ALUCO SYSTEM company in the period from 012.06.2020 to 30.09.2021 implemented a project named: "Autonomous gravitational smoke and heat extraction system" co-financed by European Funds under Action 1.2 of RPO WŚ 201402020.
The smoke removal system consists of several devices, mutually cooperating with each other, which enable automatic or manual opening of smoke exhaust dampers when a fire occurs.
The main device of the electric smoke ventilation system is a control panel supplied with 24V/DC voltage, to which (at the time of fire) an electrical impulse is sent. The impulse reaching the control panel is sent automatically from smoke detectors or other detectors. In addition, the impulse can be sent manually, by pressing the button in the smoke alarm, or remotely from mobile devices or remote control. Activation of the control panel sends a pulse to the pressure valves. The result of the pneumatic energy thus released is the actuation of the actuators and the opening of the smoke dampers.
The energy required for control and monitoring is obtained from photovoltaic cells integrated in the top of the smoke dampers. The energy thus obtained is stored in batteries. Thus, with a small charging current generated from the photovoltaic cells, a large amount of energy can be stored so that the device can also operate at night. The high discharge current necessary for low torque during drive operation is not a problem for the battery load.
To power the system, a set of flexible photovoltaic panels of 2 in series was used, built with high-efficiency monocrystalline cells that use ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene) material to provide greater absorption of sunlight by reducing glare. For optimum operation of the system, the panel should provide a peak power of at least 100W and a voltage in the range of 26-44V, which, when stabilized by a voltage regulator, should provide a current of 24V DC commonly used to control the opening of the smoke flap wings. The system can use electric or pneumatic drives (mechanisms) for opening smoke dampers, depending on the requirements and specifics of the building.
Autonomous system of gravitational smoke and heat extraction - photovoltaic panels
© Aluco System
With pneumatic control, the driving element of the smoke flap opening mechanism is a pneumatic actuator, and the energy to open the flap is provided by gas cartridges containing compressed CO₂. The control device, triggering the compressed gas, are thermal triggers with an electrical module activated by a 24V electrical signal initiated by the control panel.
Mechanical control is also possible, where the driving element is gas springs actuated by latches equipped with electrical or pneumatic modules for remote triggering by a 24V electrical signal.
In order to provide the necessary energy to control the mechanisms and power the control panel and other peripheral devices, a set of two maintenance-free gel batteries (40Ah) adapted for cyclic charging and discharging in a system with photovoltaic panels using a charge controller with MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology will be used. Regulators of this type constantly check the voltage on the solar panel and its current and select the best power point. Thanks to such a solution, the system works up to 30% more efficiently in poor lighting conditions such as early morning or late afternoon, as well as in a shaded place compared to standard regulators. The regulator with MPPT system does not bring the solar panel voltage to the battery charging voltage, thus offering a much higher efficiency. The highest power point of the panel is determined by the current-voltage characteristics of the photovoltaic module operation.
Autonomous gravity smoke and heat removal system - maintenance-free gel batteries
© Aluco System
The 24V/DC voltage obtained from the power unit will allow to power the control panel, which can operate in the range of 14÷30V/DC. The control panel, as the main control element of the system, allows the connection of smoke detectors, temperature and humidity sensors and other detectors by wire. In addition, the control panel has a built-in Wifi module and GSM modem, which transmits information to the user and allows remote communication with the control panel.
The detector, upon detecting a threat, sends a signal to the control panel, which triggers an alarm and, using a solid-state relay with built-in electronic protection, opens the smoke damper through actuators in the form of pneumatic actuators (unlocking the pressure valve/thermal release). The alarm is announced acoustically by the siren and is also sent to mobile applications via Wifi and/or cellular network (after equipping the control panel with an active SIM card). The alarm can also be triggered using a hand button or remote control.
The control panel can be programmed locally via micro USB connection or remotely via Wifi network using android application or PC software. Programming of advanced functions uses a built-in logic processor, which allows programming with a graphical, block logic editor or with a C script language script editor. This makes it possible, among other things, to program time relays to execute time-logic functions.
Energy for control and monitoring obtained from photovoltaic cells integrated in the top of the smoke damper is stored in batteries, so that with a small charging current generated from the photovoltaic cells, a large amount of energy can be stored so that the device can also operate at night. The high discharge current required for low torque during drive operation is not a problem for the battery load. The low current consumption of the control devices allows the system to be fully functional and provides a basis for expansion to determine its capabilities with further building automation components.
Autonomous gravity smoke and heat extraction system
© Aluco System
The results of the study indicate that the autonomous gravitational smoke and heat extraction system built as part of the project is self-sufficientand functions independently of the state of the building's power supply from the power grid. The operating time of the entire system may be limited only by the wear and tear of components, which can be replaced in service mode.
Due to the large reserve of energy required to power the system, it is possible to expand the system with additional components, so that additional functionality can be obtained, allowing intrusion signaling, control of other devices, operation of temperature or humidity sensors, etc. This can be part of further research and testing.
For more information, visit the company's Aluco System Sp. z o.o. page on the PdA portal.
