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A metal container with flames shooting out of it. Inside, the temperature reaches 600 degrees Celsius. Firefighters regularly train in it to prepare for real-life emergencies and practice response procedures. One of the firefighters entering the container is wearing a new protective cover designed to safeguard expensive equipment, his firefighting suit, and himself. Underneath their uniforms, firefighters often endure temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees Celsius.

"For us, the temperature inside the suit is much more important. It's not widely known, but firefighters don’t usually get injured by direct flames. Instead, they often suffer steam burns caused by their own sweat," explained firefighter Václav Svoboda in front of the container. This is exactly why scientists from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at UWB have developed smart suits and protective covers. While the suits are tailored to fit individual firefighters, the covers are worn over their gear and come in a universal size.

It is crucial that the temperature inside the suit does not exceed 48 degrees Celsius for more than three minutes. "Every firefighter tolerates heat differently, so they can customize the suit and internal sensor to their own limits," said Radek Soukup from the research team. Additionally, the suits and covers can measure external temperatures, track geographical location, alert firefighters to critical situations, call for help, and store all collected data for further analysis. "We have embedded a small motor in the collar that vibrates when the firefighter starts overheating or if the surrounding temperature becomes too high. If the firefighter is in danger, they can detach a part of the collar, which activates red warning lights to alert their colleagues and the incident commander," he added.

Pavel Turjanica worked on ensuring the suit provides protection even in explosive environments. It can also detect radioactive conditions and identify if a firefighter has fallen. The suits were manufactured using an entirely new method of encapsulating electronic components with 3D printing. The unique thermocompression contacting technology integrated into the fabric is protected by a Czech patent and is currently undergoing approval for a European patent as well. Scientists from RTI at UWB also participated in research into the use of 3D printing for housing electronics in protective clothing.

A Czech company will bring this invention from the FEL laboratory into practical use. "I believe that getting the protective covers to market is realistic within this year. These are third-generation suits equipped with the most advanced technologies. Our main focus has always been on quality," said Jiří Koželuh, director of GoodPRO.

The suits and protective covers are not just for firefighters—the research team can adapt them for other emergency services as well.

In mid-January, scientists from the Department of Materials and Technologies at FEL UWB also introduced smart footwear and gloves. You can read more at this link.

Photo source: GoodPRO company