Bandweaver to host webinar on protection of solar photovoltaic assets

by WebbedFeet

With the growing expansion of renewable and sustainable energy, solar photovoltaic assets play a key role in achieving a green energy future. As the number of assets continues to grow there are a number of issues that can be addressed through the use of state of the art fiber monitoring systems.

At 10am on Tuesday 19th November join a panel of experts as we explore the challenges of protecting solar photovoltaic assets.

Our webinar will cover both fire and security risks to photovoltaic assets of any size, from large scale solar farms to compact inner city facilities.

You’ll come away with an understanding of the technological principles of fiber optic monitoring systems, how they are implemented and how they can benefit owners and operators.

Register Now:
Details
DATE: 19/11/2024

TIME: 10am UTC / 11am CEST

LOCATION: Virtual

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE

About Bandweaver

With an installed base of over 60,000km and 7,500 systems worldwide, Bandweaver’s vision is to be the first choice for integrated distributed fiber optic sensing solutions across the globe. Since 2002, Bandweaver has been committed to delivering reliable, innovative, client-centric, and value-added products and services, via a dedicated and talented team of people.

Bandweaver manufactures and distributes advanced fiber optic monitoring sensors and integrated technologies, enabling customers to monitor, secure and keep personnel and critical assets safe.

Bandweaver’s solutions have been utilised for multiple applications, including road and rail tunnels and spurs as well as facility buildings, power infrastructure, escalators, and stations.

Utilising the latest technologies, Bandweaver provides solutions for Security, Fire, Power, and Pipelines.

For further information please contact our global team at info@bandweaver.com

Enhancing safety: Advanced Linear Heat Detection System for Asian Battery Storage Facility

by WebbedFeet

A leading distributor of electrical components, including lithium-ion batteries, faces unique safety challenges. While lithium-ion batteries are generally safe, they can emit toxic fumes if they catch fire. In the event of thermal runaway, a rapid and uncontrollable reaction can cause the fire to spread quickly, leading to a chain reaction that is difficult to contain. Unlike conventional fires, extinguishing a lithium-ion battery fire may require up to five times more water, making it a particularly complex hazard to manage.

The client required a state-of-the-art fire detection system to ensure safety in their facility, which stores lithium-ion batteries in multi-story bays within high, three-dimensional warehouses. With 400 bays in total, these enclosed spaces pose challenges for conventional fire detection technologies like beam detectors, video flame detection, and aspirating systems. Initially, the client considered installing low-cost smoke detectors in each bay, but they also sought a solution capable of detecting heat rise before thermal runaway occurs and before smoke is emitted, ensuring early intervention and minimising the risk of a fast-spreading fire.

Click here to read the full case study.

Predicting the future of the fire industry: key technologies to drive innovation

by Louise Seager

We live in an age of Artificial Intelligence and technological excellence that is consistently evolving to solve the many challenges businesses face. This impact can also be seen in the fire protection and prevention industry as new ways to detect and prevent fires emerge. Businesses within the fire industry have the opportunity to enhance and optimise their approach to fire protection in order to provide their clients with stronger, more effective solutions.

Why are preventative measures vital?

Each year in the UK, around 22,000 workplace fires occur with the potential to kill or seriously injure employees and customers and damage or destroy buildings, equipment, and stock. The financial repercussions are extensive, meaning 60% of private businesses never fully recover after a fire. On average, fire damage costs businesses £65,000, often a far higher cost than the price of implementing effective fire protection.

For this reason, we are dedicated to providing effective, reliable fire detection solutions to safeguard the future of our clients’ businesses. Our Linear Heat Detection systems allow monitoring over a wide distance and are specially tailored to suit hazardous environments. Fiber Optic distributed temperature sensing is one of the most effective key technologies available, especially when combined with our smart software and services to provide operators with the right information at the right time. This enables swift decision-making to minimise damage, avoid catastrophic failure, and reduce the financial, environmental, and reputational risk.

While this technology is at the forefront of fire protection due to its unique features and robust, reliable temperature sensing abilities, there’s always space to develop and evolve. Below are some of the key technologies expected to revolutionise the fire industry:

Artificial Intelligence

Arguably one of the most controversial tech developments, the evolution of AI is expected to have an exponential impact on the fire industry. With intelligent machine learning and uniquely tailored algorithms, AI can transform our approach to fire detection with abilities that far outweigh those of traditional systems.

Whereas current systems rely on sensors, beams, or the presence of a flame, AI can act as a constant surveyor from a remote location for early detection. An incredible case of this in practice is the ALERTWILdfire Network in the United States of America. Their system uses AI to monitor and analyse live video streams from hundreds of mountaintop cameras to detect smoke or potential fires. Through machine learning, the algorithm can detect potential fires far earlier than traditional systems to alert first responders and fire departments. Quicker response times are vital; containing the fire earlier eliminates the risk of widespread damage to the wildlife that would have a significant environmental impact.

AI’s ability to handle and analyse data to discern patterns can be utilised by the fire industry to enhance the efficiency of resource allocation. By partnering with technology companies, the London Fire Brigade has worked to develop an AI-powered software designed to revolutionise resource allocation. The software analyses historical fire incident data and other necessary information to predict high-risk areas for fires. Using this information, the London Fire Brigade can allocate resources efficiently to areas they’re needed most, as well as target prevention efforts in specific districts.

Virtual Reality

The use of virtual reality for training and simulation is not unheard of; however, this is now being utilised to provide accessible training for the masses. ‘Project iEvac’ was developed by the NFPA as a VR training program for teaching safe evacuation in the event of a fire. Using virtual reality, the training module can simulate various fire scenarios under different building environments, giving users the chance to experience the difficulties and complexities of evacuating a building due to a fire. The VR headset takes users through interactive exercises, testing their evacuation skills, decision-making abilities, and situational awareness.

The availability and costs of training equipment and tools can be a significant obstacle to equipment familiarisation. With VR, firefighters can be trained on the proper use and operation of various tools and equipment through simulations. The US Navy has begun using a VR training module that includes various scenarios such as shipboard fires, engine room emergencies, and aircraft carrier flight deck incidents. These immersive training exercises use VR headsets to simulate real-world situations and practice the use of firefighting tools such as fire hoses, nozzles, breathing apparatus, and thermal imaging cameras.

The ability to recreate an incident using VR makes it a brilliant solution for incident command training for fire officers and incident commanders. The FDNY uses VR for incident command training with modules using simulations of large-scale emergencies, multi-alarm fires, hazardous material incidents, and mass casualty incidents. These engage incident commanders in immersive training exercises to practice managing complex incidents, coordinating response efforts, allocating resources, and communicating with personnel on the ground.

Robots

Emerging technology, especially robotics, is revolutionising the fire industry by offering solutions that allow access to hazardous areas without putting personnel at risk. A prime example of this is the Tokyo Fire Department in Japan, which has integrated robots into its firefighting and emergency response operations.

One standout innovation is the “dragon drone,” a robotic system equipped with thermal imaging cameras and advanced sensors. This drone can navigate smoke-filled environments, providing real-time data on fire conditions, such as identifying hotspots and locating potential victims. With the ability to fly into hard-to-reach or dangerous areas, the dragon drone enhances situational awareness and helps firefighters make more informed, strategic decisions.

By utilising robotics like the dragon drone, firefighting teams can reduce human risk, speed up response times, and improve overall efficiency in managing fire incidents. As these technologies continue to evolve, the fire industry will see even greater benefits in safety and operational effectiveness.

Advanced Sensors

Emerging technology, such as intelligent sensors, is enabling organisations to make more informed and efficient decisions when it comes to fire safety. A great example is the use of fiber optic Linear heat Detection (LHD) systems, like our FireLaser solution, which are transforming fire suppression strategies.

In Italy, Autostrade per l’Italia has implemented Bandweaver’s FireLaser system in the Santa Lucia Tunnel, a structure over 10 km in length. With the FireLaser LHD controller, they can pinpoint the exact location of a fire within 1 meter. This precision allows the fire suppression system to concentrate its efforts on a specific zone, targeting an area less than 10 meters in size.

By focussing suppression efforts so accurately, Autostrade achieves early fire detection, minimises resource use, and significantly reduces both fire risks and water damage. As this technology becomes more widely adopted, the fire industry stands to benefit from greater safety, cost-efficiency, and enhanced protection for critical infrastructure.

Prepare for the future with Bandweaver

Our mission is to provide businesses with the vital technology needed to protect themselves from the catastrophic damage caused by fires. To achieve this, we are constantly working to provide the most innovative, effective systems as possible. Find out more about our fire detection and prevention technology here: https://www.bandweaver.com/sectors/fire_linear_heat_detection/#1470385882342-fb633a89-0ec6

Bandweaver installs Linear Heat Detection (LHD) solution for conveyor belts at cement production facility

by Sarah Phillips

The prominent cement plant is owned by a globally recognised leader in the building materials industry. It is vital to maintain high standards of fire safety and after a number of incidents over recent years, it was decided a more preventative approach was necessary. As a result of these incidents, the insurance assessment indicated that the conveyor belts were a particular hazard and were upgraded from low risk to high risk.

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Yeniköy Kemerköy Conveyor Belt

by Sarah Phillips

The Scenario

Yeniköy is a 420 Megawatt MW coal-fired power station in Yeniköy, Muğla, Turkey and is owned by Limak- IC İçtaş. The site first became operational in 1986 with a current annual nominal production capacity of 2,730,000,000 KWh.

Yeniköy thermal plant and neighbouring and Kemerköy power station are classified as critical power infrastructure. Both, plants involve the transport and processing of a highly flammable product – domestic lignite. With more than 20km of belts to be monitored, advanced detection and visualisation was required to effectively protect the site.

Every year, 10 million tonnes of coal are transported through the on-site conveyor belt system, making it a critical component in the operation of the power station.

Client Requirements

The Yeniköy Kemerköy conveyor belt is a key part of the value chain to the client’s business. This plant must be able to operate over long periods of time with minimum disruption to production demands.

A solution was required to ensure the effective management of temperature events within this critical area, for detecting local overheating of equipment and providing early fire detection capability, within the client’s allocated budget.

The solution had to be cost effective in terms of cost of ownership, throughout the retrofit installation and including lifetime support costs.

The required solution needed to ensure that the client could possess and own the optimal solution in terms of reducing risk and minimizing ongoing maintenance costs.

What Did We Do?

The end user initially trialled thermal cameras on the site, however the performance was not satisfactory and did not adequately fulfil the requirements. BTS Yangın worked with the customer to design a fiber optic Linear Heat Detection (LHD) system based on Bandweaver’s FireLaser DTS system. After demonstrations from two fiber optic linear heat detection providers, the project was awarded to BTS Yangın, utilising Bandweaver’s FireLaser distributed temperature sensing solution.

A single 4 channel / 10km FireLaser unit was installed, offering the end user up to 40km of monitoring capability. For this particular application, 714 zones were configured, measuring 30m in length per zone over a total of 21.4km.

The FireLaser’s smart alarms were configured to detect maximum temperatures of 57-61.5°C, as well as a rate of rise of rise 5°-7°C. Using both variables, the system ensured that operators would be alerted should the system overheat in a range of conditions.

To provide a complete overview of the site’s operation, FireLaser was integrated with Panasonic CCTV via FireLaser’s built-in relay outputs. Bandweaver’s MaxView software platform was also used for advanced visualisation of the site and the fiber optic sensing system.

Detection of hot roller

For conveyor belts one of the key maintenance issues is the issue of roller failure and subsequent heating. When the bearing in a roller fails, typically resulting in high levels of friction which will cause the bearing to become very hot and lead to fires. As well as fire detection, the FireLaser linear heat detection system was also able to detect heating in rollers along the conveyor, prior to an ignition event.

In the event of an alarm, technical staff on site can be alerted by the operator in the control room to check the sensing cable with a thermal camera within the zone that is in a state of alarm. The heated cylinder can thus be detected within any 30-metre zone in a very short time. By using the professional thermal camera, the temperature can be understood almost precisely, and appropriate action taken.

Before the FireLaser DTS system was installed, there were even rollers that had become embers. However, with this early detection system, mechanical problems can be detected quickly after the early alarm detection, and heating effects minimised. Once the conveyor is stopped, the roller can be replaced and the conveyor normal operating mode in a short time.

Benefits To the Client

The Bandweaver system complied with the operator’s high specification requirements. Some of the key following benefits and advantages to the end user include:

  • Early detection of even a small fire: Bandweaver LHD systems are approved to operate with a measurement time of 5 seconds which is considerably quicker than the alternatives. With the smart alarms (including rate of rise and deviation alarms), the system can detect fires at a very early level without risk of false alarms.
  • Complete Coverage: The distributed nature of the fiber optic system provides measurements every 1m along the length of the cable providing complete and continuous coverage with no blind spots or gaps in the protection.
  • Low Cost of Ownership: Fiber optic cables are completely passive and have no moving parts, they are non-corrosive and immune to electromagnetic interference and typically have lifetimes of more than 30 years and so carry a very low cost of ownership and no maintenance.
Linear Heat Detection, Smart monitoring Bandweaver

Bandweaver to host a webinar on the benefits of fiber optic linear heat detection (LHD) for long-range assets such as tunnels and conveyors

by Sarah Phillips

Bandweaver, innovators of fiber optic sensing technologies, are showcasing the advantages of their Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) solutions when used in long-range assets. ‘Going the Distance: Fire Safety Solutions for Long-Range Assets’ will take place on Tuesday 15 November at 10:00 AM UTC, hosted virtually by Richard Kluth, Bandweaver’s Managing Director. Read more