Pyri

What it does

Pyri is a bio-inspired and bio-based early wildfire detection system for remote and low-cost coverage. The heat from nascent wildfires activate Pyri’s novel organic electronics which emit an RF signal to alert vulnerable communities.

Your inspiration

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires globally. By 2100, extreme wildfires are predicted to increase by 50%, most significantly in the Arctic and tropical forests where communities are severely unprepared. Early wildfire detection is key to reducing wildfire devastation. Conventional solutions require prohibitive amounts of time, money, and labour to install and maintain. Inspired by serotinous pine cones, which release seeds only in the presence of fire, Pyri is a novel heat-triggered detection mechanism made from nature-derived materials in harmony with the environment they protect.

How it works

Pyri is an early wildfire detection system designed for remote, unprepared, and vulnerable communities. First, local firefighting helicopters or people disperse PyriPods in remote areas. When a wildfire starts, a melting trigger inside the PyriPod creates power for a signalling circuit paired with an antenna made from a novel charcoal composite, sending a distinct RF signal to existing communication towers or dedicated receivers. Next, the location of the signal is triangulated and compared against existing weather and satellite data to
predict the likelihood of wildfire with AI. This alert is then sent to emergency responders and communities at risk. Finally, the triggered PyriPod burns up with little environmental impact due to its nontoxic materials.

Design process

We began with extensive primary research, interviewing over 20 wildfire experts and community members from diverse regions such as Jamaica, Türkiye, and Canada. Insights from these discussions shaped Pyri’s design criteria, addressing the complex needs of those directly impacted by wildfires. During the technical exploratory phase, our team first investigated a range of sensing technologies. We experimented with wildfire detection factors including lightning, smoke, heat, and infrasound. We proceeded to refine concepts, undertaking bench experiments to meet criteria such as range, efficacy, and durability. By working closely with external power and RF engineering experts together with support from Imperial’s Hazelab, our validation process included prototyping and theory validation. We tested our new composite materials and proved our technical designs for power generation, signal generation, and radio transmission, applying for a patent for these novel ideas. We then gathered stakeholder feedback, ensuring that Pyri not only fulfilled the technical challenges of wildfire detection but also meaningfully addressed the real-world needs. Moreover, we later moved from technology to product through system design, industrial design, and design for manufacturing and assembly.

How it is different

Recent advancements in wildfire detection like IoT sensors and drones are often expensive and require expertise to install and maintain, deterring broad adoption in resource-limited areas that need them the most. Pyri provides a sustainable alternative that cuts costs and deployment time but also seamlessly integrates into current forest management and telecommunications infrastructures. Pyri is uniquely sustainable, eschewing the use of toxic and rare-earth materials typical in wildfire detection and using abundant and environmentally benign materials instead. There are genuinely no similar ideas or concepts on the market. Pyri stands out with its low-cost operation that doesn’t require skilled installation or ongoing upkeep. Pyri's added ability to become vastly more scalable alongside its precise location pinpointing offers distinct advantages in terms of coverage and responsiveness.

Future plans

We recently applied for a patent for our novel technology, materials, and system. Continuing technical development will lead to the manufacturing of alpha units to undergo reliability testing. We are also growing our existing collaborations and stakeholder network to refine our offering. Our initial strategy focuses on national parks and private landowners as early adopters. Our twin technological development and customer partnership efforts will culminate in pilot tests in the field in collaboration with a national park or landowner.

Awards

Student Winner, Sustainability Award, Core77 Design Awards 2024; One of 10 Royal College of Art Finalists, Terra Carta Design Lab 2023/24; Winner, “Made Natural” Brief, Student Design Award 2024; Social Impact 1st Prize Winner, Imperial Enterprise Lab’s Venture Catalyst Challenge 2024