Anke Electrical Co., Ltd.

SummaryThis article first highlights the importance of applying electrical fire monitoring systems in thermal power plants. It then proceeds to analyze the application of such systems, mainly focusing on system introductions and causes of electrical fires. Finally, it discusses the precautions when using electrical fire monitoring equipment, such as in distribution boxes and fire monitoring devices. The research findings in this article will serve as a reference for the application of electrical fire monitoring systems in thermal power plants.

Keywords:Electrical Fire Monitoring System; Thermal Power Generation; Applications

0. Introduction

As science and technology advance and the power industry grows rapidly, the scale of thermal power plant production bases continues to expand, and the level of electrical automation also becomes increasingly sophisticated. Concurrently, the importance of electrical fire monitoring should be elevated as well. The application of electrical fire monitoring systems in thermal power plants is crucial for enhancing the ability to control electrical fires and ensuring the safe operation of the power plants.

Analysis of the Application of Electrical Fire Monitoring and Control Systems

1.1 Causes of Electrical Fires

Electrical fires typically refer to fires caused by electrical equipment or power distribution systems that release high temperatures or electrical sparks due to malfunctions or non-faulty energy releases. Under the right combustion conditions, these can ignite themselves or other flammable materials, with fires caused by lightning and static electricity also included. The main causes of electrical fires are: (1) Short circuits. When a circuit shorts, it causes a sudden decrease in resistance, followed by a rapid increase, leading to a significant increase in heat, far exceeding that produced during normal operation. This can cause the insulation to self-combust, melt the metal, ignite nearby flammable materials, and start a fire. (2) Leaks. Leaks occur primarily due to the breakdown of insulation on conductive materials, resulting in abnormal currents between conductors at different potentials. Leaks can ignite fires through thermal action and electrical sparks. In lines with leaks, areas of high resistance can overheat, and poor contacts may produce sparks, igniting nearby flammable materials and leading to a fire. (3) Open circuits. There are two main scenarios where open circuits can cause fires: the first is when an energized wire, upon breaking, contacts a grounded conductor and catches fire; the second is the occurrence of an electrical spark when an energized wire is broken. (4) Excessive contact resistance. When the current is high, poor contact at a specific point in the circuit can lead to excessive contact resistance, generating a significant amount of heat in that localized area. This can cause the metal to discolor or even melt, leading to the self-combustion of the wire's insulation and igniting surrounding flammable materials, thus causing a fire.

Therefore, it is highly necessary to install an electrical fire monitoring system in power plants. This system should monitor factors that could lead to electrical fires, promptly identify potential hazards, remove obstacles in a timely manner, and strive to prevent electrical fires to avoid losses caused by such incidents.

Introduction to 2 Electrical Fire Monitoring Systems

The electrical fire monitoring system consists of two parts: electrical fire monitoring equipment and detectors. It falls under the category of early fire detection and alarm systems, capable of accurately identifying issues and anomalies in circuits. It can detect potential electrical fires in advance, promptly trigger alarms, and alert professionals to address these faults. The alarm information from the electrical fire monitoring equipment can be transmitted to the graphical display units in the fire control room, with each unit displaying graphics separately. The detectors include temperature sensors, residual current detectors, and fault arc detectors, among others.

Current Application Status of 3 Electrical Fire Monitoring Systems in Power Plants

Technically speaking, the widespread adoption of electrical fire monitoring systems is highly necessary. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, the pace of development in power automation technology is accelerating, and the level of electrical automation in thermal power plants is also increasingly advancing. At the same time, an increasing number of thermal power plants are updating their technology, opting for electrical fire monitoring systems. The electrical fire monitoring systems are becoming increasingly prevalent in thermal power plants. Not only do these systems provide scientific protection and monitoring, but they also offer surveillance and protection for computers.

Application of Fire Detection Technology in Power Plants

In newly constructed, renovated, or expanded thermal power plants, electrical fire monitoring systems must be designed and installed in strict accordance with relevant regulations, and the application of electrical fire monitoring technology in thermal power plants should be promoted. Relevant units must design leakage fire alarm systems as required; construction units should purchase nationally certified electrical fire monitoring products; during the rectification process of fire protection units in thermal power plants, for those with electrical fire hazards, relevant units must design reasonable electrical fire monitoring equipment to eliminate potential electrical fire hazards. They should also order the full replacement of aging electrical lines, ultimately achieving the removal of electrical fire hazards and improving the safe operation of electrical lines and related equipment.

2. Precautions for Using Electrical Fire Monitoring Systems

2.1 Requirements for Installing Electrical Fire Monitoring Devices in Distribution Panels

1) When installing in a control panel with limited interior space, select suitable monitoring detectors and residual current transformers. Before fabricating and installing the control panel, arrange the internal layout and installation sequence in advance. (2) If an electrical fire detection system needs to be installed inside the control panel, ensure the alarm lights and sounds of the detectors are not affected. For embedded electrical fire detectors, try to install them on the panel for easier and faster operation. When installing the detection controller on the control panel, still place the residual current transformer inside, eliminating the need for a fire detection enclosure and altering the interior of the distribution box. This approach keeps the control panel both convenient and aesthetically pleasing.

2.2 Electrical Fire Monitoring Equipment Installation Regulations

1) In accordance with the regulations of the "Design Code for Fire Alarm Systems," the working power of the detectors can be drawn from the input terminal of the circuit breaker. This ensures that even in the event of a power outage, the detectors can still operate normally. Should a fire fault occur at the lower side of the circuit breaker, the detectors can still promptly trigger an alarm, with minimal impact on the monitoring system's functionality (an outage indicates no electrical fire). (2) The electrical fire monitoring equipment and alarm signals of the system should be set as required in the fire control room or the duty room. The power supply for the main host should be sourced from the fire power supply of the control center. The detectors of the monitoring system should be powered on-site, with the power input point designed at the top of this level's circuit breaker. (3) Design the electrical fire monitoring system strictly in accordance with the national standards regarding tiered protection. Understand the electrical power usage equipment

The specific distribution and status of various levels of power distribution equipment, clearly identifying the locations of each equipment, appropriately allocating monitoring system detectors to the corresponding power distribution equipment, and understanding the number of detectors in the system.

2.3 Precautions for Using Electrical Fire Monitoring Systems

After the electrical fire monitoring system is in use, the following aspects should be noted: (1) Ensure continuous power supply for the electrical fire monitoring system to ensure that the professional on-duty staff can be notified and promptly address any line or electrical equipment faults when an alarm signal is triggered by the fire detection device. According to the relevant provisions of the "Code for Design of Fire Automatic Alarm System," the electrical fire detection devices can be connected to the input terminal of the circuit breaker. Choosing this power supply method makes wiring more convenient, reduces cost, and even if there is a sudden power outage, the system's function will not be significantly affected. (2) After the installation and commissioning of the electrical fire monitoring system, regular self-inspection tests should be conducted on the system and its residual current-based electrical fire detection devices to identify and resolve potential hazards in a timely manner, preventing the electrical fire monitoring system from failing to operate normally due to sudden circumstances.

3. Ankelei Electrical Fire Monitoring System

3.1 Overview

The Acre1-6000 Electrical Fire Monitoring System is a fully digital, independently operated system developed by AnkoRui Electrical Co., Ltd. in accordance with current national standards. It has passed the fire product testing certification of the National Fire Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, and all have successfully undergone rigorous EMC electromagnetic compatibility tests. This ensures the safe and normal operation of the series in low-voltage distribution systems. The system is now in mass production and widely used across the nation. By collecting and monitoring signals such as residual current, overcurrent, overvoltage, temperature, and fault arcs, it achieves early prevention and alarm for electrical fires. It can also disconnect over-standard distribution circuits detected with residual current, temperature, and fault arcs when necessary. Additionally, it can meet user needs for data exchange and sharing with the AcreIEMS corporate microgrid management cloud platform or fire automatic alarm systems.

3.2 Application Scenarios

Applicable to intelligent buildings, hospitals, high-rise apartments, hotels, restaurants, commercial buildings, industrial and mining enterprises, key fire protection units, as well as the oil and petrochemical, cultural and educational, health, financial, and telecommunication sectors.

3.3 System Structure

3.4 System Functionality

1) The monitoring equipment can receive residual current and temperature information from multiple detectors. It emits both audio and visual alarm signals upon triggering, with the red "ALARM" indicator light on the device illuminated, displaying the location and type of the alarm, and recording the alarm time. The audio-visual alarm persists until the "RESET" button on the device or the "RESET" key on the touch screen remotely resets the detector. The audio alarm signal can also be manually silenced using the "Mute" key on the touch screen.

2) When the monitored loop alarms, the control output relay closes to control the protected circuit or other equipment. Upon alarm clearance, the control output relay releases.

3) Communication Fault Alarm: In the event of a communication failure between monitoring equipment and any connected detector, or if the detector itself fails, the corresponding detector on the monitoring screen displays a fault alert, and the yellow "Fault" indicator light on the device illuminates along with an alarm sound. Power Supply Fault Alarm: If there is a fault with the main power supply or the backup power supply, the monitoring equipment emits an audio-visual alarm signal, displays fault information, and allows users to access the corresponding interface for detailed information and to silence the alarm sound.

4) In the event of residual current, over-temperature alarms, communication, or power failures, the alarm location, fault information, and alarm time are stored in the database. Similarly, records are kept when alarms are cleared and faults are resolved. Historical data offers various convenient and quick search methods.

3.5 Configuration Solution

4. Closing Remarks

Electrical fire monitoring systems can effectively supervise electrical fires and accidents, promptly identify potential hazards, reduce the occurrence of electrical accidents, and minimize the damage caused by electrical fires. Implementing electrical fire monitoring systems in thermal power plants can efficiently monitor the plant's safety status, promptly identify existing hazards, reasonably analyze and properly resolve detected electrical fire risks, ensuring the safe operation of thermal power plants and serving our daily lives.

[Reference]

1. Wang Weimin. Exploration of Electrical Fire Monitoring System in Practical Application [A]. In the Collection of Papers from the 11th China Association for Science and Technology Annual Conference on Innovation and Sustainable Growth, edited by the China Association for Science and Technology and the People's Government of Chongqing City [C]. China Association for Science and Technology, People's Government of Chongqing City, 2009: 4.
2. Cheng Wei. A Brief Discussion on the Application of Electrical Fire Monitoring Systems[J]. Science and Wealth Guide, 2011, 20: 358.
3. Gao Jinyu. Electrical Fire Monitoring System Based on CAN Bus Control [D]. Shandong University, 2011.
4. Cao Jianfeng, Zhang Fan. Prevention of Electrical Fires in Thermal Power Plants and Research on Automatic Fire Alarm Systems [J]. High-tech Enterprise of China, 2014, 13: 40-41.
5. Ankorri Fire Emergency Lighting and Evacuation Guidance System/Fire Door Monitoring System/Fire Equipment Power Supply Monitoring System/Electrical Fire Monitoring System Selection Manual. 2022.05 Edition
6. Xu Zhongchuan. A Brief Analysis of the Application of Electrical Fire Monitoring Systems in Thermal Power Plants