A research department at Ohio State University has developed a portable device that aims to improve the effectiveness and safety of firefighting . Designed as an alternative to toxic chemical foams and water-draining hydrants, the device uses conductive sprays and vortex rings to more efficiently extinguish flames.
How does the “electrically assisted wind” device work?
The device’s mechanism is based on the emission of conductive aerosols carried by vortex rings, i.e. small doughnut-shaped bands of air. By integrating these aerosols with electrical pulses, a reaction is generated that converts oxygen into ozone, altering combustion and quickly smothering the fire.
The device looks like a small bucket mounted on an arm support. After operation, aerosols are released using compressed air or an elastic diaphragm, allowing these elements to be projected with great precision onto the flames.
The researchers tested two versions of the prototype : one using compressed air and one using an elastic diaphragm. Although both versions achieved an effective range of almost two meters, the compressed air-based model proved to be more efficient.
Using a combination of electricity and vortex ring technology, we found a more efficient solution to an environmental problem that will positively impact our quality of life.
John LaRocco, a scientist at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and lead author of the study.
The Vortex Launcher’s design is simple and highly scalable , which will allow it to be deployed in a variety of scenarios. Because it is compact in size, it can be used in closed spaces and in hard-to-reach places. In addition, researchers plan to incorporate multimodal sensors and image analysis to detect fires from a variety of sources.
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Source and photos: Ohio State News
