New Approaches to the Interpretation of Signals From Fire Sensors.
New Approaches to the Interpretation of Signals From
Fire Sensors.
(959 K)
Bukowski, R. W.; Reneke, P. A.
Fire Suppression and Detection Research Application
Symposium. Research and Practice: Bridging the Gap.
Proceedings. Fire Protection Research Foundation.
February 24-26, 1999, Orlando, FL, 55-64 pp, 1999 AND
International Conference on Automatic Fire Detection
"AUBE '99", 11th. Proceedings. University of Duisburg.
[Internationale Konferenze uber automatischen
Brandentdeckung.] March 16-18,1999, Duisburg, Germany,
Luck, H., Editor, 11-21 pp, 1999 AND Sensors Expo.
Proceedings. Sponsored by Sensors Magazine. May 4-6,
1999, Baltimore, MD, Helmers Publishing, Inc.,
Peterborough, NH, 291-298 pp, 1999, 1999.
Keywords:
sensors; fire detection systems; false alarms; fire
detectors; fire models; smoke detectors; cross
correlation
Abstract:
In recent years fire sensors have evolved from threshold
devices that sense a single fire signature to
multi-mode, multi-criteria sensors that can employ
algorithms for decision making. However, these
algorithms have so far been based on simple, signal
cross-correlation techniques or have employed simple
truth tables in an effort to exclude sources of false
activations while not rejecting real events. At NIST's
Building and Fire Research Laboratory, new research has
been initiated to apply our experience with physically
based computer models of fire growth and spread in
enclosed spaces to the interpretation of signals from
fire sensors. Here, data from fire sensors are compared
in real time to signals that would be expected from a
fire within the protected space. The sensor data is
used to adjust the simulation so that it matches
reality. Signals that are inconsistent with the physical
laws of fire growth can be questioned and when signals
track with projections the system can provide detailed
information on current conditions within the space as
well as an ability to project future conditions. This
latter ability is of considerable interest to fire
brigades who could be warned of conditions that may
threaten their safety or that of occupants. While in
its early stages, the research results are promising.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899