In a significant advance for firefighting technology, researchers at Ohio State University have developed a portable device that uses electrically charged air and specialized vortex rings to combat fires from a safe distance, potentially reducing risks to firefighters while offering a more environmentally conscious alternative to traditional methods.
The innovative tool, developed by a team led by research scientist John LaRocco, can extinguish flames from up to 6.5 feet away using a combination of compressed air and conductive particles. The technology could help address growing concerns about water resource strain and toxic chemical foams commonly used in firefighting.
“Using a combination of electricity and this vortex ring technology, we found a more efficient way of solving an environmental problem that will improve our quality of life,” said LaRocco, who works in Ohio State’s College of Medicine.
The device, which resembles a small bucket attached to an arm brace, works by creating donut-shaped bands of air called vortex rings. These rings carry specially designed conductive aerosols that help convert nearby oxygen into ozone, disrupting the combustion process that feeds fires.
In testing, the device achieved its highest reliability rate of 90% at a distance of about five feet from the target, making it a potentially valuable tool for firefighters who often must approach dangerously close to flames to extinguish them effectively.
The development comes at a crucial time, as fire departments worldwide grapple with the environmental impact of traditional firefighting methods. Many current techniques rely heavily on water resources or employ chemical foams that can leave lasting environmental damage.
The research team tested two versions of their prototype. The first used compressed air with a conical muzzle to generate the vortex rings, while the second employed an elastic membrane with a square-edged muzzle. The compressed air version proved significantly more efficient in trials.
John Simonis, an undergraduate student in electrical and computer engineering who co-authored the study, emphasized the device’s practical design. “The design of our Vortex Launcher is actually really simple in nature,” he said. “One of the benefits of that simplicity is it’s also very scalable.”
The device’s maneuverability in tight spaces could prove particularly valuable in urban firefighting scenarios. “It’s maneuverable in tight spaces so that you can walk through doors and indoor environments, but also large enough to have the practical benefits of generating those vortex rings,” Simonis explained.
Looking ahead, the team envisions expanding the technology’s capabilities through integration with advanced computer vision systems. These upgrades could allow the device to automatically target fires from various sources, potentially increasing its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
The implications extend beyond traditional firefighting. According to the researchers, the technology could find applications in industrial automation and aerospace, potentially protecting military vehicles and spacecraft interiors from fire damage.
Associate professor Qudsia Tahmina, who co-authored the study, noted that the project began as an effort to refine current fire management techniques. The resulting innovation could represent a significant step forward in making firefighting both safer and more environmentally sustainable.
The research was recently published in the journal Technologies, with additional contributions from Stan Essel of Ohio State University. The development of this technology comes as climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of fires worldwide, making innovations in firefighting technology increasingly crucial.
The study demonstrates that while the device currently works effectively on a smaller scale, multiple units might be needed for larger fire scenarios. The researchers are continuing to develop the technology, exploring ways to enhance its range and effectiveness for various types of fires.