Early forest fire detection using low-energy hydrogen sensors

Abstract

Abstract. Most huge forest fires start in partial combustion. In the beginning of a smouldering fire, emission of hydrogen in low concentration occurs. Therefore, hydrogen can be used to detect forest fires before open flames are visible and high temperatures are generated. We have developed a hydrogen sensor comprising of a metal/solid electrolyte/insulator/semiconductor (MEIS) structure which allows an economical production. Due to the low energy consumption, an autarkic working unit in the forest was established. In this contribution, first experiments are shown demonstrating the possibility to detect forest fires at a very early stage using the hydrogen sensor.

Smoldering fire detection using low-power capacitive MEMS hydrogen sensor for future fire alarm

“…In other words, CO can reach concentrations that affect the human body before the fire alarm is activated. It has also been reported that hydrogen, which is generated at the same time as CO, can be detected more quickly than CO in this type of incomplete combustion [3,5,6,11]. Given that hydrogen is lighter than air, hydrogen can easily be detected by placing a hydrogen sensor on the ceiling [5,6,11].…”

“…Although very little hydrogen is produced by smoldering fires (on the order of ppm), by employing a highly sensitive hydrogen sensor, it is possible to detect the hydrogen produced by a smoldering fire [3,5,6,11]. However, to continuously monitor hydrogen gas, hydrogen sensors must operate with low power consumption.…”