LAUSR

We analysed the hydrogen generation during the smouldering of polymeric materials, which are typically used in the household, in the Smoke Density Chamber coupled to a new developed hydrogen sensor to detect early stages of fires. The results of hydrogen generation were compared with the emission of carbon monoxide and smoke during the fire scenarios. Additionally, the results were compared with parameters used in traditional commercial detection systems. In this scenario, the hydrogen sensor showed encouraging results for the detection of fires in earlier phase compared to traditional detectors. Furthermore, we tested the new developed hydrogen sensor in a real room with different fire scenarios. We have also investigated interferences, e.g. steam and cigarette smoke. The hydrogen sensor could detect hydrogen generation in the earliest stage of fire, even before CO and smoke were developed in detectable amounts. Therefore, the hydrogen sensor can be applied for early fire detection in case of pyrolysis. The sensors are quite good for detecting pyrolysis gases. But when it comes to a fast ignition other techniques are more suitable for it. The sensors are best for combination with other techniques, such as smoke detectors.