ORNL researcher Bruce Warmack developed algorithms that are commonly used in today’s smoke detection systems to enable faster, more accurate detection to save lives. Credit: Jason Richards, ORNL/U.S. Dept. of Energy
ORNL research led to the development of a Smart Smoke Alarm that uses sophisticated algorithms to more accurately identify fires faster.
Why it matters:
A decade ago, smoke detectors frequently produced false alarms in response to cooking smoke or shower steam. Frustrated homeowners would remove batteries or otherwise disable smoke detectors, leaving the household without a lifesaving source of fire protection. A 2014 study showed more than 1,200 deaths a year were caused by fires that went undetected by disabled alarms.
The innovation:
- ORNL researchers used a mathematical process called linear discriminant analysis to reprogram an ordinary smoke alarm, allowing it to operate at a high level usually reserved for advanced chemical detectors.
- The Smart Smoke Alarm is programmed to quickly detect smoldering fires, which are more challenging to recognize early because they progress gradually until smoke and carbon monoxide steadily rise to unsafe levels.
- Only a few lines of code were needed to enhance fire protection and reduce nuisance alarms.
- The innovation did not require new production processes or more expensive components, easing its transition to industry.
Real-world impact:
The technology was commercially licensed in 2016. ORNL’s algorithms are now incorporated in many consumer smoke detection systems, reducing false alarms, keeping more smoke detectors functional, and saving lives.
The benefits:
- ORNL’s algorithm enabled detection of smoldering fires 30-40 minutes faster.
- According to the National Fire Protection Association, 60 percent fewer deaths per year happen in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes without functional alarms.
Backed by science:
The U.S. Fire Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission provided funding for the ORNL team to conduct fire and nuisance testing of 12 prototype fire alarms at Underwriters Laboratories, where the products exceeded expectations.
Deep dive:
Read more about the Smart Smoke Alarm development, led by ORNL researcher Bruce Warmack.
The big picture:
ORNL improved smoke alarms with technology that was easy for industry to commercialize, paving the way to save lives through widespread consumer use of the technology.