Fire sprinkler waterflow switch with an integrated NAC power source
OwnerKris L. Maddalenainventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The conceived invention simplifies current art methods of incorporating fire notification appliances with fire sprinkler systems by replacing vane and pressure type of waterflow switches with a single water driven generator having dual functionality. It includes power generation and activation when water moves through a sprinkler system. A notification appliance may use audible, visible, or other stimuli to alert the occupants of a fire. The system also includes a waterflow switch output to trigger an external fire/security alarm system when required and a digital controller with a delay timer to prevent false alarms due to water pressure fluctuations. Another embodiment includes both alarm monitoring and circuit supervision to enhance operation and system maintenance.
Claims18
A hydroelectric system designed to power at least one alarm notification device during a fire comprising:
- A) a plurality of sprinkler heads connected to sprinkler piping,
- B) a water supply pipe connected to said sprinkler piping,
- C) said water supply pipe having an inline electrical generator, said inline electrical generator creates power when water flows through it,
- D) said inline electrical generator is electrically connected to a control module,
- E) said control module includes a delay timer having a predetermined time setpoint for a countdown,
- F) said delay timer begins said countdown when said inline electrical generator creates said power,
- G) said control module activates an alarm relay after said countdown reaches zero,
- H) said alarm relay directs said power from said inline electrical generator to activate said at least one alarm notification device, and
- I) whereby said at least one alarm notification device is activated when said water flows through at least one of said plurality of sprinkler heads free of the use of external electrical power.
A hydroelectric system designed to power at least one alarm notification device during a fire comprising:
- A) a plurality of sprinkler heads connected to sprinkler piping,
- B) a water supply pipe connected to said sprinkler piping,
- C) said water supply pipe having an alarm check valve that opens a water pathway when water flows through said water supply pipe,
- D) said water pathway having an inline electrical generator,
- E) said inline electrical generator is electrically connected to a control module,
- F) said control module includes a delay timer having a predetermined time setpoint for a countdown,
- G) said delay timer begins said countdown when said inline electrical generator creates power,
- H) said control module activates an alarm relay after said countdown reaches zero,
- I) said alarm relay directs said power from said inline electrical generator to said at least one alarm notification device, and
- J) whereby said at least one alarm notification device is activated when water flows through at least one of said plurality of sprinkler heads free of the use of external electrical power.
A hydroelectric system designed to power an electronic flow switch circuit for an external fire alarm system comprising:
- A) a plurality of sprinkler heads connected to sprinkler piping,
- B) a water supply pipe connected to said sprinkler piping,
- C) said water supply pipe having an alarm check valve that opens a water pathway when water flows through said water supply pipe,
- D) said water pathway having an inline electrical generator, said inline electrical generator creates power when water flows through it,
- E) said inline electrical generator is electrically connected to a control module,
- F) said control module includes a delay timer having a predetermined time setpoint for a countdown,
- G) said control module includes a flow switch output, said flow switch output is connected to a first input of said external fire alarm system,
- H) said flow switch output is connected to an end of line resistor, said end of line resistor verifies wiring continuity from said flow switch output to said external fire alarm system,
- I) an alarm relay is energized when said countdown reaches zero,
- J) when said alarm relay is energized said external fire alarm system is activated by said alarm relay, and
- K) whereby said external fire alarm system is notified when said water flows through at least one of said plurality of sprinkler heads free of the use of external electrical power.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.