrogen gas to fire occurring area (i.e., the storage rooms) through the nitrogen dispensers 106 connected to the valves 108. Examples of the control unit 104 may be, bur nor limited to, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a development board, a digital signal processor, and alike. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 104 may be an Arduino board with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The control unit 104 will be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0025] The nitrogen dispensers 106 may be installed in all the fire prone areas (i.e., the storage rooms). The nitrogen dispensers 106 may be configured to control a dispense of the nitrogen gas based on output generated by the control unit 104. Further, the valves 108 may be electrically coupled with the control unit 104. The valves 108 may be configured to receive an activation signal or a deactivation signal from the control unit 104 to either open and/or close the nitrogen gas line 110. The nitrogen gas line 110 may be opened or closed to supply the nitrogen gas from the nitrogen storage tank 112 to the storage rooms. The valves 108 may be, but not limited to, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a check valve, a gate valve, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the valves 108 may be electro-pneumatic valves. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the valves 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] Further, the nitrogen gas line 110 may be connected between the valves 108 and the nitrogen storage tank 112. The nitrogen gas line 110 may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, aluminum, copper, iron, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the nitrogen gas line 110, including known, related art, and/or later developed materials. In an embodiment of the present invention, the nitrogen storage tank 112 may be installed within the controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant. The nitrogen storage tank 112 may be high volume storage tank that may be capable to store the nitrogen gas, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] The fire extinguishing system 100 may further include a main valve 114 that may be connected between the nitrogen gas line 110 that connect the nitrogen storage tank 112 to the valves 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the main valve 114 may be configured to be opened and/or closed based on the activation signal and/or deactivation signal generated by the control unit 104, respectively. The main valve 114 may be, but not limited to, the ball valve, the butterfly valve, the check valve, the gate valve, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the main valve 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The fire extinguishing system 100 may further comprise a power supply 116 that may be connected to the control unit 104 to provide electrical energy for the operation of the control unit 104.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram depicting the control unit 104 of the fire extinguishing system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 104 may be configured to perform the various operations associated with the fire extinguishing system 100 by means of a data collection module 200, a data processing module 202, and a valve control module 204.
[0029] The data collection module 200 may be configured to receive the sensed signals representing the amount of smoke and/or heat in the premises of the controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant, and the associated sensor ID from each of the fire sensors 102. Further, the data collection module 200 may be configured to transmit the received sensed signals to the data processing module 202.
[0030] The data processing module 202 may be configured to receive the sensed signals from the data collection module 200. Further, the data processing module 202 may be configured to identify the fire sensor of the fire sensors 102 based on the received sensor ID. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor ID may comprise a location at which the fire sensor of the fire sensors 102 is installed. Further, the data processing module 202 may be configured to determine a numerical value of the amount of smoke and/or heat occurred in the premises of the controlled atmosphere fruit storage plant based on the received sensed signals. Furthermore, the data processing module 202 may be configured to compare the determined numerical value with a threshold value of allowable amount of smoke and/or heat stored in a memory (not shown). In an embodiment of the present invention, if the data processing module 202 determines that the determined numerical value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, then the data processing module 202 may be configured to generate an activation signal. In another embodiment of the present invention, if the data processing module 202 determines that the determined numerical value is less the threshold value, then the data processing module 202 may be configured to generate a deactivation signal. Further, the data processing module 202 may be configured to transmit the generated activation signal and deactivation signal to the valve control module 204.
[0031] The valve control module 204 may be configured to receive the activation signal and deactivation signal from the data processing module 202. In an embodiment of the present invention, the valve control module 204 may be configured to activate a corresponding valve of the valves 108 to release the nitrogen gas into the storage room based on the received activation signal. The storage room may be identified through the sensor ID received from one of, the fire sensors 102. In such embodiment of the present invention, the corresponding valve of the valves 108 may release the nitrogen through one of, the nitrogen dispensers 106. The nitrogen may get cooled due to pressure drop while passing through the nitrogen dispensers 106. The release of the nitrogen gas may make the existing nitrogen gas 99% pure with less than 1% oxygen as emergency gas available for extinguishing the fire in case of fire accidents. In another embodiment of the present invention, the valve control module 204 may be configured to deactivate the corresponding valve of the valves 108 to stop the release of the nitrogen gas into the storage room based on the received deactivation signal.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method 300 for extinguishing the fire using the fire extinguishing system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] At step 302, the fire extinguishing system 100 may receive the sensed signals representing the amount of smoke and/or heat, and the associated sensor ID from one of, the fire sensors 102 that may be associated with the fire incident.
[0034] At step 304, the fire extinguishing system 100 may determine the numerical value of the amount of smoke and/or heat based on the received sensed signals and the location of the storage room at which one of, the fire sensors 102 is installed.
[0035] At step 306, the fire extinguishing system 100 may compare the determined numerical value with the threshold value of the allowable amount of smoke and/or heat.
[0036] At step 308, if the fire extinguishing system 100 determines that the determined numerical value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, then the method 300 may proceed to a step 310, otherwise the method 300 may proceed to a step 314.
[0037] At the step 310, the fire extinguishing system 100 may generate the activation signal.
[0038] At step 312, the fire extinguishing system 100 may activate the corresponding valve of the valves 108 to release the nitrogen gas into the storage room through the nitrogen dispensers 106.
[0039] At the step 314, the fire extinguishing system 100 may deactivate the corresponding valve of the valves 108 to stop the release of the nitrogen gas into the storage room.
[0040] Embodiments of the invention are described above with reference to block diagrams and schematic illustrations of methods and apparatuses according to embodiments of the invention. While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0041] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.