Dryer fire detection, prevention, and suppression system

Abstract

Described herein is a system for detecting, preventing, and suppressing dryer fires using temperature probes coupled to an alarm system, air flow monitoring, and localized fire suppression. The components of the system are positioned and integrated with each other to prevent and, if necessary, detect and suppress localized fires that may occur in commercial or residential fabric drying machines (i.e., dryers).

1 . A system comprising:
 a dryer;   a temperature sensor positioned to measure the temperature inside the dryer or associated ductwork wherein the temperature sensor is coupled to an alarm system;   an air flow sensor positioned to measure the air flow from the dryer or through associated ductwork; and   a fire suppression system positioned to suppress fires within the dryer or associated ductwork.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein more than one temperature sensor is coupled to the alarm system. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the alarm system is integrated with the dryer. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the alarm system comprises an audible alarm, a visible alarm, or both. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the alarm system comprises a wired or wireless data communications transmitter and/or receiver. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the alarm system is coupled to the dryer heat source. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the air flow sensor is coupled to the alarm system. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fire suppression system is a powder fire suppression system, inert gas fire suppression system, or fluid-based fire suppression system. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fire suppression system is passively triggered. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fire suppression system further comprises a sensor. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fire suppression system is a powder fire suppression system.