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 researcher Bruce Warmack led development of a Smart Smoke Alarm that used sophisticated algorithms to more accurately identify fires. The technology offered much faster detection of smoldering fires than conventional technology at the time, while simultaneously reducing or eliminating nuisance alarms.
ORNL researchers used a mathematical process called linear discriminant analysis to program an ordinary smoke alarm, allowing it to operate at a high level usually reserved for advanced chemical detectors. After the technology was fully tested at Underwriters Laboratories with prototypes, it was commercially licensed in 2016. These ORNL algorithms are incorporated in many smoke detection systems today. Reducing nuisance alarms reduces the likelihood that frustrated homeowners disable the devices and consequently lose a key safety tool.
- A 2014 study showed about 1,235 deaths per year were caused by fires undetected by disabled alarms
- ORNL’s algorithm enabled detection of smoldering fires 30-40 minutes faster
- Only a few lines of code were needed to enhance fire protection and reduce nuisance alarms
- 60 percent fewer deaths per year happen in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes without working alarms (Source: National Fire Protection Association)