The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has developed a next-generation autonomous fire suppression system designed specifically to detect and extinguish oil fires aboard naval vessels, maintaining precision even in rough seas.
Core Technology and Functionality
The system, developed by Senior Researcher Hyuk Lee and his team, represents a significant advancement over traditional firefighting methods by using AI and precision targeting:
- AI-Based Verification and Targeting: Unlike conventional systems that flood an entire compartment, KIMM’s technology uses an AI-based analysis and control unit to independently verify the fire’s authenticity and precisely estimate its location. It activates only upon confirmation, concentrating the foam discharge solely on the source, which prevents unnecessary damage during false alarms.
- Adaptation to Maritime Conditions: To maintain targeting accuracy despite ship movement, the system utilizes a reinforcement learning algorithm. This algorithm continuously adjusts the nozzle’s aiming angle by analyzing six degrees of freedom acceleration data, compensating for wave and hull movement. Stable operation was verified in sea states of 3 or higher.
- Hardware Capabilities: The system consists of sensors, a control unit, and fire monitors capable of discharging foam up to 24 meters.
Verification and Testing
KIMM emphasized a rigorous, multi-step verification process, claiming it’s the world’s first technology of its kind to complete this level of testing:
- Land-Based Simulation: The system was pre-trained and verified in a full-scale facility (25 x 5 x 5 meters) that replicated the lighting and color of actual ship compartments. Researchers used various oil fire and non-fire situations (like welding sparks and lighters) to train the AI to accurately identify true fires.
- It successfully extinguished both open-area oil fires and shielded fires (like those beneath a helicopter-sized structure on aircraft carriers).
- Real-Ship Trials: The final tests were conducted aboard the ROKS Ilchulbong, an LST-II class amphibious assault ship. The system accurately targeted an oil fire 18 meters away amidst one-meter-high waves.
Future Applications
While initially focused on naval vessels (where it preserves crew safety and combat effectiveness), the system’s applications are set for broader expansion. It is applicable to:
- Military Installations: Ammunition depots, military supply warehouses, and aircraft hangars.
- Civilian and Industrial Sites: Offshore plants, civilian ships, and petrochemical facilities.
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Source: Interesting Engineering
