CARGO FIRE-SUPPRESSION AGENT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

摘要

A cargo-fire-suppression agent distribution system and methods are presented. A fire-warning signal indicating presence of fire in a cargo compartment onboard a class E cargo aircraft at a first altitude is received. An initial fire-suppression agent is distributed in the cargo compartment at the first altitude sufficient to suppress fire for an initial fire suppression time interval during a depressurization phase during which the class E cargo aircraft flies to a second altitude below the first altitude. A re-enforcing fire-suppression agent is distributed in the cargo compartment during a re-pressurization phase when a cabin altitude is below a predetermined cabin pressure level (PL) during which the class E cargo aircraft flies from the second altitude to a landing, after the initial fire-suppression time interval elapses. The re-enforcing fire-suppression agent distribution is maintained during a re-enforcing fire-suppression time interval.

主权项

1. A cargo fire-suppression agent distribution system comprising:
a fire detector operable to receive a fire-warning signal indicating presence of fire in a cargo compartment of an aircraft, the aircraft receiving the fire-warning signal while the aircraft is at a first altitude; a fire-suppression agent time determination module operable to activate an initial fire suppression agent and a re-enforcing fire-suppression agent at a first activation time and a second activation time, respectively; and a controller operable to:
distribute the initial fire-suppression agent in the cargo compartment at the first altitude sufficient to suppress fire for an initial fire-suppression time interval, the initial fire-suppression time interval ending when the aircraft reaches an oxygen level low enough to maintain fire-suppression and during which the aircraft enters a depressurization phase and flies to a second altitude below the first altitude;distribute the re-enforcing fire-suppression agent in the cargo compartment after the initial fire-suppression time interval elapses during a re-pressurization phase, when a cabin altitude is below a predetermined cabin pressure level (PL) and the aircraft descends from the second altitude to a landing; andmaintain distribution of the re-enforcing fire-suppression agent during a re-enforcing fire-suppression time interval.