Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The implementation of an automatic fire detection and alarm system is crucial for the safety of buildings and occupants. This research project focuses on the development and deployment of a reliable automatic fire detection and alarm system that integrates advanced sensors, data processing techniques, and alarm mechanisms. The system is designed to detect various types of fires, including smoldering fires and fast-flaming fires, at an early stage to minimize the risk of property damage and prevent potential injuries or fatalities. The proposed system incorporates a network of sensors strategically placed throughout the building to continuously monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, smoke levels, and gas concentrations. These sensors are connected to a central control unit that processes the sensor data in real-time using sophisticated algorithms to identify patterns indicative of a fire event. Upon detecting a potential fire, the system triggers an alarm through loud sirens, flashing lights, and notifications to building occupants and emergency response teams. One of the key features of the automatic fire detection and alarm system is its ability to differentiate between false alarms and actual fire emergencies. By utilizing machine learning algorithms and sensor fusion techniques, the system can analyze multiple data sources simultaneously to make accurate decisions about the presence of a fire. This helps reduce the occurrence of false alarms, which can lead to complacency and system malfunctions. The research project also addresses the integration of the automatic fire detection and alarm system with building automation systems and emergency response protocols. By connecting the fire detection system to other building systems such as HVAC, access control, and lighting, the system can automatically initiate pre-programmed responses to contain the fire and facilitate safe evacuation procedures. Furthermore, the system can provide real-time updates to emergency responders, enabling them to coordinate their efforts more effectively and efficiently. Overall, the implementation of an automatic fire detection and alarm system offers numerous benefits, including improved fire safety, reduced response times, and enhanced building protection. By leveraging advanced technologies and intelligent algorithms, this system provides a reliable and robust solution for early fire detection and effective alarm dissemination. The research project aims to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this system in enhancing the overall safety and security of buildings and occupants.

Thesis Overview

The Voice prompt fire detector and extinguisher are considered better alternatives to traditional audible alarms because a voice is typically less likely to instill panic, and the voice feature can be used to give specific instructions, for specific situations. They not only let everyone when an emergency arises but they also inform the people of certain measures to take to avoid confusion and thereafter saving them valuable time necessary for protection of life and properties.

Furthermore, the Voice prompt fire detector and extinguisher can be programmed to give voice alerts in diverse languages or dialects according to where it is being installed around the world. It clears the problems of families or communities who do not understand a particular global language or dialect. This thereby increases the number of lives saved since there are no excuses on the ground of not understanding a particular language.

In addition, the Voice prompt fire detector and extinguisher limits the spread of fire through the means of the water sprinkler system which removes the heat content of the fire (cooling effect) thereby extinguishing the fire.

 1.1 Background of the study

Reports on the issue of recorded deaths due to fire hazards and gas explosions have increased tremendously. According to the U. S. Fire Administration website, a reliable resource for credible information; “Each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States, with direct property loss due to home fires estimated at $7.3 billion annually”[1]. If this number of deaths and casualties are recorded in a highly developed nation with several means of controlling fire incidents already in place such as the US, it is therefore acceptable to conclude that a developing nation such as Nigeria would suffer even more casualties and deaths due to the incessant fire outbreaks and gas explosions experienced yearly for instance, the Ariari market fire in Aba.

One major method of combating the catastrophic effects of a fire outbreak which leads to loss of life and property is its early detection and the occupants’ evacuation of people at the scene of the incident. Many companies with the hope of bridging the gap in the number of deaths and loss of properties caused by fire have developed the smoke alarms, gas sensors and detectors, even the most recent GSM Based SMS Alert Fire Alarm Systems.  However these new technologies have their limitations in successfully detecting smoke or gas and triggering alarms (horns or, bells) instantaneously for a timely evacuation.

Project Outline

The chapters in this project work are outlined briefly and their contents summarized thus;

Chapter One, which is an introduction to the project, gives the project background of study, statement of problem, aims and objectives, and the scope of the project.

Chapter Two, which is the literature review, gives an evaluation of previous related works of the project.

Chapter Three deals with the methodology where the methods or techniques used in the actualization of the project will be discussed.

In chapter Four, the system analysis and designs are exclusively dealt with.

Chapter Five focuses on the system implementation and evaluation.

Finally, chapter six is a summary and conclusion of the project with outlined recommendations.