1. Home Protection in Remote Areas from Forest Fires S.M. Huq
Hudson High School Lissabeth Gardner Troy high School Sean Dory
Troy high School
2. Forest Fire : Wildfires are 'quasi-natural' hazards.They are
not entirely natural features, because forest fires are caused by
human activity as well Natural causes - lightning, sparks from
rockfalls, arson, slash and burn technique etc Damages: Acres of
lands, casualties, loss of properties , damage of civilian
structures
3. What is the problem? The estimated private property losses
are huge and affect the home owners Example:The estimated loss of
private property from the recent wildfires that ravaged San Diego
county from May 13,2014 through May 19,2014 was nearly $30 million
Homes in remote areas are more likely to get burned down by fire
http://sdbj.com/news/2014/may/27/recent-wildfires-did-30-million-private-property-d/
4. Problem Statement : To Protect homes in remote areas, near
sources of water from forest fires at any time with an autonomous
mechanism or, system that will protect homes for a certain period
of time until the danger is over.The system will give a 1-2 hours
advance notification of the fire.
5. How to Approach the Solution Consider factors and
limitations Brainstorm all solutions Rate solutions on
effectiveness, overall cost, and resources used Broke down into two
categories- cost effective and if its guaranteed to work Choose the
best approach Modify and change the solution to fit the
requirements
6. Factors and Requirements Location Resources Money
constraints Forest type Rapidity needed to extinguishing fire The
system has to be autonomous It cannot fail Appropriate timing to
initiate the overall system Needs to quickly detect potential
danger Cost effective
7. Possible Solutions IronWall Replace house materials Drape
house in fire-proof blanket Automated sprinklers Fire resistant
paint Moat around house Burn pillage around house(no fuel!)
Campaign to end wildfires Fans to push away fire Alert System Fire
retardant foam Fire retardant gel
8. Possible Solution Diagram Scale from 0-5 (Low to High)
Solution Effectiveness Overall Cost Resources Used Replace house
materials 2 4 4 Automated Sprinklers 1 5 2 Moat around house 4 5 4
Burn pillage around house 2 1 5 Iron wall 5 5 5 Fire retardant gel
5 2 3 Want: 5 Want: 1 Want: 1
9. Making a Decision
10. Fire Retardant Gel They can be used for structure
protection and in direct-attack applications against wildfires.
Superabsorbent polymer slurries Water bubblets provide thermal
protection for up to 3500 Fahrenheit. It can last up to 10 hours
without rehydration It can be stored for up to 4 years It can be
washed off easily
11. Video:
12. Selecting an Approach
13. Completed Process Installed underground at the consumers
home Fire fighters notify our service of incoming fires, and the
service activates the system The booster pump draws water and gel
from the installed tank and nearby water source, creating the
mixture The pump then sprays from the hose at the required 130 psi
Several hoses are placed around the home to ensure a complete
coverage The gel coating protects the home until the fire passes,
and is then easily washed off with water
14. How does it work?
15. Developed the problem statement Found factors, limitations,
and requirements Categorized solutions on efficiency Came to final
solution and modified it
