Gas-Sensing Remote Smoke Detectors
Risk Reduction Category
Technology Description
Remote smoke sensors are based on similar proven technology as smoke detectors for the home but are specifically suited for forest application. Modern solid-state sensors are capable of detecting a wide range of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and gases [1], having many potential applications such as measuring air quality or detecting the presence and/or concentration of specific gases. Early wildfire warning is one potential application for these sensors, where the sensor output is monitored and interpreted by supporting electronics that will then send a positive detection message if the sensor output meets any of the defined profiles of smoke.
Technical challenges for use in the forest are twofold: lack of availability of a power source, and lack of an existing communications network. Further, the remotely installed equipment must be able withstand harsh outdoor environments.
Fortunately, the sensors and supporting electronics require very little power, allowing operation from a small solar panel and/or battery. Pioneers in remote smoke detection have overcome the communications obstacle by using a low bandwidth LoRaWAN mesh network. With sensors sending messages to local gateways, status information for the entire covered area is sent to a border gateway that connects to the Internet.
Technical Readiness (Commercial Availability)
The electronic sensors themselves are proven technology, however, the adaptation of that technology for detecting a smoldering fire in a rural forest is a relatively new concept. The following list of manufacturers is the product of an Internet search using a general description of the technology as the search term. Sometimes more than one variation on the search term is used. The objective is to identify the most demonstration-ready products available in the category. Toward assessing demonstration readiness, the manufacturer websites typically provide useful information such as writeups of successful use cases or field demonstrations, number of deployments, or other indicators. Where lack of information exists online, further inquiry is made by phone. Generally, one to three frontrunners emerge as being most ready for a field demonstration. Preference is given to manufacturers who sell to the United States, or, if emerging technology, those who have participated in US-based field demonstrations.
Implementations / Deployments
Dryad
- Launched in December 2022 [2].
- Fully commercialized and ready to scale [2].
- 50+ Proof-of-concept and pilot installations, each involving 20-400 sensors [2].
- Shipped 10,000 sensors worldwide [2].
- Deployments with CalFIRE (400 sensors) and PG&E [2].
- 40 worldwide resellers [2].
Torch
- Completed a number of short and longer-term tests at prescribed burning locations in California: mainly in Sonoma, Napa Valley, and Butte counties.
- Continuing to perform a wide range of testing on various burns and geographies to maximize accuracy.
- Now accepting pre-orders with availability in 2024.
Milesight
- No published materials found regarding field studies or pilot programs related to wildfire application of this product.
Libelium
- Website mentions 11 nodes deployed in a wildfire setting, but no outcome reported
- No published materials found regarding field studies or pilot programs related to wildfire application of this product.
Innovations as of Mid 2023
Potential Enrichment Work Opportunity
References
[1] Bosch Corporation. “BME860 Lower Power Gas, Pressure, Temperature & Humidity Sensor.” Document Number: BST-BME680-DS001-08 Revision_1.8_082022.
[2] Brinkschulte, Carsten. “Re: Dryad Catch Up call” Received by Doni Nastasi, 2 Nov. 2023.