Modelling and Simulation of a Novel Liquamatic Fire Monitor A fully automated fire recognition- and suppression system based on infrared machine vision technology

Abstract

Background: Fire monitors are effective fire extinguishing apparatuses which combine high accuracy with long range. As part of the mechatronic trend, research has during recent years started to delve into the automation of re monitors. This involves proper actuation and control of re monitors in order to extinguish re. Up to this point, however, research has primarily been concerned with indoor operation. The aim of the present thesis is to develop a system for an electrically actuated re monitor which detects, localizes and suppresses re in an outdoor environment without the need for manual operation. Solution & Experiments: Fire is localized with computer analysis of IR stereo camera images. Based on the position of the re, mathematical models found in literature are used to determine the optimum con guration of the monitor in order to extinguish the re. Servomotors which actuate the monitor are modelled and simulated in real time using a HIL setup. A PLC is programmed to generate control signals to the servomotors. The accuracy of the stereo vision system is tested experimentally by estimating the distance to a live re at distances between 30 and 60 m. In addition, the system's ability to distinguish a re from other hot objects is tested. Liquid jet trajectory models are obtained from relevant research papers found in open literature. Parameters from these models are determined based on experiments conducted outdoors with a re monitor where wind disturbances are measured. Results: The stereo vision system exhibited a maximum error of 0.5 m or 1.6 %. The vision system is successful in distinguishing between a wooden re, a person and a pot with boiling water. The best model to predict jet trajectories found in literature yields an average error of 1.6 m from measured data with little wind present, and 9.8 m mean deviation with comparatively strong wind disturbances. Simulations are carried out with only minor discrepancies with one of the models implemented on the PLC. Conclusion: Computer algorithms which localize re in conjunction with IR cameras has been designed. The limiting factor with regards to the system's accuracy is precise predictions of the water jet's travel. The accuracy of the trajectory models as compared to experimental data measured under presented circumstances are of limited use. In addition, there are marginal di erences between the presented trajectory models found in literature, and therefore either one may be used. A PLC program has been created. HIL simulations are carried out with only minor discrepancies as compared to the predicted trajectories from one of the models.