Teenager scoops innovation award for false fire alarm product31 January 2011An 18-year-old has been presented with an innovation award by BRE ventures, part of the BRE Group, for his flame detector – a fire detection system designed for use in kitchens.
The CookerSmart IR Kitchen Flame Detector identifies risk by reading specific infra-red frequency bands of flame flicker. While made specifically for use in kitchens to try and reduce false alarms caused by smoke, it can also be used in other areas, like garages. James Popper, a student, first thought up the idea after a fire ruined the kitchen of a family friend. “Even though more fires start in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home, there are currently no effective detectors that can be situated there. Existing devices, such as smoke alarms, cannot function successfully in the kitchen due to the prevalence of false alarms,” Popper said. “CookerSmart overcomes this fundamental problem with an innovative detection method. Instead of sensing for the presence of smoke, it detects fires in their infancy by identifying the infra-red flicker of their flame and analysing and responding to specific frequency bands of flame flicker.” The prize is the first awarded through BRE Ventures – which works with innovators and investors to bring new products and services to market. "It is for inventors whose ideas are of particular merit, based on market need, novelty, scientific quality and potential for successful development,” said BRE Ventures chief executive, Guy Hammersley. The award included funding of £5,000 to be spent at BRE Global where tests will be carried out on the prototype device. CookerSmart has attracted attention from a fire and rescue service and the Fire Protection Association. Last year, Popper scooped the best overall Great Britain CREST Engineering award, WCSIM Young Engineer of the Year, as well as a number of other awards at the Big Bang Science and Engineering Fair in Manchester.
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