Fire detection system with a learning mode

A method for determining and using one or more characteristic application parameters of a fire suppression system, the method comprising:

• receiving ambient temperature readings from an ambient temperature sensor and hazard temperature readings associated with a hazard area from one or more temperature sensors over a learning time period during which a plurality of cycles of cooking operations are performed at a kitchen device of the hazard area;
• determining a plurality of characteristic values comprising the hazard temperature, a difference between the hazard temperature and the ambient temperature, and a time rate of change of the hazard temperature across a section of each of the plurality of cycles of cooking operations, and standard deviations of each of the plurality of characteristic values based on the received ambient temperature readings and the hazard temperature readings over the learning time period, the characteristic values indicating normal operation of the kitchen device at the hazard area;
• using the plurality of characteristic values and the plurality of standard deviations to detect a fire condition in response to one or more current conditions of the hazard temperature, the difference between the hazard temperature and the ambient temperature, or the time rate of change of the hazard temperature across the section of the cooking operation deviating from the plurality of characteristic values by an amount, the fire condition detected at the hazard zone at which the ambient temperature readings and the hood temperature readings are obtained over the learning time period;
• and
• activating the fire suppression system in response to detecting the fire condition.

A controller for a fire suppression system of a hazard area, the controller comprising processing circuitry configured to:

• receive a plurality of temperature readings from a temperature sensor over a learning time period during which a plurality of cycles of cooking operations are performed at a kitchen device of the hazard area;
• determine a plurality of characteristic values comprising a hazard temperature, a difference between the hazard temperature and an ambient temperature, and a time rate of change of the hazard temperature across a section of each of the plurality of cycles of cooking operations and standard deviations of each of the plurality of characteristic values based on the received temperature readings obtained over the learning time period, the characteristic values indicating normal operation of the kitchen device at the hazard area;
• receive one or more temperature readings from the temperature sensor over an operational time period after the learning time period;
• compare the one or more temperature readings obtained from the temperature sensor over the operational time period to the plurality of characteristic values to detect a fire condition at the hazard area in response to one or more current conditions of the hazard temperature, the difference between the hazard temperature and the ambient temperature, or the time rate of change of the hazard temperature across the section of the cooking operation deviating from the plurality of characteristic values by an amount, the fire condition detected at the hazard zone at which the plurality of temperature readings are obtained over the learning time period;
• and
• activate the fire suppression system in response to detecting the fire condition at the hazard area.