Design and implementation of GW based fire suppression system

Abstract

Water scarcity is a major global concern making sustainable water management more important than ever. Traditional fire suppression techniques rely on potable water, which adds to the already restricted freshwater resources. As a result, alternate water sources, such as grey water (GW), have emerged as a viable possibility for fire suppression. This study looks into the potential of using GW as a fire suppression medium, evaluating its efficacy and environmental benefits. The study's major goal is to build, evaluate, and analyze a GW-based fire suppression system to determine its efficiency and sustainability. The system's effectiveness was tested using simulated scenarios for Class A (combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), and Class C (electrical) fires, taking into account extinguishing time, water consumption, and heat absorption capacity. GW works similarly to potable water in Class A fire suppression, with an extinguishing time of 4 minutes, 1.5 m³ of water consumption, and 50% cooling efficiency. GW was less effective in Class B flames, taking 5 minutes and using 2m³ of water. Additional chemical agents may be required to maximize its use in certain instances. GW was only considered feasible for Class C fires once electrical dangers had been mitigated. The system's environmental analysis demonstrated significant water savings of 600m³ annually, a 12% reduction in carbon emissions, and an operational cost of $4800/year. Therefore, GW is a viable alternative for fire suppression in water-scarce places, particularly for Class A fires. The study shows that GW-based systems can save potable water while still providing adequate fire protection. The findings can be applied to residential, commercial, and industrial structures, helping to design sustainable infrastructure and manage resources more efficiently.