Team:FCB-UANL/Implementation
SCALING-UP
MARKET
Legislation
Competition
DRONE
Assembly
Programming
Design
REFERENCES
SYNBIOFOAM FEATURES AND POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS
Synbiofoam is a first of its kind eco-friendly firefighting foam. It can be used in all
type A fires, but it is thought mainly for its usage in forest fires, since it does not
contain any harmful compounds for the environment. On the other hand, it is able to also
combat type B fires, in which the fuel is non-polar, such as gasoline, solvents, and
other petroleum-derived hydrocarbons. More information of the foam’s functioning is
provided
in our project description
and engineering success
sections.
Its usage makes our foam useful for local firefighter departments, as it can be applied in forest and house fires (the two most common types in our region), but also for the private industry because of the type of fuel. This has been corroborated by a continuous validation of our stakeholders, further explained in our human practices section .
Its usage makes our foam useful for local firefighter departments, as it can be applied in forest and house fires (the two most common types in our region), but also for the private industry because of the type of fuel. This has been corroborated by a continuous validation of our stakeholders, further explained in our human practices section .
INDUSTRIAL SCALING UP
Even though there are no Mexican foam producers, our intended scaling up plan does not
need any additional industrial equipment than the one already available in our country,
since the production of our foam components is thought to be carried out on a
biorreactor.
With this objective in mind, and since we are not able to make the proper tests due to COVID-19 restrictions in our university, we have elaborated two different models to be sure our plan for industrial production is optimal. Those are the model of a Fed Batch bioreactor, and the optimization of the culture conditions; both are further explained in our math model section. In addition, we developed a design of a large-scale production plant, considering all the costs involved, as a feasibility analysis of our plan, this design is detailed in our math model and entrepreneurship sections.
With this objective in mind, and since we are not able to make the proper tests due to COVID-19 restrictions in our university, we have elaborated two different models to be sure our plan for industrial production is optimal. Those are the model of a Fed Batch bioreactor, and the optimization of the culture conditions; both are further explained in our math model section. In addition, we developed a design of a large-scale production plant, considering all the costs involved, as a feasibility analysis of our plan, this design is detailed in our math model and entrepreneurship sections.
MARKET ENTRY
SAFETY AND LEGISLATIVE CONSIDERATIONS
Regarding the legal aspects of our product, we have deeply analyzed the safety
considerations
revolving its development; for us to respond to this concern, a molecular safety
mechanism is
included in our designs, and it is explained in our project description
section.
However, on
this analysis we also included the labeling aspects (available in our safety section)
and the
certifications with the proper organisms (explained in our human practices
section).
Last, since
it is a product from a GMO, we made sure our foam accomplished all the policy
regulations needed
for its future development.
MARKET COMPETITION
Throughout the year, we developed a thorough business plan, in which we analyzed our
competitors
and the advantages Synbiofoam could have over them. For this, a SWOT and PEST analysis
were carried out,
(for more information go to our entrepreneurship
section). Nevertheless, as our way to
be responsive to
our stakeholders’ opinions and concerns, we decided to design a foam dispersal mechanism
for its application
on wildfires using an autonomous drone as an additional feature of our complete value
proposal. It is important
to mention that, as explained above, our foam does not need any additional equipment,
hence, the usage of the
drone is optional for our potential customers, but it is still cheaper than the current
methods used in this
type of incident. The inspiration and detailed design are explained in the following
sections.
DESIGN OF AN AUTONOMOUS DRONE FOR FOAM DISPERSAL
While researching about the economic impact of fire incidents, we found out that in
Mexico, when it comes
to fire suppression, local governments have to bear additional expenses, e.g. the rent
of equipment such as
specialized aircrafts, since local firefighters departments do not have the financial
means to own these sophisticated
combat methods.
After analyzing that, and based on the information received from our stakeholders about the inability to pay those expenses, as well as the need for application methods not involving people putting their lives at risk, we decided to go deeper into this issue. Hence, we decided to propose a new application method using a cargo drone to spread our foam in the area around the fire. This would further help the fire contention, an important objective to be achieved to avoid forest fires going out of control, the most current problem expressed by affected communities (further explanation is provided in human practices section).
Our designed drone must be able to surround the affected area right after arriving to the place on a recognition flight, and autonomously move towards a set of geographic coordinates indicated through a ground controller. Those coordinates can be recognized by the device using its GPS. In addition, the design includes a nozzle, which is the most important part for our foam to form (more information about our foam properties is available in our project description section). The drone design, prototype assembly, as well as the flight tests carried out are explained in the following sections.
After analyzing that, and based on the information received from our stakeholders about the inability to pay those expenses, as well as the need for application methods not involving people putting their lives at risk, we decided to go deeper into this issue. Hence, we decided to propose a new application method using a cargo drone to spread our foam in the area around the fire. This would further help the fire contention, an important objective to be achieved to avoid forest fires going out of control, the most current problem expressed by affected communities (further explanation is provided in human practices section).
Our designed drone must be able to surround the affected area right after arriving to the place on a recognition flight, and autonomously move towards a set of geographic coordinates indicated through a ground controller. Those coordinates can be recognized by the device using its GPS. In addition, the design includes a nozzle, which is the most important part for our foam to form (more information about our foam properties is available in our project description section). The drone design, prototype assembly, as well as the flight tests carried out are explained in the following sections.
DRONE ASSEMBLY
We chose a multirotor drone (it means it has more than two motors) due to its fast
acceleration, easy manipulation, and simple
structure, along with the high charge capacity, and agility (1). Its functioning
consists of the inverted and simultaneous
rotation of the propellers, where a pair rotates clockwise, and the other in the
opposite direction, thus creating the thrust
force. In addition, the drone’s gyroscopes and stabilizers allow it to keep the
propellers in a static position without losing
equilibrium (2).
For the drone to rotate around its vertical axis, the velocity of the right and left engines must be in a defined proportion, since the sum of the initial forces must be exactly the same as the sum of the resulting forces during the movement, otherwise the aircraft would plummet. Similarly, in the case of rotation in the longitudinal axis (or rotation on the spot), the propeller opposite to the direction of the desired rotation must rotate at higher rpm (revolutions per minute) and the opposite propeller must decrease the revolutions in an inversely proportional manner. Based on these observations, we noticed that we must tightly control the motor forces, with the help of the gyroscopes through the multirotor stabilization (2). Hence, we needed to carefully select those components. The following figure shows the simulation of the movement of the four propellers of a drone:
Going into further detail with the drone design and assembly, in the next paragraphs we
explain the components we used for our
desired functioning:
The multirotor to be used is able to maintain the propellers at the same level. Its cross-shaped configuration facilitates its handling, since a change of direction is carried out by controlling a single engine, based on the previously explained functioning for the drone to rotate. Each one of these engines are 45º apart from each other, and are orientated in the same direction as the arms of the drone. This is suitable for the equipping of cameras due to the absence of motors interfering with the camera’s field of vision. The addition of cameras is thought to have real-time images of the fire incidents, for its monitoring by the proper authorities.
Because of the environmental conditions our drone is supposed to work in, temperature is one of the most important factors to be taken into account, since wildfires can reach 700°C (3). After receiving several opinions from the experts that helped us (reported in our attributions section) we noticed that the most important thing we had to protect against temperature is the drone’s wiring, since it is the core of its functioning. This is the reason why we decided to use PVC wiring, since it has been reported that it provides heat resistance of up to 842°C (4), making them suitable for our application.
For the drone to rotate around its vertical axis, the velocity of the right and left engines must be in a defined proportion, since the sum of the initial forces must be exactly the same as the sum of the resulting forces during the movement, otherwise the aircraft would plummet. Similarly, in the case of rotation in the longitudinal axis (or rotation on the spot), the propeller opposite to the direction of the desired rotation must rotate at higher rpm (revolutions per minute) and the opposite propeller must decrease the revolutions in an inversely proportional manner. Based on these observations, we noticed that we must tightly control the motor forces, with the help of the gyroscopes through the multirotor stabilization (2). Hence, we needed to carefully select those components. The following figure shows the simulation of the movement of the four propellers of a drone:
- We used brushless multirotors, since they are the most efficient and well-studied due to its affordable price, in addition to the need of having more than one motor to precisely control the drone’s flight previously explained. We selected the motors also based on our prototype load, which was estimated to be 800 g, considering the discharger structure, motors, and foam can we used for fire tests.
- The drone used a LiPo battery, since they are lighter than other commercial batteries and equally efficient.
- We decided to use the commercial flight controller Naza-M, since it covers all the requirements we needed for our initial tests, and allows us to keep the drone flying effectively. Even though it is a limited controller due to its features, it is still appropriate for our prototype, as it allows its displacement based on a GPS system.
The multirotor to be used is able to maintain the propellers at the same level. Its cross-shaped configuration facilitates its handling, since a change of direction is carried out by controlling a single engine, based on the previously explained functioning for the drone to rotate. Each one of these engines are 45º apart from each other, and are orientated in the same direction as the arms of the drone. This is suitable for the equipping of cameras due to the absence of motors interfering with the camera’s field of vision. The addition of cameras is thought to have real-time images of the fire incidents, for its monitoring by the proper authorities.
Because of the environmental conditions our drone is supposed to work in, temperature is one of the most important factors to be taken into account, since wildfires can reach 700°C (3). After receiving several opinions from the experts that helped us (reported in our attributions section) we noticed that the most important thing we had to protect against temperature is the drone’s wiring, since it is the core of its functioning. This is the reason why we decided to use PVC wiring, since it has been reported that it provides heat resistance of up to 842°C (4), making them suitable for our application.
PROGRAMMING THE DRONE’S AUTONOMY
For the programming we used the platform Arduino 1.8.15, since it has been previously
used for drone programming, it is accessible and free-access. Also, because the board
necessary for the functioning, Arduino Uno, is made for its use with Arduino (5). For
this purpose, we considered the need to direct the four engines of our drone at the same
time, previously explained in the drone assembly section.
Next, the steps to follow in order to properly configure the design and type of multirotor.
Next, the steps to follow in order to properly configure the design and type of multirotor.
- Once the controller is connected, the configuration software starts
- Selection of the type of multirotors and appropriate adjustment in the direction of the engines’ and propellers’ rotation.
- Configuration of the type of transmitter, the calibration of the sticks, and the control of the flight modes.
- Adjustment of the drone’s gains, which are flight control parameters that aid to control the response of the aircraft, that is, the programming input. The gains should be set to achieve a flight that is as stable as possible and with smooth movements.
- Disconnection of the dron from the PC and setting of the controller for it to be ready to fly
DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING OF THE FOAM LAUNCHER
For the programming of the foam launcher we used Arduino 1.8.15 as well, and the
following elements were considered for its elaboration.
For the foam launcher, we considered the three essential parts: [1] a base that attaches to the drone, that contains all the electronic elements of the foam launcher and the drone’s battery, [2] a foam container with the pressurized water container and the automated nozzle that can be programmed to adjust its environmental variables and foam ejection specificities, and [3] a remote controller capable of operating the nozzle.
In our case, for the prototype test we used a bluetooth remote controller, which is able to be connected to a cell phone or an electronic tablet. Also, for the actuator we used a servo motor to activate the foam’s release. However, since it is a prototype and we followed the recommendations of the authorities, we were not allowed to use firefighting foam (due to their toxic features explained in our human practices and project description section).
Hence, all the prototype tests were a simulation of the actual functioning. For our future perspectives, it is planned to select the optimal nozzle, as well as to calculate the ideal foam volume once we completely characterize our foam’s properties, as well as its behavior on a controlled fire. The next figure shows the action mechanism of the proposed drone:
| Part | Description | Application in the device |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth module | Data transmitter via bluetooth | Receiver module capturing the signal to activate the components |
| Arduino Uno | Board with the necessary components for the functioning/operation of the microcontroller and its communication with a computer through serial communication | Maintains communication between the module and the other components of the equipment |
| 9V battery connector and battery | Lithium battery with 9V charge | Power source of the components that are going to be manipulated |
| Push Pull Motor | Used to activate a motor, that responds to electrical pulses to open and close | Mechanism actuator, it makes the movement needed to activate the foam’s release |
| Foam container | It contains two compartments: the first contains water with pressurized air, while the second contains the foam concentrate | The pressurized water will shoot out once the trigger is activated remotely. This will be transported/expand to the foam concentrate container to be shot under pressure |
For the foam launcher, we considered the three essential parts: [1] a base that attaches to the drone, that contains all the electronic elements of the foam launcher and the drone’s battery, [2] a foam container with the pressurized water container and the automated nozzle that can be programmed to adjust its environmental variables and foam ejection specificities, and [3] a remote controller capable of operating the nozzle.
In our case, for the prototype test we used a bluetooth remote controller, which is able to be connected to a cell phone or an electronic tablet. Also, for the actuator we used a servo motor to activate the foam’s release. However, since it is a prototype and we followed the recommendations of the authorities, we were not allowed to use firefighting foam (due to their toxic features explained in our human practices and project description section).
Hence, all the prototype tests were a simulation of the actual functioning. For our future perspectives, it is planned to select the optimal nozzle, as well as to calculate the ideal foam volume once we completely characterize our foam’s properties, as well as its behavior on a controlled fire. The next figure shows the action mechanism of the proposed drone:
REFERENCES
- Castillo, P., García, P., Lozano, G. & Albertos, P. (2007). Modelado y estabilización de un helicóptero con cuatro rotores. Revista Iberoamericana de Automática e Informática industrial RIAI, 4(1), 41-57. doi:10.1016/S1697-7912(07)70191-7
- Ruipérez, P.M. (2016). Diseño y Fabricación de un dron. Proyecto final de grado. Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. pp 22-50.
- HASpod. (2019). The 6 types and classes of fire and how to attack them. https://bit.ly/3inFnNn
- Cárdenas Estrada, D.E., Gracia Villar, S., Fernández Diez, F., & Dzul, L.A. (2012). El recalentamiento eléctrico por termo conducción, una perspectiva fisicoquímica del calentamiento eléctrico. Revista Facultad de Ingeniería Universidad de Antioquia, 64, 57-67.
- Etxeberria, J. (2014). Implementación de un dron cuadricóptero con Arduino. Trabajo de fin de grado en Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica. Universidad Pública de Navarra.
Our 2020-2021 iGEM project is generously supported by
