The FSI and UNSW team is collaborating with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and a number of industry partners to develop fire detection and suppression systems, initially for maritime fire threats for both civil and military applications. The development of this technology is being supported by the Australian federal government and the Victorian and New South Wales governments.
The key design features of these AIFPS systems are:
- 24 by 7 real time monitoring linked to a fire suppression system that can operate autonomously without the need for human operation
- Advanced and proven misting system combined with a non-toxic, non corrosive fire retardant that is safe for humans and the environment enables a relatively small amount of liquid to extinguish a fire
- Use of a low viscosity fire retardant reduces the likelihood of reignition and flame propagation
- Clean up is with water
- A unique integrated nozzle and fire sensor enables proportional response to a fire threat as opposed to deluge systems currently used in engine rooms
- Intelligent sensors can activate and deactivate nozzles depending upon the fire threat – only those sensors that detect a fire threat will activate
- A manual over-ride option will enable humans to activate the system should they choose to
- If the system is activated it will not harm humans or animals that are in the vicinity of the misting retardant
- The system can be retrofitted to existing boats and will utilise lightweight fire retardant flexible polymer tubing as opposed to steel tubing
- The system is designed for all areas where a fire threat can occur, not just the engine room of a boat (e.g. accommodation area, galley, wheel house, etc.)
- Mobile App will enable real time viewing of system status and can include multiple system monitoring (e.g. more than one boat can be monitored)
- The system is being designed to be extensible to buildings, trucks, cars, aircraft, etc.
