A company incubated at the University of Porto (UPTEC) Park of Science and Technology, has developed a new technology capable of detecting the first flames of a forest fire, allowing combat forces a ‘faster’ action.
“The new technology has a sensor that detects up to about 12 kilometers away, an increase in temperature and a change in the concentration of carbon dioxide in forest environment, sending an alert to ways to help,” said today Lusa responsible for developing the company’s business Flicks, author of the project, Marina Machado.
This project, still in pilot phase, provides information to the media for help on the exact location, intensity and spread of fire as well as the necessary means and paths best suited to get there soon “in the first minute.” “This way, firefighters can intervene more quickly and efficiently to combat the flames, thus avoiding the increased area burned way”, bailed.
Marina Machado explained that the warning given by this technology is before issued to command forces, confirmed by the sensor that is closest. “The technology is placed in 12 of 12 kilometers in existing forests, such as old forest homes, and in their absence are built new ones always above the canopy and with less environmental impact structures,” explained the official. And, he added, “the technology covers the equivalent of 40 football fields.”
The researcher stressed that the technology works 24 hours a day, through wind or solar energy. The research for the development of this pilot project began about two years and, after approval of the laboratory tests, waiting now be implemented in the market, requiring an investment of 50 000 euros, Marina Machado said. According to her, the motivation of the development of this project was related to the goal of fighting a “scourge” that each year affects the country.
“We believe that technology is a tool to support and more -valia forces for fighting fires. ” Marina Machado also stressed that technology gives indications on the growth of tree species in the forest.
The dean of the University of Porto (UP) Carlos Brito considered that this project “is no more” than materialization of knowledge generated within the colleges, creating “economic and social value.” “This technology is extremely beneficial to society because it saves lives and protects the forest,” he stressed also the director of UPTEC.
The UPTEC, in operation for seven years and cofinanced by 15.4 million euros by EU funds, currently hosts over 185 business projects and generated between 2200-2500 jobs, revealed the culprit. In 2013, the UPTEC, which encompasses a technology, biotechnology, creative industries and the sea polo, won the European award RegioStars as ‘Smart Growth’.
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