Patent Publication Number: US-2022212046-A1

Title: Fire detection system with multiple stage alarms

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/851,197, filed May 22, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Fire suppression systems are commonly used to protect an area and objects within the area from fire. Fire suppression systems can be activated manually or automatically in response to an indication that a fire is present nearby (e.g., an increase in ambient temperature beyond a predetermined threshold value, etc.). Once activated, fire suppression systems spread a fire suppression agent throughout the area. The fire suppressant agent then extinguishes or prevents the growth of the fire. 
     SUMMARY 
     One implementation of the present disclosure is a fire suppression system. In some embodiments, the fire suppression system includes a temperature sensors, a suppression system activator, and processing circuitry. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is configured to monitor a temperature. In some embodiments, the suppression system activator is configured to activate the fire suppression system to suppress a fire. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to determine a fire alert in response to the monitored temperature exceeding a temperature threshold value. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to adjust a polling rate of the temperature sensor in response to the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold value. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to determine a rate of change of the monitored temperature over a time period. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to activate the fire suppression system in response to the rate of change exceeding the rate of change threshold value. 
     In some embodiments, the fire suppression system includes multiple temperature sensors configured to monitor multiple temperature values at multiple different locations. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to determine the fire alert in response to at least one of the multiple monitored temperature value exceeding the temperature threshold value. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to adjust a polling rate of the multiple temperature sensors in response to at least one of the multiple monitored temperatures exceeding the temperature threshold value. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to determine a rate of change of at least one of the monitored temperatures over the time period. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to determine a fire warning in response to the rate of change of at least one of the multiple monitored temperatures over the time period exceeding the rate of change threshold value. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to activate the fire suppression system in response to the rate of change of at least one of the multiple monitored temperatures exceeding the rate of change threshold value. 
     In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to monitor the rate of change of at least one of the multiple monitored temperatures over a monitoring time period. 
     In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to activate the fire suppression system in response to at least one of one or more of the multiple monitored temperatures exceeding a maximum allowable temperature threshold value, and the monitored rate of change of at least one of the multiple monitored temperatures being continuous over the monitoring time period. 
     In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to output at least one of a visual alert, an aural alert, and a remote alert in response to any of the fire alert, the fire warning, and an indication of the activation of the fire suppression system. 
     In some embodiments, the remote alert includes at least one of a text message, an email, or a phone call. 
     In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to determine an average temperature of the multiple monitored temperatures. 
     In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured adjust the polling rate of the multiple temperature sensors in response to the average temperature exceeding a reference value by a predefined amount. 
     Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method for detecting a fire and automatically activating a fire suppression system. In some embodiments, the method includes providing multiple temperature sensors configured to monitor multiple temperatures. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a fire suppression system configured to suppress a fire. In some embodiments, the method includes determining a fire alert in response to at least one of the multiple monitored temperatures exceeding a temperature threshold value. In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting a polling rate of the multiple temperature sensors in response to at least one of the multiple monitored temperatures exceeding a temperature threshold value. In some embodiments, the method includes determining a rate of change of at least one of the multiple monitored temperatures over a time period. In some embodiments, the method includes activating the fire suppression system in response to the rate of change exceeding a rate of change threshold value. 
     In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a fire warning in response to the rate of change exceeding the rate of change threshold value. In some embodiments, the method includes outputting any of the fire alert, the fire warning, or an indication of the activation of the fire suppression system to a user. In some embodiments, the method includes monitoring the rate of change of at least one of the multiple monitored temperatures over a monitoring time period. 
     In some embodiments, the method further includes activating the fire suppression system in response to at least one of one or more of the multiple monitored temperatures exceeding a maximum allowable temperature threshold value or the monitored rate of change of at least one of the multiple monitored temperatures being continuous over the monitoring time period. 
     In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of a visual alert, an aural alert, and a remote alert in response to any of the fire alert, the fire warning, or the indication of the activation of the fire suppression system. 
     In some embodiments, the remote alert includes at least one of a text message, an email, or a phone call. 
     In some embodiments, the method further includes determining an average temperature of the multiple monitored temperatures. 
     In some embodiments, the method further includes adjusting the polling rate of the multiple temperatures in response to the average temperature exceeding a reference value by a predefined amount. 
     Another implementation of the present disclosure is a controller for a fire suppression system. In some embodiments, the controller includes processing circuitry configured to receive sensor data from multiple temperature sensors indicating multiple monitored temperatures. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to determine a fire alert in response to any of the multiple monitored temperatures exceeding a temperature threshold value. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to adjust a polling rate of one or more of the multiple temperature sensors in response to any of the multiple monitored temperatures exceeding the temperature threshold value. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to activate a fire suppression system in response to a rate of change of the plurality of monitored temperatures over a time period exceeding a rate of change threshold. 
     In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to determine an average temperature of the multiple monitored temperatures. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to adjust the polling rate of the multiple temperatures in response to the average temperature exceeding a reference value by a predefined amount. 
     In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to determine a fire warning in response to the rate of change of the plurality of monitored temperatures over the time period exceeding the rate of change threshold. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to output any of the fire alert, the fire warning, or an indication of the activation of the fire suppression system to a user. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to monitor the rate of change over a monitoring time period. 
     In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to activate the fire suppression system to provide a fire suppressant agent to an area in response to the fire warning. 
     In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to output at least one of a visual alert, an aural alert, and a remote alert in response to any of the fire alert, the fire warning, or an indication of the activation of the fire suppression system. 
     This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic of a fire suppression system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing a fire detection and suppression system, including a controller, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the controller of  FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a method which the controller of  FIG. 3  may use to detect a hazard, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is a graph showing time series data of a temperature which the controller of  FIG. 2  may use to detect a hazard, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Overview 
     Referring generally to the FIGURES, a fire detection and alert system is shown, according to some embodiments. The system includes a fire suppression system configured to facilitate extinguishing of a fire, one or more temperature sensors, and a controller, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the system includes three or more temperature sensors. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive temperature readings from the one or more temperature sensors and detect a hazard (e.g., a fire). In some embodiments, the controller is configured to preemptively detect a hazard or to detect that a hazard is likely to occur soon. In some embodiments, the system is configured to provide any of an alert, a notification, a warning, a message, etc., to a remote user regarding a present hazard or of the possibility that a hazard may occur. In some embodiments, the system is configured to provide any of a visual alert and an aural alert to nearby people regarding a detected fire or a predicted hazard. In some embodiments, the system identifies changes in the temperature readings over a time period to determine if the temperatures are increasing, and if a fire is likely to occur due to rapidly increasing temperatures. In some embodiments, the system activates the fire suppression system in response to detecting a fire. It would be advantageous to have a fire suppression system which can preemptively detect a hazard or detect a present hazard and provide alerts to a user. 
     Fire Suppression System 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a fire suppression system  10  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, the fire suppression system  10  is a chemical fire suppression system. The fire suppression system  10  is configured to dispense or distribute a fire suppressant agent onto and/or nearby a fire, extinguishing the fire and preventing the fire from spreading. The fire suppression system  10  can be used alone or in combination with other types of fire suppression systems (e.g., a building sprinkler system, a handheld fire extinguisher, etc.). In some embodiments, multiple fire suppression systems  10  are used in combination with one another to cover a larger area (e.g., each in different rooms of a building). 
     The fire suppression system  10  can be used in a variety of different applications. Different applications can require different types of fire suppressant agent and different levels of mobility. The fire suppression system  10  is usable with a variety of different fire suppressant agents, such as powders, liquids, foams, or other fluid or flowable materials. The fire suppression system  10  can be used in a variety of stationary applications. By way of example, the fire suppression system  10  is usable in kitchens (e.g., for oil or grease fires, etc.), in libraries, in data centers (e.g., for electronics fires, etc.), at filling stations (e.g., for gasoline or propane fires, etc.), or in other stationary applications. Alternatively, the fire suppression system  10  can be used in a variety of mobile applications. By way of example, the fire suppression system  10  can be incorporated into land-based vehicles (e.g., racing vehicles, forestry vehicles, construction vehicles, agricultural vehicles, mining vehicles, passenger vehicles, refuse vehicles, etc.), airborne vehicles (e.g., jets, planes, helicopters, etc.), or aquatic vehicles, (e.g., ships, submarines, etc.). 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the fire suppression system  10  includes a fire suppressant tank  12  (e.g., a vessel, container, vat, drum, tank, canister, cartridge, or can, etc.). The fire suppressant tank  12  defines an internal volume  14  filled (e.g., partially, completely, etc.) with fire suppressant agent. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant agent is normally not pressurized (e.g., is at or near atmospheric pressure). The fire suppressant tank  12  includes an exchange section, shown as neck  16 . The neck  16  permits the flow of expellant gas into the internal volume  14  and the flow of fire suppressant agent out of the internal volume  14  so that the fire suppressant agent can be supplied to a fire. 
     The fire suppression system  10  further includes a cartridge  20  (e.g., a vessel, container, vat, drum, tank, canister, cartridge, or can, etc.). The cartridge  20  defines an internal volume  22  configured to contain a volume of pressurized expellant gas. The expellant gas can be an inert gas. In some embodiments, the expellant gas is air, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen. The cartridge  20  includes an outlet portion or outlet section, shown as neck  24 . The neck  24  defines an outlet fluidly coupled to the internal volume  22 . Accordingly, the expellant gas can leave the cartridge  20  through the neck  24 . The cartridge  20  can be rechargeable or disposable after use. In some embodiments where the cartridge  20  is rechargeable, additional expellant gas can be supplied to the internal volume  22  through the neck  24 . 
     The fire suppression system  10  further includes a valve, puncture device, or activator assembly, shown as actuator  30 . The actuator  30  includes an adapter, shown as receiver  32 , that is configured to receive the neck  24  of the cartridge  20 . The neck  24  is selectively coupled to the receiver  32  (e.g., through a threaded connection, etc.). Decoupling the cartridge  20  from the actuator  30  facilitates removal and replacement of the cartridge  20  when the cartridge  20  is depleted. The actuator  30  is fluidly coupled to the neck  16  of the fire suppressant tank  12  through a conduit or pipe, shown as hose  34 . 
     The actuator  30  includes an activation mechanism  36  configured to selectively fluidly couple the internal volume  22  to the neck  16 . In some embodiments, the activation mechanism  36  includes one or more valves (e.g., valve  66 ) that selectively fluidly couple the internal volume  22  to the hose  34 . The valves can be mechanically, electrically, manually, or otherwise actuated. In some such embodiments, the neck  24  includes valve  66  that selectively prevents the expellant gas from flowing through the neck  24 . Valve  66  can be manually operated (e.g., by a lever or knob on the outside of the cartridge  20 , etc.) or can open automatically upon engagement of the neck  24  with the actuator  30 . Valve  66  facilitates removal of the cartridge  20  prior to depletion of the expellant gas. In other embodiments, the cartridge  20  is sealed (e.g., valve  66  may be omitted), and the activation mechanism  36  is or includes a puncturing member such as a pin, knife, nail, or other sharp object that the actuator  30  forces into contact with the cartridge  20 . This punctures the outer surface of the cartridge  20 , fluidly coupling the internal volume  22  with the actuator  30 . In some embodiments, the activation mechanism  36  punctures the cartridge  20  only when the actuator  30  is activated. In some such embodiments, the activation mechanism  36  omits any valves that control the flow of expellant gas to the hose  34 . In other embodiments, the activation mechanism  36  automatically punctures the cartridge  20  as the neck  24  engages the actuator  30 . 
     Once the actuator  30  is activated and the cartridge  20  is fluidly coupled to the hose  34 , the expellant gas from the cartridge  20  flows freely through the neck  24 , the actuator  30 , and the hose  34  and into the neck  16 . The expellant gas forces fire suppressant agent from the fire suppressant tank  12  out through the neck  16  and into a conduit or hose, shown as pipe  40 . In one embodiment, the neck  16  directs the expellant gas from the hose  34  to a top portion of the internal volume  14 . The neck  16  defines an outlet (e.g., using a syphon tube, etc.) near the bottom of the fire suppressant tank  12 . The pressure of the expellant gas at the top of the internal volume  14  forces the fire suppressant agent to exit through the outlet and into the pipe  40 . In other embodiments, the expellant gas enters a bladder within the fire suppressant tank  12 , and the bladder presses against the fire suppressant agent to force the fire suppressant agent out through the neck  16 . In yet other embodiments, the pipe  40  and the hose  34  are coupled to the fire suppressant tank  12  at different locations. By way of example, the hose  34  can be coupled to the top of the fire suppressant tank  12 , and the pipe  40  can be coupled to the bottom of the fire suppressant tank  12 . In some embodiments, the fire suppressant tank  12  includes a burst disk that prevents the fire suppressant agent from flowing out through the neck  16  until the pressure within the internal volume  14  exceeds a threshold pressure. Once the pressure exceeds the threshold pressure, the burst disk ruptures, permitting the flow of fire suppressant agent. Alternatively, the fire suppressant tank  12  can include a valve, a puncture device, or another type of opening device or activator assembly that is configured to fluidly couple the internal volume  14  to the pipe  40  in response to the pressure within the internal volume  14  exceeding the threshold pressure. Such an opening device can be configured to activate mechanically (e.g., the force of the pressure causes the opening device to activate, etc.) or the opening device may include a separate pressure sensor in communication with the internal volume  14  that causes the opening device to activate. 
     The pipe  40  is fluidly coupled to one or more outlets or sprayers, shown as nozzles  42 . The fire suppressant agent flows through the pipe  40  and to the nozzles  42 . The nozzles  42  each define one or more apertures, through which the fire suppressant agent exits, forming a spray of fire suppressant agent that covers a desired area. The sprays from the nozzles  42  then suppress or extinguish fire within that area. The apertures of the nozzles  42  can be shaped to control the spray pattern of the fire suppressant agent leaving the nozzles  42 . The nozzles  42  can be aimed such that the sprays cover specific points of interest (e.g., a specific piece of restaurant equipment, a specific component within an engine compartment of a vehicle, etc.). The nozzles  42  can be configured such that all of the nozzles  42  activate simultaneously, or the nozzles  42  can be configured such that only the nozzles  42  near the fire are activated. 
     In some embodiments, the fire suppression system  10  further includes an automatic activation system  50  that controls the activation of the actuator  30 . The automatic activation system  50  is configured to monitor one or more conditions and determine if those conditions are indicative of a nearby fire. Upon detecting a nearby fire, the automatic activation system  50  activates the actuator  30 , causing the fire suppressant agent to leave the nozzles  42  and extinguish the fire. 
     In some embodiments, the actuator  30  is controlled mechanically. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the automatic activation system  50  includes a mechanical system including a tensile member (e.g., a rope, a cable, etc.), shown as cable  52 , that imparts a tensile force on the actuator  30 . Without this tensile force, the actuator  30  will activate. The cable  52  is coupled to a fusible link  54 , which is in turn coupled to a stationary object (e.g., a wall, the ground, etc.). The fusible link  54  includes two plates that are held together with a solder alloy having a predetermined melting point. A first plate is coupled to the cable  52 , and a second plate is coupled to the stationary object. When the ambient temperature surrounding the fusible link  54  exceeds the melting point of the solder alloy, the solder melts, allowing the two plates to separate. This releases the tension on the cable  52 , and the actuator  30  activates. In other embodiments, the automatic activation system  50  is another type of mechanical system that imparts a force on the actuator  30  to activate the actuator  30 . The automatic activation system  50  can include linkages, motors, hydraulic or pneumatic components (e.g., pumps, compressors, valves, cylinders, hoses, etc.), or other types of mechanical components configured to activate the actuator  30 . Some parts of the automatic activation system  50  (e.g., a compressor, hoses, valves, and other pneumatic components, etc.) can be shared with other parts of the fire suppression system  100  (e.g., the manual activation system  60 ) or vice versa. 
     The actuator  30  can additionally or alternatively be configured to activate in response to receiving an electrical signal from the automatic activation system  50 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the automatic activation system  50  includes a controller  56  that monitors signals from one or more sensors, shown as temperature sensor  58  (e.g., thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, etc.). The controller  56  can use the signals from the temperature sensor  58  to determine if an ambient temperature has exceeded a threshold temperature. Upon determining that the ambient temperature has exceeded the threshold temperature, the controller  56  provides an electrical signal to the actuator  30 . The actuator  30  then activates in response to receiving the electrical signal. 
     The fire suppression system  10  further includes a manual activation system  60  that controls the activation of the actuator  30 . The manual activation system  60  is configured to activate the actuator  30  in response to an input from an operator. The manual activation system  60  can be included instead of or in addition to the automatic activation system  50 . Both the automatic activation system  50  and the manual activation system  60  can activate the actuator  30  independently. By way of example, the automatic activation system  50  can activate the actuator  30  regardless of any input from the manual activation system  60 , and vice versa. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the manual activation system  60  includes a mechanical system including a tensile member (e.g., a rope, a cable, etc.), shown as cable  62 , coupled to the actuator  30 . The cable  62  is coupled to a human interface device (e.g., a button, a lever, a switch, a knob, a pull ring, etc.), shown as button  64 . The button  64  is configured to impart a tensile force on the cable  62  when pressed, and this tensile force is transferred to the actuator  30 . The actuator  30  activates upon experiencing the tensile force. In other embodiments, the manual activation system  60  is another type of mechanical system that imparts a force on the actuator  30  to activate the actuator  30 . The manual activation system  60  can include linkages, motors, hydraulic or pneumatic components (e.g., pumps, compressors, valves, cylinders, hoses, etc.), or other types of mechanical components configured to activate the actuator  30 . 
     The actuator  30  can additionally or alternatively be configured to activate in response to receiving an electrical signal from the manual activation system  60 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the button  64  is operably coupled to the controller  56 . The controller  56  can be configured to monitor the status of a human interface device (e.g., engaged, disengaged, etc.). Upon determining that the human interface device is engaged, the controller  56  provides an electrical signal to activate the actuator  30 . By way of example, the controller  56  can be configured to monitor a signal from the button  64  to determine if the button  64  is pressed. Upon detecting that the button  64  has been pressed, the controller  56  sends an electrical signal to the actuator  30  to activate the actuator  30 . 
     The automatic activation system  50  and the manual activation system  60  are shown to activate the actuator  30  both mechanically (e.g., though application of a tensile force through cables, through application of a pressurized liquid, through application of a pressurized gas, etc.) and electrically (e.g., by providing an electrical signal). It should be understood, however, that the automatic activation system  50  and/or the manual activation system  60  can be configured to activate the actuator  30  solely mechanically, solely electrically, or through some combination of both. By way of example, the automatic activation system  50  can omit the controller  56  and activate the actuator  30  based on the input from the fusible link  54 . By way of another example, the automatic activation system  50  can omit the fusible link  54  and activate the actuator  30  using an input from the controller  56 . 
     Fire Detection and Alert System 
     System Overview 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a fire detection and alert system  200  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, fire detection and alert system  200  is or includes automatic activation system  50 . In some embodiments, fire detection and alert system  200  is configured to cause automatic activation system  50  to activate fire suppression system  10  in response to detecting a fire. In some embodiments, fire detection and alert system  200  includes all of the functionality of automatic activation system  50 . In some embodiments, fire detection and alert system  200  replaces automatic activation system  50  and is configured to cause actuator  30  and/or activation mechanism  36  to allow fluid to flow out of fire suppressant tank  12  and/or cartridge  20 . In some embodiments, fire detection and alert system  200  is configured to activate fire suppression system  10  such that the expellant gas exits internal volume  22  of cartridge  20  through neck  24  and the fire suppressant exits internal volume  14  of fire suppressant tank  12  through neck  16 . Fire detection and alert system  200  includes fire suppression system  10 , suppression system activator  208 , controller  212 , alarm device  214 , and messaging service  216 , according to some embodiments. Fire detection and alert system  200  is configured to monitor various temperature readings from temperature sensors  204  to detect fires, according to some embodiments. Advantageously, fire detection and alert system  200  can be used as an early detection and fire prevention system to detect a fire before it occurs, and notify a user such that the act to prevent the fire before the fire actually starts. 
     Fire detection and alert system  200  includes one or more sensors, shown as temperature sensors  204  (e.g., thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, etc.), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, temperature sensors  204  are configured to measure/monitor a temperature inside a hood (e.g., exhaust hood), shown as hood  202 . In some embodiments, temperature sensors  204  are positioned within hood  202 . In some embodiments, temperature sensors  204  are positioned (e.g., coupled, mounted, removably attached, etc.) to an interior surface of hood  202 . In other embodiments, sensors  204  are positioned outside of hood  202 . 
     Temperature sensors  204  are configured to provide controller  212  with real time temperature readings, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, temperature sensors  204  provide controller  212  with signals indicating one or more real time temperature readings (e.g., temperature data, temperature measurements, monitored temperature values, sensed temperature values, etc.). As shown in  FIG. 2 , only three temperature sensors  204  are used in fire detection and alert system  200 , however, more or less than three temperature sensors  204  may be used (e.g., four, five, six, etc.) in various alternative embodiments. In some embodiments, temperature sensors  204  are configured to wirelessly communicate with controller  212  to provide controller  212  with the real time temperature readings. In some embodiments, temperature sensors  204  are wiredly and communicably connected to controller  212  (e.g., via wire  218 ). In some embodiments, wire  218  is cladded (e.g., coated, surrounded, enclosed within, etc.) with a thermally resistive material. In some embodiments the thermally resistive material prevents wire  218  from becoming damaged due to high temperatures which wire  218  may be exposed to. 
     Controller  212  is configured to receive the real time temperature data or readings from temperature sensors  204  and determine if a fire has occurred or if a fire is likely to occur based on the real time temperature readings, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, controller  212  includes a Human Machine Interface (HMI). Controller  212  may be configured to detect sudden changes of the real time temperature readings and provide suppression system activator  208  with activation signals. In some embodiments, suppression system activator  208  is configured to receive the activation signals from controller  212  and activate fire suppression system  10 . Fire suppression system  10  includes one or more nozzles  42  fluidly coupled to suppressant tank  12  via pipe  40 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, suppression system activator  208  is configured to activate fire suppression system  10  such that fire suppressing agent flows out of the fire suppressant tank  12 , through pipe  40 , and exits nozzles  42  to extinguish a fire present in hood  202 . In some embodiments, suppression system activator  208  is configured to activate actuator  30  in response to receiving activation signals from controller  212 . 
     Controller  212  may output information to alarm device  214 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, alarm device  214  is configured to provide any of a visual and an aural alert in response to receiving a command from controller  212 . In some embodiments, alarm device  214  includes one or more light emitting devices (e.g., light emitting diodes) and is configured to actuate the one or more light emitting devices in response to receiving a command/indication from controller  212 . In some embodiments, alarm device  214  includes a display screen (e.g., an LCD screen, an LED screen, etc.), configured to provide a message to a user regarding the command received from controller  212 . In some embodiments, the type of alert provided by alarm device  214  depends on the command received from controller  212 . For example, in some embodiments, controller  212  provides alarm device  214  with a command to produce a visual alert. In some embodiments, controller  212  may provide alarm device  214  with a command to produce both a visual and an aural alert (e.g., actuating/flashing one or more light emitting devices and producing a noise with a speaker). 
     Alarm device  214  may include any number of visual display devices (e.g., screens, displays, light emitting devices, etc.) and/or any number of aural alert devices (e.g., sirens, speakers, etc.). In some embodiments, alarm device  214  produces a visual and/or an aural alert in response to a command received from controller  212 . In some embodiments, alarm device  214  is configured to provide individuals with an alert (e.g., visual, aural, a combination of both) in a nearby area (e.g., a kitchen). For example, if fire detection and alert system  200  is in a kitchen, alarm device  214  can provide any individuals within the kitchen with an alert, a warning, a notification, etc. 
     In some embodiments, controller  212  is configured to provide message service  216  with a message regarding any of an alert, a warning, a notification of activation of fire suppression system  10 , one or more real time temperature readings, historical temperature readings, etc. In some embodiments, message service  216  is a component of controller  212 . In some embodiments, message service  216  is a remote server configured to receive the message from controller  212  and provide an alert to a remotely situated person of interest. In some embodiments, message service  216  is a Short Message Service (SMS), configured to send an SMS message to a user device (e.g., a cellular device, a smartphone, etc.). In some embodiments, message service  216  provides the user with the message (e.g., an alert message, a warning message, a notification message, etc.) via a smart phone application. For example, message service  216  may provide the message/alert to a remote server, and a user may access the remote server with a wirelessly communicable device (e.g., a smart phone, a computer, a tablet, etc.). In some embodiments, controller  212  includes a wireless radio configured to provide the remotely situated user/person of interest with any of an alert, an alarm, a notification, etc. In some embodiments, the alert, message, alarm, notification, etc., is any of an SMS message, an email, an automated phone call, etc. 
     In some embodiments, fire detection and alert system  200  includes an ambient sensor (e.g., a thermocouple), shown as ambient temperature sensor  210 . In some embodiments, ambient temperature sensor  210  is configured to measure (e.g., monitor, record, detect, sense, etc.) an ambient temperature outside of hood  202 . In some embodiments, ambient temperature sensor  210  is configured to provide controller  212  with real time temperature readings of the ambient temperature outside of hood  202 . In some embodiments, ambient temperature sensor  210  is wiredly and communicably connected with controller  212 . In some embodiments, ambient temperature sensor  210  is a wireless sensor, configured to wirelessly communicate with controller  212  to provide controller  212  with real time ambient temperature readings. For example, if fire detection and alert system  200  is positioned with a kitchen, ambient temperature sensor  210  may be positioned within a dining area and measure ambient temperature in the dining area. 
     Controller Diagram 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , controller  212  is shown in greater detail, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, controller  212  is configured to receive any of the real time temperature data or readings from temperature sensors  204  and/or the real time ambient temperature data or reading from ambient temperature sensor  210  to determine if a fire has occurred or if a fire is likely to occur. 
     Controller  212  is shown to include a communications interface  326 , according to some embodiments. Communications interface  326  may facilitate communications between controller  212  and external applications (e.g., temperature sensors  204 , message service  216 , etc.) for facilitating any of user control, monitoring, alarm output, adjustment, etc., to any of temperature sensors  204 , ambient temperature sensor  210 , suppression system activator  208 , alarm device  214 , HMI  328 , message service  216 , or any other device, system, sensor, inputs, outputs, etc. Communications interface  326  may also facilitate communications between controller  212  and a remote server or remote system. 
     Communications interface  326  can be or include wired or wireless communications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with any of message service  216 , HMI  328 , alarm device  214 , suppression system activator  208 , temperature sensors  204 , ambient temperature sensor  210 , a remote server, or other external systems or devices. In various embodiments, communications via communications interface  326  can be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or via a communications network (e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). For example, communications interface  326  can include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications link or network. In another example, input interface communications interface  326  can include a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. In another example, communications interface  326  can include cellular or mobile phone communications transceivers. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , controller  212  is shown to include a processing circuit  302  including a processor  304  and memory  306 , according to some embodiments. Processing circuit  302  can be communicably connected to communications interface  326  such that processing circuit  302  and the various components thereof can send and receive data via communications interface  326 . Processor  304  can be implemented as a general purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. 
     Memory  306  (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application. Memory  306  can be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory  306  can include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to some embodiments, memory  306  is communicably connected to processor  304  via processing circuit  302  and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by processing circuit  302  and/or processor  304 ) one or more processes described herein. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 3 , memory  306  is shown to include sensor frequency adjuster  324 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  is configured to receive signals from temperature sensors  204  and/or ambient temperature sensor  210  indicating temperature readings. In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  receives continuous signals from temperature sensors  204  and/or ambient temperature sensor  210 . In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  receives the signals from temperature sensors  204  and/or ambient temperature sensor  210  via communications interface  326 . In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  is configured to sample any of the signals received from adjust the sampling rate f sample  based on a mode of operation of controller  212  (e.g., standard mode  310 , alert mode  312 , warning mode  314 , activation mode  316 , etc.). In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  receives signals from temperature sensors  204  and/or ambient temperature sensor  210  via communications interface  326 , samples the signals at sampling rate f sample , and provides time series data to any of mode selection manager  320  and rate of rise manager  322 . 
     In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  receives time series data from temperature sensors  204  and/or ambient temperature sensor  210 . In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  is configured to adjust the polling rate (f poll ) of temperature sensors  204  and/or ambient temperature sensor  210 . In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  provides mode selection manager  320  and/or rate of rise manager  322  with the time series data received from temperature sensors  204  and/or ambient temperature sensor  210 . For example, sensor frequency adjuster  324  may adjust the polling rate of temperature sensors  204  and/or ambient temperature sensor  210  from a polling rate of 0.1 Hz to a faster polling rate of 1 Hz. 
     In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  is configured to provide mode selection manager  320  and/or rate of rise manager  322  with time series data of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , T avg , and T amb , where T 1  is a temperature reading of a first temperature sensor of temperature sensors  204 , T 2  is a temperature reading of a second sensor of temperature sensors  204 , T 3  is a temperature reading of a third temperature sensor of temperature sensors  204 , T avg  is an average temperature reading of temperature sensors  204 , and T amb  is an ambient temperature reading of ambient temperature sensor  210 . In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  is configured to receive or determine T avg . In some embodiments, T avg  is an average temperature of temperature readings of temperature sensors  204 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , temperature sensors  204  includes three temperature sensors. If temperature sensors  204  includes three sensors, 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 T 
                 avg 
               
               = 
               
                 
                   
                     T 
                     1 
                   
                   + 
                   
                     T 
                     2 
                   
                   + 
                   
                     T 
                     3 
                   
                 
                 3 
               
             
             , 
           
         
       
     
     according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, temperature sensors  204  includes more than three sensors. For example, temperature sensors  204  may include an arbitrary number of sensors n. If temperature sensors  204  includes n sensors, 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 T 
                 avg 
               
               = 
               
                 
                   
                     Σ 
                     
                       i 
                       = 
                       1 
                     
                     n 
                   
                   ⁢ 
                   
                     T 
                     i 
                   
                 
                 n 
               
             
             , 
           
         
       
     
     according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  is configured to provide (e.g., either by sampling signals at a sampling rate f sample  or by adjusting polling rate f poll ) mode selection manager  320  and/or rate of rise manager  322  with time series information of any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb . 
     In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  is configured to receive a sampling rate f sample  or a polling rate f poll  from mode manager  308 . Mode manager  308  may include instructions, code, functions, etc., to configure controller  212  to operate according to one or more predefined modes of operation. In some embodiments, mode manager  308  includes standard mode  310 , alert mode  312 , warning mode  314 , and activation mode  316 . For example, in some embodiments, standard mode  310  causes sensor frequency adjuster  324  to operate at a sampling/polling rate of 0.1 Hz. In some embodiments, standard mode  310  causes sensor frequency adjuster  324  to operate at a sampling/polling rate of 1 Hz in response to an indication that a fire may occur. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 3 , memory  306  is shown to include mode selection manager  320 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, mode selection manager  320  is configured to transition controller  212  between various modes of operation. In some embodiments, mode selection manager  320  is configured to select one of standard mode  310 , alert mode  312 , warning mode  314 , and activation mode  316  of mode manager  308  to cause controller  212  to operate according to the selected mode. In some embodiments, mode selection manager  320  receives time series data from sensor frequency adjuster  324  regarding any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb . In some embodiments, mode selection manager  320  transitions controller  212  between any of modes  310 - 316  based on T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb . In some embodiments, for example, mode selection manager  320  transitions controller  212  between one of modes  310 - 316  to another of modes  310 - 316  in response to any of T 1 , T 2 , and T 3  exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold value (e.g., T max,1 , T max,2 , 1.3·T ref ), etc. Methods, algorithms, rules, conditions, etc., which mode selection manager  320  may use to transition between modes  310 - 316  is described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     In some embodiments, mode selection manager  320  is configured to compare any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb  to one or more reference/threshold values. In some embodiments, mode selection manager  320  is configured to provide sensor frequency adjuster  324  with an indication regarding any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb  being greater than or less than the one or more reference/threshold values. In some embodiments, sensor frequency adjuster  324  is configured to adjust the sampling rate f sample  and/or the polling rate f poll  based on the received indication from mode selection manager  320 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 3 , memory  306  is shown to include rate of rise manager  322 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, rate of rise manager  322  receives time series data from sensor frequency adjuster  324  regarding any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n  T avg , and T amb . In some embodiments, rate of rise manager  322  is configured to analyze any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb  over a time period to determine a rate of increase or decrease of any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb  with respect to time. For example, in some embodiments, rate of rise manager  322  determines an average rate of rise over a time period by taking an initial value of any one of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , or T amb  and taking a final value (e.g., at the end of the time period) of the same one of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , or T amb , and determining an amount of increase or decrease with respect to the time period. For example, rate of rise manager  322  may take an initial value of T avg , wait 10 seconds, take a final value of T avg  and determine a rate of change (e.g., rise/increase or decrease) with respect to the time period (i.e., 10 seconds). 
     In some embodiments, rate of rise manager  322  is configured to determine an instantaneous rate of change of any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb . For example, in some embodiments, rate of rise manager  322  takes an initial value of any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb , at one time step later 
     
       
         
           
             ( 
             
               
                 e 
                 . 
                 g 
                 . 
               
               , 
               
                 
                   t 
                   timestep 
                 
                 = 
                 
                   1 
                   f 
                 
               
             
             ) 
           
         
       
     
     take a rural value of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb , and determine a rate of change of the selected T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , or T amb  over the time step. In some embodiments, rate of rise manager  322  uses the equation 
     
       
         
           
             
               v 
               = 
               
                 
                   Δ 
                   ⁢ 
                   T 
                 
                 t 
               
             
             , 
           
         
       
     
     where v is a rate of change of a temperature, ΔT is an amount of change of the temperature, and t is a time duration. The time duration t may be a single time step 
     
       
         
           
             
               ( 
               
                 
                   e 
                   . 
                   g 
                   . 
                 
                 , 
                 
                   
                     t 
                     timestep 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     1 
                     f 
                   
                 
               
               ) 
             
             , 
           
         
       
     
     may be multiple time steps, or may be any other time duration (e.g., 10 seconds). 
     In some embodiments, rate of rise manager  322  provides mode selection manager  320  with the determined rate of change of one or more of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , or T amb . In some embodiments, mode selection manager  320  uses the determined rate of change of the temperature to determine if controller  212  should be transitioned between modes  310 - 316 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 3 , mode manager  308  is shown outputting any of an alert, a warning, an activation command, etc., to communications manager  318 . In some embodiments, communications manager  318  is configured to receive any of the alert, warning, activation command, etc., from mode manager  308  and determine a type of alert or warning to output based on the alert, warning, activation command, etc., received from mode manager  308 . In some embodiments, communications manager  318  outputs commands to any of message service  216 , HMI  328 , alarm device  214 , and suppression system activator  208  to provide an alert, a message, a notification, a visual alert, an aural alert, etc., to cause suppression system activator  208  to activate fire suppression system  10 , etc. In some embodiments, communications manager  318  causes message service  216  to provide a notification, alert, etc., to a remote person of interest (e.g., a restaurant manager). In some embodiments, the notification, alert, etc., provided to the remote person of interest is any of a text (SMS) message, an email, an automated phone call, etc. In some embodiments, communications manager  318  outputs a notification, alert, warning, etc., to a remote server which can be accessed by the remote person of interest. In some embodiments, communications manager  318  uses a wireless radio (e.g., a wireless transceiver, receiver, wirelessly communicable device, cellular dongle, etc.), shown as wireless radio  330  to provide the remote person of interest with the alert, warning, notification, etc. In some embodiments, communications manager  318  outputs a command to suppression system activator  208  to activate fire suppression system  10 . 
     In some embodiments, communications manager  318  causes HMI  328  to provide any of a notification, a warning, an alert, etc., to a user. In some embodiments, the notification, warning, alert, etc., is a textual alert displayed by HMI  328 . For example, if communications manager  318  outputs a warning to HMI  328 , HMI  328  may display (e.g., via a user interface, a display screen, etc.) a textual warning which states “WARNING.” 
     Referring still to  FIG. 3 , mode manager  308  is shown to include standard mode  310 , alert mode  312 , warning mode  314 , and activation mode  316 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, standard mode  310  causes controller  212  to operate according to a standard mode of operation and does not output alerts, alarms, notifications, etc. In some embodiments, alert mode  312  causes any of HMI  328  and alarm device  214  to output a visual alert. In some embodiments, alert mode  312  causes HMI  328  and/or alarm device  214  to output the visual alert during “open” hours (e.g., during business hours, during hours which the restaurant is open, etc.). The purpose of alert mode  312  is to notify a nearby person of interest that one of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , or T amb  is excessively high and that there is a possibility of fire. In some embodiments, alert mode  312  causes communications manager  318  to provide a remote person of interest with an alert/notification regarding the excessively high temperature. In some embodiments, alert mode  312  provides information regarding any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , or T amb  to a remote server, where T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb  may be remotely monitored by the remote person of interest. In some embodiments, alert mode  312  only provides the remote person of interest with the alert/notification (e.g., a text message, an email, etc.) during “closed” hours (e.g., during hours which the restaurant is closed). 
     In some embodiments, warning mode  314  alerts a person of interest that the temperature(s) from alert mode  312  is/are continuously increasing at a rapid pace and that there are high probabilities of a hazard (e.g., fire). In some embodiments, warning mode  314  includes a visual alert and an aural alert (e.g., HMI  328  and/or alarm device  214  to cause both a visual and an aural alert). In some embodiments, the visual alert of warning mode  314  is different and/or more visually apparent than the visual alert of alert mode  312 . For example, the visual alert of warning mode  314  may include actuating more light emitting devices than the visual alert of alert mode  312 , displaying a larger textual alert via HMI  328  and/or alarm device  214  than the visual alert of alert mode  312 , etc. In some embodiments, warning mode  314  includes providing a remote person of interest with a notification/alarm/alert/warning regarding the likely occurring hazard. In some embodiments, the remote person of interest can remotely monitor alarms/alerts of fire suppression and alert system  200 , remotely monitor T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and/or T amb , and make a decision to activate fire suppression system  10 . In some embodiments, controller  212  and/or communications manager  318  can receive a command from the remote person of interest to activate fire suppression system  10  via wireless radio  330  and/or message service  216 . In some embodiments, communications manager  318  receives the command from the remote person of interest via either message service  216  or wireless radio  330  and causes suppression system activator  208  to activate fire suppression system  10  in response to receiving the command from the remote person of interest. In some embodiments, warning mode  314  includes providing the remote person of interest with a notification/alarm/alert (e.g., via SMS or email) during both “open” hours and “closed” hours. 
     In some embodiments, activation mode  316  includes all of the functionality of warning mode  314  (e.g., alerts, remote alerts/notifications, visual alerts, aural alerts, etc.) in addition to deploying fire suppression system  10 . In some embodiments, activation mode  316  includes causing suppression system activator  208  to activate fire suppression system  10 . In some embodiments, activation mode  316  includes providing the remote person of interest with a notification that fire suppression system  10  has been activated/deployed. In some embodiments, activation mode  316  includes providing the remote person of interest with T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and/or T amb  so that the remote person of interest can monitor the situation. The remote person of interest may then call a fire department, if T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and/or T amb  do not return to acceptable values. 
     Process 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , process  400  (e.g., method) is shown, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, process  400  may be performed by controller  212 . In some embodiments, process  400  illustrates the functionality/features of the various modes (e.g., modes  310 - 316 ) and various conditions which mode selection manager  320  may use to transition between the various modes. 
     Process  400  includes polling (or sampling) T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb  at a standard polling rate (step  402 ), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the standard polling rate is 0.1 Hz (e.g., T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , . . . , T n , T avg , and T amb  are polled or sampled every 10 seconds). In some embodiments, step  402  is performed by sensor frequency adjuster  324  and/or mode selection manager  320 . 
     Process  400  includes determining if T avg  is some threshold percentage greater than a reference temperature value T ref  (step  404 ), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the threshold percentage is 30%. In some embodiments, the threshold percentage is adjustable based on application. In some embodiments, step  404  includes determining if T avg  is greater than 1.3·T ref . In some embodiments, T ref  is a normal or expected T avg  temperature value. In some embodiments, T ref  is determined based on historical temperature information, manufacturer guidelines, application, etc. In some embodiments, T ref  is adjustable. In some embodiments, T ref  and the threshold percentage are adjustable by a user. For example, a user may adjust T ref  and the threshold percentage based on a particular application via HMI  328 . In some embodiments, if T avg  is greater than (or greater than/equal to) 1.3·T ref , process  400  proceeds to step  406 . In some embodiments, if T avg  is less than 1.3·T ref , process  400  continues to steps  408 - 412 . In this way, fire detection and alert system  200  can periodically (e.g., every 10 seconds) check if T avg  has increased to a point which may require an alert or further monitoring. In some embodiments, step  404  is performed by mode selection manager  320 . In some embodiments, if T avg  is less than 1.3·T ref , process  400  returns to step  402 . In some embodiments, if T avg  is greater than 1.3·T ref , process  400  proceeds to steps  408 - 412 . 
     Process  400  includes determining if any of T 1 , T 2 , and T 3 , individually exceed a threshold temperature value, T max,1  (steps  408 - 412 ), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, T max,1  is set based on a particular application, manufacturers guidelines, etc. In some embodiments, T max,1  is adjustable similarly to the threshold percentage described above. In some embodiments, steps  408 - 412  are performed by mode selection manager  320 . In some embodiments, steps  408 - 412  are performed simultaneously. In some embodiments, steps  408 - 412  and step  404  are performed simultaneously. In some embodiments, if any of T 1 , T 2 , and T 3 , exceed T max,1 , process  400  proceeds to step  406 . In some embodiments, T max,1 =200° F. 
     Process  400  includes increasing the polling/sampling rate (step  406 ), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step  406  includes increasing the polling/sampling rate from the standard polling/sampling rate of step  402 . In some embodiments, step  406  is performed by sensor frequency adjuster  324 . In some embodiments, step  402  includes increasing the sampling/polling rate to 1 Hz. In some embodiments, process  400  proceeds to steps  414 - 418  in response to completing step  406 . 
     Process  400  includes checking if any of T 1 , T 2 , and T 3  individually exceed a second threshold temperature value, T max,2  (steps  414 - 418 ), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps  414 - 418  are performed by mode selection manager  320 . In some embodiments, T max,2 =360° F. In some embodiments, T max,2  is adjustable similarly to T max,1 . In some embodiments, T max,2  is set (e.g., based on application, manufacturer, etc.) similarly to T max,1 . In some embodiments, if any of T 2 , and T 3  exceed T max,2 , process  400  proceeds to alarm/activation step  432 . In some embodiments, if none of T 1 , T 2 , and T 3  exceed T max,2 , process  400  proceeds to step  420 . In some embodiments, steps  414 - 418  are performed simultaneously. 
     Process  400  includes providing an alert and monitoring a rate of change of a temperature value (steps  420  and  422 ), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps  420  and  422  include providing an alert to a user or a remote person of interest regarding any of T avg  being greater than 1.3·T ref , or one or more of T 1 , T 2 , and T 3  exceeding T max,1 . In some embodiments, step  420  is performed by any of or a combination of mode manager  308 , communications manager  318 , message service  216 , HMI  328 , alarm device  214 , and wireless radio  330 . In some embodiments, step  422  includes monitoring/analyzing a rate of change of a temperature value. For example the rate of change of any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , and T avg  may be monitored/analyzed to determine if the temperature is increasing rapidly. In some embodiments, step  422  is performed by rate of rise manager  322 . In some embodiments, step  420  includes transitioning controller  212  into alert mode  312 . 
     Process  400  includes determining if a rate of change of any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , and 
     
       
         
           
             
               T 
               avg 
             
             ( 
             
               
                 Δ 
                 ⁢ 
                 T 
               
               t 
             
             ) 
           
         
       
     
     is greater than a rate of change threshold value 
     
       
         
           
             
               ( 
               
                 
                   Δ 
                   ⁢ 
                   T 
                 
                 t 
               
               ) 
             
             ref 
           
         
       
     
     (step  424 ), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the rate of change threshold value 
     
       
         
           
             
               ( 
               
                 
                   Δ 
                   ⁢ 
                   T 
                 
                 t 
               
               ) 
             
             ref 
           
         
       
     
     is 2 F.°/sec. In some embodiments, a different rate of change threshold value is used for T avg  as compared to the rate of change threshold value used for T 1 , T 2 , and T 3 . In some embodiments, an instantaneous rate of change of any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , and T avg  is compared to the rate of change threshold value(s). In some embodiments, an average rate of change of any of T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , and T avg  is compared to the rate of change threshold value(s). In some embodiments, if the rate of change is less than the reference/threshold rate of change value, process  400  returns to step  404 . In some embodiments, if the rate of change is greater than the reference/threshold rate of change value, process  400  proceeds to step  426 . In some embodiments, 
     
       
         
           
             
               ( 
               
                 
                   Δ 
                   ⁢ 
                   T 
                 
                 t 
               
               ) 
             
             ref 
           
         
       
     
     is adjustable or is set similarly to T max,2  as described above. 
     Process  400  includes providing a warning to any of a nearby user or a remote person of interest (step  426 ) and analyzing temperature data for a time period Δt (step  428 ), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step  426  includes causing controller  212  to operate according to (e.g., transitioning into) warning mode  314  as described in greater detail above with reference to  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, step  426  is performed by any of or a combination of mode manager  308 , communications manager  318 , message service  216 , HMI  328 , alarm device  214 , and wireless radio  330 . In some embodiments, step  428  includes receiving temperature data over time period Δt and analyzing the received temperature data. In some embodiments, step  428  is performed by rate of rise manager  322 . In some embodiments, time period Δt is 10 seconds. 
     Process  400  includes determining if the rate of change of the temperature is continuous for time period Δt (step  430 ), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step  430  includes determining an initial rate of change of the temperature and a beginning of time period Δt and a final rate of change of the temperature at and end of time period Δt. In some embodiments, if both the initial rate of change of the temperature and the final rate of change of the temperature are positive (e.g., temperature is increasing across time period Δt), process  400  proceeds to step  432 . In some embodiments, step  430  includes determining if the rate of change of the temperature for each interval 
     
       
         
           
             ( 
             
               
                 e 
                 . 
                 g 
                 . 
               
               , 
               
                 1 
                 f 
               
             
             ) 
           
         
       
     
     within time period Δt is positive. In some embodiments, if the rate of change of the temperature for each interval within time period Δt is positive (e.g., temperature is continuously increasing across time period Δt), process  400  proceeds to step  432 . In some embodiments, step  430  includes determining if the rate of change of the temperature for each interval within time period Δt is the same or substantially the same. 
     Process  400  includes transitioning controller  212  into activation mode  316  (step  432 ) and activating fire suppression system  10  (step  434 ), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step  432  is performed by mode selection manager  320  and mode manager  308 . In some embodiments, the various alerts, alarms, notifications, warning, aural alerts, visual alerts, etc., of step  432  are facilitated by any of or a combination of communications manager  318 , message service  216 , HMI  328 , alarm device  214 , and wireless radio  330 . In some embodiments, step  434  is performed by communications manager  318  and suppression system activator  208 . 
     Example Graph 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , graph  500  illustrates various data received from a temperature sensor (e.g., one of temperature sensors  204 , an average of temperature sensors  204 , etc.), according to some embodiments.  FIG. 5  illustrates time series temperature information which controller  212  may use to determine, detect, or predict a hazard (e.g., a fire).  FIG. 5  also visually illustrates various parameters 
     
       
         
           
             ( 
             
               
                 e 
                 . 
                 g 
                 . 
               
               , 
               
                 
                   Δ 
                   ⁢ 
                   T 
                 
                 t 
               
             
             ) 
           
         
       
     
     which controller  212  may calculate or use to detect the hazard. The Y-axis of graph  500  illustrates temperature (variable T) and the X-axis of graph  500  illustrates time (variable t), according to some embodiments. Series  502  of graph  500  illustrates various temperature readings over a time period, according to some embodiments. Series  502  includes a first portion  512  and a second portion  514 . In some embodiments, the temperature values of first portion  512  are sampled/polled at a first rate, and the temperature values of second portion  514  are sampled/polled at a second rate, with the second rate being faster than the first rate. As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , series  502  indicates that temperature is increasing throughout first portion  512 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the temperature increases until it exceeds temperature threshold value  508 . In some embodiments, temperature threshold value  508  is T max,1 . In some embodiments, once the temperature has reached temperature threshold value  508  at time  510 , the sampling/polling rate is adjusted (e.g., second portion  514  begins and first portion  512  ends). As shown in  FIG. 5 , the temperature continues to increase throughout second portion  514 , according to some embodiments. If the temperature exceeds second temperature threshold value  506  (e.g., T max,2 , a rate of change  504  of the temperature 
     
       
         
           
             ( 
             
               
                 e 
                 . 
                 g 
                 . 
               
               , 
               
                 
                   Δ 
                   ⁢ 
                   T 
                 
                 t 
               
             
             ) 
           
         
       
     
     is determined, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the rate of change  504  of the temperature is an average rate of change (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, the rate of change  504  of the temperature is calculated between subsequently occurring data points of the temperature (e.g., instantaneous rate of change). 
     Fire detection and alert system  200  provides several advantages, according to some embodiments. First, fire detection and alert system  200  can be used as an early fire detection and prevention system, according to some embodiments. For example, fire detection and alert system  200  may provide alerts, alarms, notifications, warnings, messages, etc. to either a nearby user (e.g., a kitchen worker) or a remote person of interest, which indicate that a fire may occur or is likely to occur. The nearby user or the remote person of interest can use the indication that the fire may occur to prevent the fire from occurring or to extinguish the fire when the fire is controllable and relatively small. Second, fire detection and alert system  200  facilitates easy remote monitoring, according to some embodiments. The remote person of interest may monitor the various temperature values (e.g., T 1 , T 2 , etc.) and remain informed regarding temperatures rising, operations of fire detection and alert system  200 , etc. Further, fire detection and alert system  200  automatically activates fire suppression system  10  in response to detecting a fire. Advantageously, if there are no users nearby fire detection and alert system  200 , fire detection and alert system  200  can automatically detect and extinguish the fire before it spreads, according to some embodiments. Further yet, first detection and alert system  200  uses various stages of alert/alarm (e.g., alert mode, warning mode, activation mode, etc.), which may reduce false-alarms. 
     While fire detection and alert system  200  is shown in  FIG. 2  applied to an exhaust hood in a kitchen, it should be noted that fire detection and alert system  200  as described herein may be used for a variety of applications. For example, fire detection and alert system  200  may be used in a building, a room, a car, a boat, an over, a burner, a stove top, a laboratory, a welding application, a factory, various machinery, etc. In some embodiments, any of the functionality and methods described in greater detail above with reference to  FIGS. 3-5  may be applied to any situation where a fire may occur, provided controller  212  can receive temperature information from temperature sensors (e.g., temperature sensors  204 ). 
     Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The term “coupled,” as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. Such members may be coupled mechanically, electrically, and/or fluidly. 
     The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit and/or the processor) the one or more processes described herein. 
     The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions. 
     Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the fire suppression system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the fusible link  54  of the exemplary embodiment described in at least paragraph [0041] may be incorporated in the automatic activation system  50  of the exemplary embodiment described in at least paragraph [0040]. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.