N5 Sensors develops and sells environmental detection products and solutions, leveraging patented microscale chemical sensors, systems engineering and AI.

The company has developed a Ground-Based Fire Detection Network (N5SHIELD®) for use in wildfire prone areas for improved situation awareness and decision making. N5SHIELD® operates in conjuntion with existing tools like satellites, utilities, weather stations, and can also provide alerts as a stand-alone system. N5 states that unlike existing visual solutions such as cameras and satellites, N5SHIELD® can detect small ignitions and fires, before the smoke and heat are visible from conventional detectors.

The N5SHIELD® system is comprised of three key components:

1. ChemNode® Sensor Nodes: These nodes enable early wildfire detection by monitoring various environmental factors through advanced sensing technologies:

• Gases and chemicals: Detected using a highly sensitive and selective semiconductor sensor array built with nanowires and a gallium nitride transducer, paired with a Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) sensor for CO₂.
• Particulates: Measured through laser-based detection for PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10.
• Environmental conditions: Including temperature, humidity, and pressure monitoring.
• Heat: Captured using an 8 x 8 pixel infrared (IR) sensor array.
• Wind data: Either integrated from third-party sources or collected via an optional wind sensor accessory, providing hyperlocal wind condition insights.

2.Edge and Cloud Analytics: Advanced machine learning models analyze and integrate sensor data with relevant environmental streams to:

• Detect potential ignitions.
• Pinpoint fire locations and monitor movement using data from both individual and networked sensors.

3.Dashboard, App, and APIs:

• A map-based interface displays ignition points and fire locations, with options to delve into detailed data for emergency response and resource planning.
• APIs enable seamless integration with complementary tools, such as cameras, drones, and forecasting or predictive software, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making.

N5 offers two flexible business models for N5SHIELD® to suit different customer needs:

• Capital Purchase: Ideal for organizations preferring a one-time upfront payment, eliminating ongoing monthly software and maintenance fees.
• SaaS Subscription: A convenient, budget-friendly option with a simple monthly payment, designed for customers with limited capital budgets.

ChemNode® Sensors are compact and leverage multimodal sensor fusion, integrating three types of orthogonal sensors for improved accuracy, reducing false alarms, and enabling 24/7 detection under all lighting conditions.

These lightweight nodes are cost-effective to deploy across diverse locations, including utility poles, light poles, buildings, fence posts, and other infrastructure.

Designed for seamless integration, the sensors do not interfere with the functionality or maintenance of assets and remain robust across challenging environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, rain, wind, snow, and hail.

The sensors are maintenance-free and require no calibration throughout their lifespan. A self-monitoring network ensures sensor health, with remote management capabilities for updates or repairs via over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Flexible communication options, including multi-carrier LTE, LoRa, and satellite connectivity, ensure reliable operation in any service area, even in remote or challenging terrains.

The nodes are self-powered, operating on solar-rechargeable batteries, with an optional hardwiring kit for locations with available DC power. Each node (and gateway, if required) includes solar panels, universal mounting hardware, and a user-friendly installation app for quick deployment on existing infrastructure.

The system provides real-time alerts via text or email to registered stakeholders when fire conditions or ignitions are detected, with customizable notification thresholds. Additionally, it delivers local, real-time air quality data, independent of fire detection capabilities.

Despite extensive investments in wildfire prediction, mapping, and detection tools like cameras, satellites, and aircraft, many ignitions still go undetected for too long, leading to destructive wildfires. Fast and accurate detection is critical to minimizing utility risk, preventing uncontrolled wildfires, and reducing customer disruptions.

Key Challenges with Existing Solutions are:

• Coverage Gaps: Limited by topography, weather (e.g., fog, smoke), and the high cost and infrastructure demands of optical systems.
• Delays in Detection: Small fires may not be immediately visible to cameras or satellites, and the sheer volume of lightning strikes makes manual analysis impractical.
• Inaccurate Information: Responders need precise, reliable data to deploy resources efficiently, with minimal false positives and negatives.
• Information Silos: Many tools lack integration, delaying collaboration and action.

N5SHIELD® and ChemNode® address these challenges with proven solutions for faster detection, improved accuracy, and seamless collaboration.