• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
SRI logo
  • About
    • Press room
    • Our history
  • Expertise
    • Advanced imaging systems
    • Artificial intelligence
    • Biomedical R&D services
    • Biomedical sciences
    • Computer vision
    • Cyber & formal methods
    • Education and learning
    • Innovation strategy and policy
    • National security
    • Ocean & space
    • Quantum
    • QED-C
    • Robotics, sensors & devices
    • Speech & natural language
    • Video test & measurement
  • Ventures
  • NSIC
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • 日本支社
Search
Close
Chemistry, materials, & energy publications March 1, 2008

Orthogonal Gas Sensor Arrays with Intelligent Algorithms for Early Warning of Electrical Fires

Citation

Copy to clipboard


Ni, M., Stetter, J. R., & Buttner, W. J. (2008). Orthogonal gas sensor arrays with intelligent algorithms for early warning of electrical fires. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 130(2), 889-899.

Abstract

The feasibility of utilizing chemical sensor arrays and multivariable analyses as the basis for an early-warning combustion alarm for electrical fires was evaluated. During the pre-combustion phase of electrical fires, electronic components will heat up, resulting in an out-gassing of chemical vapors, which generally will precede the formation of smoke, scorching and fire. A variety of materials (PVC, Teflon®, Kapton®, and silicone rubber) that are frequently used as wire insulation were subjected to electrically induced thermal excursions, thereby simulating an electrical failure and possible pre-combustion condition. The off-gassing vapors from the various coatings can serve as chemical signatures for a pending fire and were detected by an array of chemical sensors (e.g., an electronic nose). Principal component analyses and KNN identification algorithms applied to the sensor response patterns successfully identified the various vapor sources. A 20-sensor array including electrochemical sensors, quartz microbalance (QMB) sensors with different polymer coatings, and heated metal oxide sensors (MOXs) was evaluated and the optimal performance was obtained using the electrochemical and MOXs. The use of heterogeneous orthogonal sensors increased the information content of sensor array signals and a diminutive array can still identify fire materials and extent of damage. The small, lightweight, inexpensive and low power sensors used to detect vapors during pre-fire conditions were ideal for space or commercial aircraft applications.

↓ View online

Share this

How can we help?

Once you hit send…

We’ll match your inquiry to the person who can best help you.

Expect a response within 48 hours.

Career call to action image

Make your own mark.

Search jobs

Our work

Case studies

Publications

Timeline of innovation

Areas of expertise

Institute

Leadership

Press room

Media inquiries

Compliance

Careers

Job listings

Contact

SRI Ventures

Our locations

Headquarters

333 Ravenswood Ave
Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA

+1 (650) 859-2000

Subscribe to our newsletter


日本支社
SRI International
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies
  • DMCA
  • Copyright © 2022 SRI International