Abstract:
The present invention describes systems and methods which provide a moisture barrier that douses or diffuses buoyant burning debris, particularly hot embers, from a bush and/or brush fire (e.g., wildfires). By strategic placement of the devices and/or apparatus as disclosed, a method of preventing the destruction of dwellings and roof-containing structures by exploiting heat convection is provided.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/498,327, filed Jul. 6, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,276,679. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to fire prevention, and specifically to devices and methods for preventing the destruction of dwellings and other roof-containing structures from fires caused primarily from burning debris, especially embers from brush/bush fires, by co-segregation of atomized fluids and buoyant burning debris using perimeter fluid delivery and heat convection. 
     2. Background Information 
     Each year, the cycles of little rain followed by a long dry spell have lead to the accumulation of large amounts of dry brush and other vegetative combustibles. Under such conditions, dried trees and bushes become ideal fuel for wildfires. In regions with perennial dry seasons, these conditions produce fires that cause billions of dollars worth of damage. 
     With wildfires in the West seemingly becoming more frequent and destructive, there is a growing concern that climate change associated with global warming might be creating more fertile environments for these fires. In California, a major concern is centered on the effects of the Santa Ana winds. The Santa Ana winds are strong, extremely dry offshore winds that characteristically sweep through in Southern California and northern Baja California. They can range from hot to cold, depending on the prevailing temperatures in the Great Basin and upper Mojave Desert. However, the winds are noted most for the hot dry weather that they bring in autumn With extremely low to no humidity and high temperatures, all that is necessary is a spark, and with the strong winds fanning the flames, in no time there is a full scale wildfire. 
     There is a widely held belief that fast moving wildfires explode houses into flames, burning them down in minutes, however, this not borne out by scientific observation. Typically, the majority of houses destroyed in wildfires actually survive the passage of the fire front, only to burn down from ignitions caused by buoyant burning debris. In fact, showers of burning debris may attack a building for some time before the fire front arrives, during the passage of the fire front and for several hours after the fire front has passed. This long duration of attack, to a large extent, explains why burning debris is a major cause of ignition of roof-containing structures. 
     Further, video footage of burning buildings caused by wildfires shows that a fire usually starts from the roofs and attics, then propagates downward to the support, and then collapses onto the lower section of the structure. The most common culprits for the observed vulnerability of roofed-structures are interstices between tiles and/or shingles and the openings for ventilation. These interstices and openings provide an entry path for flying embers to ignite structural items that make up the roof (i.e., plywood panels, support tresses, and felt liners), as well as fuels available in attics (e.g., old papers, clothing and the like). 
     While systems exist claiming to prevent fires on roof-containing structures, they all must be placed on or over the top or apex of the roof, and/or use copious amounts of water (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,330,040; 5,263,543; 5,692,571; 6,679,337). What is needed is a system that douses embers as they enter interstices and openings available on roofs, which embers escape systems that provide water only in a downward direction along the slope of the roof via gravity. 
     In addition, during an emergency, the water supply and its pressure are often reduced, and without water and appropriate pressure, a misting system may be rendered useless. Thus, a system that may compensate for changes in water supply and pressure is also needed. 
     The present invention fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention describes devices and methods for preventing the destruction of dwellings and other roof-containing structures from fires caused primarily from burning debris, especially embers from brush/bush fires, including a system for automation of filling of water tanks, pressurizing the tanks and alternating discharge of water from the tanks to maintain a reliable water supply and pressure to a misting system. 
     In one embodiment, a system for protecting a roof-containing structure from fire embers is disclosed including at least two fluid containers comprising a first, second, third and fourth aperture, and a water level float sensor suspended from a surface within the at least two fluid containers, which third aperture is coupled to a pressure relief valve, and which fourth aperture is connected to a first lumen-containing conveyance configured to be in one-way fluid communication with a water supply separate from the at least two fluid containers via a check valve; a first device connected to each fluid container through the first aperture that discontinuously increases the pressure of a gas above a fluid in the at least two fluid containers by providing air flow into the at least two fluid containers, where the first device is connected to the first aperture via a second lumen-containing conveyance connected to a first T-fitting connector, which first T-fitting connector is connected to an air venting valve; at least one third lumen-containing conveyance where one end is connected to each at least two fluid containers at the second aperture, where the each at least one third lumen-containing conveyance is configured to be in one-way fluid communication with the at least two fluid containers via a check valve, which each at least one third lumen containing conveyance is connected at a second end to a second T-fitting connector; at least one fourth lumen-containing conveyance connected at one end to the second T-fitting connector, where the fourth lumen-containing conveyance includes 
     i) at least one pressure sensor proximal to the second T-fitting connector and 
     ii) one or more nodal points along the at least one fourth lumen-containing conveyance distal to the at least two fluid containers which comprises a second device at the one or more nodal points, where the second device comprises one or more atomizing orifices; and a controller module in electro-mechanical communication with the first device, the pressure sensor, the air venting valve, and the water level float sensor, where the at least one fourth conveyance is releasably coupled to an outer surface of the roof-containing structure such that an atomized fluid delivered by the at least one fourth lumen-containing conveyance and buoyant fire embers co-segregate via heat convection. 
     In one aspect, the controller module communicates with the first device, the pressure sensor, the air venting valve, and the water level float sensor wirelessly. In a related aspect, the water supply is connected to the first lumen-containing conveyance via a third T-fitting connector and a fifth lumen-containing conveyance, which the fifth lumen-containing conveyance is directly connected to at least one source of water. In a further related aspect, one source of water is pressurized. In another related aspect, the system further includes a third device in fluid communication with the fifth lumen-containing conveyance that discontinuously moves water into the fifth lumen-containing conveyance, where the third device is submerged in a source of water which is not pressurized or is at ambient pressure. 
     In another related aspect, the source of water which is not pressurized or is at ambient pressure includes swimming pools, ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, tributaries, fountains, wells, reservoirs, oceans, seas, and combinations thereof. 
     In one aspect, the pressurized water is from a municipal source. In another aspect, the first device is an air-compressor. In one aspect, the air venting valve is an electrical latching solenoid valve. In another aspect, the check valves comprise passive, spring loaded shutters. 
     In one aspect, the third device is a pump. In another aspect, the at least one fourth lumen-containing conveyance is releasably coupled to the outer surface: 
     i) along one or more gutters at the periphery of the roof-containing structure; 
     ii) at one or more vents projecting from an upper surface of the roof-containing structure; 
     iii) along one or more valleys of the roof-containing structure; or 
     iv) a combination of (i), (ii), and (iii). 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus for protecting a roof-containing structure from fire embers is disclosed including at least two fluid containers comprising a first, second, third and fourth aperture, and a water level float sensor suspended from a surface within the at least two fluid containers, which third aperture is coupled to a pressure relief valve, and which fourth aperture is connected to a first lumen-containing conveyance configured to be in one-way fluid communication with a water supply separate from the at least two fluid containers via a check valve; a first device connected to each fluid container through the first aperture that discontinuously increases the pressure of a gas above a fluid in the at least two containers by providing air flow into the at least two fluid containers, where the first device is connected to the first aperture via a second lumen-containing conveyance connected to a first T-fitting connector, which first T-fitting connector is connected to an air venting valve; at least one third lumen-containing conveyance where one end is connected to each at least two fluid containers at the second aperture, where the each at least one third lumen-containing conveyance is configured to be in one-way fluid communication with the at least two fluid containers via a check valve, which each at least one third lumen containing conveyance is connected at a second end to a second T-fitting connector; at least one fourth lumen-containing conveyance connected at one end to the second T-fitting connector, where the fourth lumen-containing conveyance includes 
     i) at least one pressure sensor proximal to the second T-fitting connector and 
     ii) one or more nodal points along the at least one fourth lumen-containing conveyance distal to the at least two fluid containers which comprises a second device at the one or more nodal points, where the second device comprises one or more atomizing orifices; and a controller module in electro-mechanical communication with the first device, the pressure sensor, the air venting valve, and the water level float sensor. 
     In another embodiment, a method of maintaining pressure of a misting system as disclosed includes filling the at least two fluid containers with a liquid at a system water pressure of between about 50 to about 60 psi, where the air venting valve in each of the at least two fluid containers is open; closing the air venting valve in each of the at least two fluid containers when the liquid reaches the top of the at least two fluid containers via the communication between the water level sensor float and the controller module; detecting a drop in water inlet pressure via pressure sensor, where the first device is turned ON in one of the at least two fluid containers when the pressure sensor detects a system water pressure between about 0 psi and about 25 psi via communication between the pressure sensor and the controller module; turning the first device OFF in the one of the at least two fluid containers at a first set period of time; turning the first device ON in another one of the at least two fluid containers after the first period of time, where the air venting valve for the one of the at least two fluid containers is opened via the communication between the air venting valve in the one of the at least two fluid containers and the controller module, and where the air venting valve of the another one of the at least two fluid containers is closed via communication between the air venting valve in the another one of the at least two fluid containers and the controller module; turning the first device OFF in the another one of the at least two fluid containers at a second set period of time; turning the first device ON in the one of the at least two fluid containers after the second set period of time, where the air venting valve for the another one of the at least two fluid containers is opened via the communication between the air venting valve in the another one of the at least two fluid containers and the controller module, and where the air venting valve of the one of the at least two fluid containers is closed via communication between the air venting valve in the one of the at least two fluid containers and the controller module; and repeating steps the above until the system water pressure reaches a pressure greater than about 25 psi. 
     In one aspect, system water pressure and liquid release rate are such that the liquid is released over a period from about 0.5 to 8 hours. In another aspect, the liquid includes water; water and cellulose; water and ammonia; water, camphor, and ammonium chloride; hydroxyl ammonium nitrate; an amine nitrate salt; and combinations thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates how an atomized fluid carried by heat convection extinguishes buoyant embers. 
         FIG. 2  shows the components of the present invention as described. 
         FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the present invention positioned on the roof of a dwelling as disclosed. 
         FIG. 4  shows an atomizing orifice of the present invention, including a preferred embodiment as disclosed. 
         FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of the present invention positioned on the roof of a dwelling as disclosed. 
         FIG. 6  shows a variation of the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a misting system installed on a roof top of a house and an alternate water source supplied by a swimming pool or other body of water external to public water supply. 
         FIG. 8  shows the dual tank pressurized water delivery system interconnections in detail, where the tanks are devoid of water and the air venting valves are in closed position. 
         FIG. 9  shows an embodiment of the dual tank pressurized water delivery system, where both tanks contain various amount of water and air venting valves are in the opened position. 
         FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of the dual tank pressurized water delivery system, where both tanks (A and B) are filled with water, air venting valves are in the closed position and water may be sent from the tanks to a common outlet for delivery to misters at a pressure defined by the water inlet pressure. 
         FIG. 11  shows an embodiment of the dual tank pressurized water delivery system, where the defined pressure has changed at the water inlet and a compressor is activated to increase the pressure in Tank A (air vent closed) such that pressure required for misting is maintained despite inlet pressure drop. 
         FIG. 12  shows an embodiment of the dual tank pressurized water delivery system, where after a select period of time a previously activated compressor in Tank A is turned off and the air vent opened such that Tank A may be refilled with water, concurrently the air compressor in Tank B is activated to increase the pressure in Tank B (air vent closed) such that pressure required for misting is maintained despite inlet pressure drop. 
         FIG. 13  shows an embodiment of the dual tank pressurized water delivery system, where after a select period of time, a previously activated compressor in Tank B is turned off and the air vent opened such that Tank B may be refilled with water, concurrently the air compressor in Tank A is activated to increase the pressure in Tank A (air vent closed) such that pressure required for misting is maintained despite inlet pressure drop. 
         FIG. 14  shows an embodiment of the dual tank pressurized water delivery system with an alternate water source supplied by a swimming pool or other body of water external to public water supply, where a submerged pump in the alternative water source delivers water to the system. 
         FIG. 15  shows an embodiment of the dual tank pressurized water delivery system illustrating the multifunction connector components of a third aperture in detail. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Before the present composition, methods, and methodologies are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular components, methods, and apparatus described, as such components, methods, and apparatus may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only in the appended claims. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, references to “a valve” includes one or more valves, and/or components of the type described herein which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and so forth. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, as it will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the instant disclosure. 
     As used herein, “atomization,” including grammatical variations thereof, means the conversion of a liquid into a spray of very fine droplets. 
     As used herein, “co-segregate,” including grammatical variations thereof, means to migrate or move coordinately so as to separate or sequester jointly. For example, the fine droplets produced by atomization co-segregate with buoyant embers such that the embers are no longer available for combustion. 
     As used herein, “system water pressure” refers to the amount of force applied uniformly within the cavities of components which make up the apparatus as disclosed (e.g., lumen containing conveyances). 
     As used herein, “inlet water pressure” refers to the amount of force exhibited by the water supply coming from without the components which make up the apparatus as disclosed (e.g., from a municipal spigot or non-pressurized water source). 
     With reference to the accompanying Figures, the present invention generally relates to devices and methods for preventing the destruction of dwellings and other roof-containing structures from fires caused primarily from burning debris, especially embers from brush/bush fires.  FIG. 1  illustrates that embers that become buoyant by convection land within interstices present on the roof, thus they are capable of igniting materials contained therein (e.g., wood making up the support tresses, plywood panels, felt liners and the like). The system and apparatus of the present invention produce atomized droplets of fluid which float with the embers and are thus deposited with them as a function of heat convection, thereby preventing ignition of combustible materials by extinguishing the embers prior to, concomitant with, and/or subsequent to contact with such interstices. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a system  10  for protecting a roof-containing structure from fire embers. In  FIG. 2 , the fluid container  112  comprises at least two apertures for ingress  117   a  and egress  117  of fluids. Further, the container  112  is pressurizable, and may be portable or stationary, depending on the amount of fluid to be contained therein. In one aspect, the container  112  may accommodate about 10 to 20 gallons of liquid, about 20 to 50 gallons of liquid, about 50 to 75 gallons of liquid, or greater than about 100 gallons of liquid. In a related aspect, the container  112  contains at least 50 gallons of water. 
     The container  112  may be made of plastic or metal and/or any other material that allows for containment of multiple gallons of a fluid with at least the density of water, and that allows for pressurization of at least 60 psi. In one embodiment, the fluid comprises water, however, any atomizable fire-suppressant fluid may be used in the present invention. For example, fluids may be water or water-based mixtures, including but not limited to cellulose, water and ammonia; water, camphor, and ammonium chloride; hydroxyl ammonium nitrate, an amine nitrate salt, and water and the like. 
     The container  112  may contain one or more additional apertures to accommodate a pressure relief valve  108  and/or an additional water inlet  109 . The container  112  is configured to be communication with a first device  105  or  106  that discontinuously increases the pressure of a gas above a liquid or other fluid by displacing (pump  105 ) or reducing (compressor  106 ) gas volume. The first device  105 / 106  is controlled by a passive feedback control loop via fluid communication with a pressure regulator  107  between the first device  105 / 106  and the container  112 . The first device  105 / 106  may be an electrically or mechanically automated machine which provides discontinuous, intermittent airflow into the fluid container  112  via a pressure regulator  107  in a passive feedback-control loop configuration. This regulator  107  operates the system in a highly efficient manner, since the loop configuration does not require continuous power consumption by the first device  105 / 106  for pressure modulation control in the container  112  after the system  10  is activated. For example, when the egress pressure from the container  112  reaches a specific value (e.g., 24 psi) the feedback loop shuts off the first device  105 / 106 , and when the egress pressure from the container  112  goes below 24 psi, the first device  105 / 106  is activated. 
     In embodiments, the first device  105 / 106  is electrically automated. In one aspect, the fluid is delivered under a pressure of about 15 to 18 psi, about 18 to 20 psi, about 20 to 22 psi, or about 22 to 24 psi. In another aspect, the fluid is delivered under a pressure of about 18 to 24 psi. 
     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  also includes a rechargeable battery  104  which is configured to be in electrical communication with an AC/DC power source  102  (e.g., but not limited to, a wall outlet or a generator), a solar source  101 , or wind turbine  103  or a combination thereof. 
     The container  112  is also coupled to a lumen containing conveyance  117  (e.g., a hose, pipe or other fluid transfer conduit for directing the flow of liquids) which may comprise plastic, rubber, cloth, metal, fire resistant material or a combination thereof. Such a conveyance may comprise a valve  110  (manual or automatic) for regulating liquid egress from the container  112 . Further, the conveyance  117  contains a plurality of nodal points (n) along its length, where such nodal points contain a second device  111 . The second device  111  transforms the incoming pressure to a higher second pressure such that a liquid delivered by the conveyance  117  is converted into a spray of very fine droplets (i.e., an atomizing orifice; for example, but not limited to, a nozzle or mister). In one aspect, such a second device  111  has a fluid release rate of about 0.0083 to 0.0090 gallons per minute (GPM), about 0.0090 to 0.0100 GPM, about 0.0100 to 0.0150 GPM, about 0.0150 to 0.020 GPM, and from about 0.020 to 0.024 GPM. In another aspect, the fluid release rate is about 0.0084 to 0.023 GPM. The conveyance  117  may be of any length, and may contain lengths devoid of nodal points (n) to allow for distal placement of the second device  111 . 
     The system  10  may also comprise gauges and additional valves to monitor and effect fluid flow. In one aspect, the system  10  is activated manually prior to leaving a home or other roof-containing structure once a wildfire emergency has been declared. In another aspect, the system  10  may be activated remotely if a user is notified away from a dwelling or other roof-containing structure that such an emergency exists. Further, automatic activation may be actuated by smoke detection, fire detection, or other external-environment based detection systems. 
       FIG. 3  shows the system  10  where the orifices  111  are strategically placed on the roof  113  and at a vent  114  of a dwelling by running the conveyance  117  up a downspout  116  and along the gutters  118  of the dwelling (e.g., at the bottom of the roof-line or at the drip edge). In this embodiment, such placement maximizes the exploitation of air flow produced by heat to drive a misting fluid with any buoyant embers along the face of the roof  113 . Thus, the positioning as illustrated achieves the co-segregation of the atomized fluid with buoyant embers such that the embers are no longer available for combustion. Such exploitation is not possible where release of the liquid is only from the top or apex of the roof  113  (i.e., heat convection would blow released fluids away from the structure). In one aspect, the orifices  111  are strategically placed such that they face a wind moving from east to west. In another aspect, the orifices  111  may be coupled to servos or other mechanical devices such that the orifices  111  may be repositioned automatically/remotely to take advantage of wind direction. 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 3  also illustrates the placement of the orifices  111  in front of any vents  114  which project from the surface of the roof  113  for protection against embers potentially entering the attic. 
       FIG. 4  shows a detailed illustration of an atomizing orifice  111 . As seen in the figure, the orifice has three main components; a nozzle head  21 , a first conduit  20  perpendicular to the flow line of the conveyance  117  and a second conduit  22  integral with the perpendicular conduit and that is parallel with the flow line of the conveyance  117 . As the system  10  is closed and under pressure, fluid can only escape through the orifices  111 . 
     The nozzle head  21  may be made from any material, including but not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber or a combination thereof. Such nozzles are commercially available (see, e.g., Ecologic Technologies, Pasadena, Md.), and come in a wide variety of colors, angles and GPM rates. In one aspect, the angle of the orifice is about 115° or about 180°. 
     The first perpendicular conduit  20  may be of any length, such that nozzle  21  height provides a sufficient atomized liquid canopy for co-segregation via heat convection. The integral second parallel conduit  22  also contains protuberances  25  on its outer surface which produce an air-tight/water-tight seal against the inner lumen of the conveyance  117 .  FIG. 4  also shows an orifice  111  attached to a gutter  118  via a releasable mechanism  26  (e.g., including, but not limited to a clip). 
       FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of the present invention comprising more than one source of fire suppressant (e.g., water or fire retardant liquid). In this embodiment, water, for example, may be obtained from either the container  112  or from a municipal/household source  119 . Fluid flow from the container  112  and municipal source  119  may be effected by manual control valves  110 ; however, when the system  10  is under automated control, separate systems become active ( 110  valves would remain open). Under automated control, flow from the municipal source  119  is controlled by an actuator  120  (which is in fluid communication with the municipal source  119  and in electrical communication with the first device  106 ) and a check valve  121  to ensure one way fluid communication from the municipal source  119 . The conveyance  117  from the municipal source  119  is in fluid communication with a T-fitting connector  122  (although a T-fitting connector is described, one of skill in the art would understand that any connector comprising at least three flow paths will be useful for the present embodiment as disclosed). When, for example, water pressure is low from this source  119  (e.g., over use of municipal source during wildfire), the actuator will shut-off flow from the municipal source  119  and engage flow from the container  112  via activation of the first device  106  (e.g., when pressure from  119  is less than 25 psi), as the actuator  120  is in electrical communication with the first device  106  through an electrical conduit  115 . Flow from the container  112  is the same as described above, except that the conveyance  117  is coupled to the common T-fitting connector  122 . If the container  112  is emptied, and municipal flow  119  is available, the first device  106  will shut-off, and the actuator  120  will engage flow from the municipal source  119 , including reversing flow through the conveyance  117  to fill the container using the municipal source  119  (e.g., when pressure from municipal source  119  is greater than 40 psi). 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a variation of the separate source embodiment of  FIG. 5 . In this embodiment, the fluid flow from the two sources ( 112 ,  119 ) is controlled by a pressure sensor  128 , a first  126  and second  127  solenoid, and a control module  129  which may be monitored and managed telemetrically. Under automated control and after the system is activated, the control module  129  acquires data from the pressure sensor  128  and relays that data to a user. If the pressure changes for one fluid source or the other, the user may then switch sources by manipulating the solenoids  126 ,  127  remotely. As shown in the figure, the pressure sensor  128  and solenoids  126 ,  127  are in fluid communication via a tripartite valve  131  (again, one of skill in the art would understand that any connector comprising at least three flow paths will be useful for the present embodiment as disclosed), and are in electrical communication with the control module  129 . Also shown is a positioning of the nodal containing conveyance  117  in a parallel lattice formation along the face of a roof  113 . To achieve the lattice, the conveyance  117  is split into two flow paths ( 117   b ,  117   c ) via a T-fitting connector  130 , and is then configured to go along the roof surface  113  in parallel. The orifices  111  are contained on long first perpendicular conduits  20  and interdigitate as they project from opposite nodal points (n). Alternatively, perpendicular conveyances  117  containing a plurality of nodal points (n) comprising multiple orifices  111  in fluid communication via multiple T-fitting connectors  130  may be used. This pattern may be useful when greater coverage on larger roof surfaces is required (e.g., a warehouse or mansion). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-15 , for the dual tank system  30 , the Tanks A  112  and B  112   a  may be of about 20 to 30 gallon capacity, made of plastic (e.g., lightweight fiberglass wrapped tanks) or metal, combinations thereof, and/or any other material that allows for containment of multiple gallons of a fluid with at least the density of water, and that allows for pressurization of at least 85 psi. In embodiments, the fluid comprises water, however, any atomizable fire-suppressant fluid may be used in the present invention. For example, fluids may be water or water-based mixtures, including but not limited to cellulose; water and ammonia; water, camphor, and ammonium chloride; hydroxyl ammonium nitrate; an amine nitrate salt and water; and the like. A typical roof containing structure  123  will have the misters  111  installed on the roof. The dual tank system  30  in  FIG. 7  illustrates the optional water source which may be a pool  330 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 7-15 , a first lumen containing conveyance  117   e  may be connected to said optional water source  330 / 119  via a check valve  323 , where one end of said first lumen containing conveyance  117   e  is connected to a T-fitting connector  130 , which connector  130  in combination with a separate check valve  323  allows for directional flow of water away from said optional water source  330 / 119  to Tanks A  112  and B  112   a.    
       FIG. 8  shows the components and interconnections of the dual tank system  30 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , water inlet  317   a  and outlet  317   b  apertures are located at the bottom of the tanks  112 ,  112   a  while a third aperture  317   c  is located at the top. The third aperture  317   c  may contain a connector  317   d  ( FIG. 15 ) which has multiple functions integrated together that comprise the following hardware: a water level float sensor  318  ( FIG. 15 ) (e.g., available from APG, Inc., Logan Utah); a compressed air inlet  319  (see also,  FIG. 15 ); an air venting valve  320  (see also,  FIG. 15 ); and a pressure release valve  322  (see also,  FIG. 15 ). In embodiments, a fourth aperture  317   e  may contain the pressure valve  322  separate from the multiple function connector  317   d . The water level float sensor  318  contains an electrical switch, where its “ON/OFF” state is sensed by a magnetic float  321  ( FIG. 15 ). The float  321  is set inside the water tanks  112 ,  112   a , which may be suspended from a surface therein proximal to the top of the water tanks  112 ,  112   a  or attached to a surface proximal to the top of the water tanks  112 ,  112   a  ( FIG. 15 ). As water rises to the top of the tanks  112 ,  112   a , the float  321  is pushed upwards to close the switch ( FIG. 15 ). This switch signal is sent to the control module  324  which is in electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, or telemetric communication with the switch for processing by the controller module  324  ( FIG. 15 ). One water level sensor  318  is dedicated for each tank  112 ,  112   a  to indicate tank  112 ,  112   a  water level. The controller module  324  may comprise an electronic printed circuit board (PCB), power supply regulator, solar charger, and an array of input/output interfaces that allow for electrical communication, mechanical communication, electro-mechanical communication, telemetric communication, or combinations thereof, between the controller module  324  and various components of the system  30 . 
     The compressed air inlet  319  is an input aperture that enables a flexible lumen-containing conduit  319   a  to connect directly to an air compressor  106 . This connection allows the compressor  106  to build up pressure inside the tanks  112 ,  112   a . This build up of pressure inside the tanks  112 ,  112   a  is the driving force that raises the water pressure as water exits the outlet aperture  317   b  at the bottom of the tanks  112 ,  112   a.    
     The air venting valve  320  may be an electrical latching solenoid valve (e.g., available from Solenoid Solutions, Inc., Erie, Pa.) which may be used as an air venting device. Typically, valves consume power to stay open or to close. However, this type of valve  320  has a magnetic latching plunger. The latching function enables the valve to stay opened or closed while consuming little power. The plunger stays open or closes depending on the polarities of a controlling pulse which drives the valve with short bursts of energy, hence it consumes very little power. 
     The pressure relief valve  322  functions in the event of over pressurizing the tanks  112 ,  112   a , where the relief valve  322  discharges excess pressure and prevents the tanks  112 ,  112   a  and other components from being damaged. 
     The dual tank system  30  may contain at least four check valves  323  to control the direction of water flow. In embodiments, the check valves  323  are passive, spring loaded shutters; as such, they do not consume any battery power or require any controlling signals. In operation, they function to allow water to flow in only one direction. 
     In embodiments, air compressors  106  are high volume, high pressure units. In a related aspect, each compressor  106  connects directly to the third aperture  317   c  at the top of the tanks  112 ,  112   a . One or more pressure sensors  325  may be placed after the union (e.g., by T-fitting connector  130 ) of the two water tank outlet conduits  117 . The one or more sensors  325  are electrical switches that have two set trigger points. The “Cut-In” is set at about 25 psi, while the “Cut-Out” is set at about 45 psi. Sensor signals are sent to the control module  324 , which is in electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, or telemetric communication with said one or more sensors  325 , for processing. In the event of a wild fire, an operator may simply activate a single control switch  123   a ,  123   b ,  123   c  to start the system, which control switch  123   a ,  123   b ,  123   c  may be within the roof-containing structure  123 , outside of the roof-containing structure  123 , or may be activated by remote (telemetric) commands ( FIG. 7 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8-14 , the tanks  112 ,  112   a  may be kept empty ( FIG. 8 ) to ensure that sludge does not build up inside the tanks  112 ,  112   a ; the operation sequence begins with the process of filing up the tanks  112 ,  112   a . Initially, the municipal water pressure is at “normal” or “operating” pressure (e.g., approximately 50 to 60 psi). This pressure range easily overcomes the check valves  323 , and water may begin to enter the tanks  112 ,  112   a  at the bottom through the inlet apertures  317   a . The air venting valves  320  are in the open position ( FIG. 9 ) to allow air inside the tank  112 ,  112   a  to be pushed out as the water level begins to rise. When the water level reaches the top of the tanks  112 ,  112   a  ( FIG. 10 ), the water level sensor  318  is triggered, signaling the controller module  324  to close the venting valves  320 . As the venting valves  320  close, a small air pocket inside each tank  112 ,  112   a  is formed. Because the incoming water continues to enter the tank  112 ,  112   a  at a high pressure force, and there is no other place for the water to go, the tanks  112 ,  112   a  begin to build up pressure. The built up pressure eventually forces the water to exit the outlets  317   b  at the bottom of the tanks  112 ,  112   a . This represents the “fill” cycle. 
     The pressure from the water exiting the tanks  112 ,  112   a  overcomes the check valves  323 , where the outlet water conduits  117  may come together at a T-fitting connector  130 . The pressure sensor  325  after the T-fitting connector  130 , monitors the water pressure as the water moves toward the misting heads  111 . This is the critical sensing point of the feedback loop. Under the initial conditions, the incoming water pressure from the source  119 ,  330  and the outgoing water pressure to the misting heads  111  are equal as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The misting process begins at about 15 psi and gradually increases its circular misting pattern as pressure increases to about 50 psi. At this point, the system  30  is in “pass thru” mode, and no external power is being consumed. The pressure sensor  325  has at least 2 set points to signal the controller  324  its status. The “Cut-In” is at about 25 psi, and the “Cut-Out” is at about 45 psi. The set point for “low pressure” may be in the range of 0 to less than about 25 psi, where the set point for “high pressure” may be greater but not less than about 25 psi. In embodiments, as long as the water pressure is in the “high pressure” range, misting should be at optimal performance. 
     During an emergency event, pressure from a municipal source  119  may drop below 25 psi and affect the misting pattern severely. This condition is sensed by the pressure sensor  325  ( FIG. 11 ) and signaled to the controller module  324  to turn “ON” Tank A  112  air compressor  106 . By having the pressure build up in Tank A  112 , water exits Tank A  112  and makes its way to the T-fitting connector  130 . The water path is forced to this junction because there is a check valve  323  from Tank B  112   a  prohibiting water from entering Tank B  112   a . Water pressure begins to rise and this rise in pressure restores optimal misting pressure. When water pressure has reached its “high pressure” set point, the controller module  324  turns “OFF” the compressor  106  to reserve its battery life (when battery powered). Again, the “high pressure” path is controlled by check valves  323  (no to low power consumption), where water is routed to the misting devices  111 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , after Tank A  112  discharges for a set period of time (between about 10 and 15 minutes or about 12 minutes), the controller module  324  switches the discharge cycle to Tank B  112   a . The switching comprises multiple operations. The controller module  324 , in mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, or telemetric communication with the air venting valve  320  for Tank A, opens the air venting valve  320  allowing compressed air to escape, so that “low pressure” water can refill the tank  112 . Simultaneously, the controller module  324 , in mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, or telemetric communication with the air venting valve  320  of Tank B  112   a , closes the air venting valve  320  for Tank B  112   a  (in embodiments, this valve  320  may already be in a closed state), and turns “ON” the air compressor  106  for Tank B  112   a . The operation affords a smooth transition between tanks  112 ,  112   a , and allows continuous discharging of pressurized water, while at the same time filling up a partially discharged tank ( 112  or  112   a ). The alternating of discharge and refill of the water tanks  112 ,  112   a  continues until “normal” or “operating” water pressure is restored (see  FIG. 13 ). 
     The dual tank system  30  is a self-pressurizing water system that is taking water and raising its pressure to the point where it may be misted by downstream components of the system  30  when municipal water supply  119  pressure drops. Because of this function, the system is flexible and may easily be expanded to tap into other water sources  330 , including but not limited to, swimming pools, ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, tributaries, fountains, wells, reservoirs, oceans, seas, and the like, to further supplement the duration of the water supply. These water sources may have no pressure (or are at ambient pressure), but with the addition of a submerged water pump  305  and check valve  223 , the system now has access to such external water supplies  330  ( FIG. 14 ). The submerged pump  305  may also be in mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, or telemetric communication with the controller module  324 . As the fill rate from the municipal water source  119  slows down due to reduced water pressure, the submerged pump  305  turns “ON”, and increases the water filling rate of the system  30  by tapping into the external water supply  330 . This configuration of the use of an external water supply is designed to save power such that the pump  305  is only turned “ON” as necessary. 
     When there is a need for operators to turn “ON” the system  30  while away from the roof-containing structure  123 , the system  30  may utilize a home Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth technology or a Telephone Landline Reverse 911 Emergency Service to turn the system  30  “ON”. This process may be fully automated and accessible via Smartphone or PC application. For operators that enroll in security services, this remote triggering function may be offered by the service provider to expand and include a wild fire protection service. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     All references cited herein are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.