Automatic device arrangement and wiring for fire alarm systems in metro stations: A case study

Fire alarm systems in metro stations play an important role in safeguarding lives and properties. The design process for these systems is complex and time-consuming due to the diversity of device types, wide distribution of device locations, and numerous compulsory design codes. This paper proposes an automatic design framework for fire alarm systems aimed at enhancing design efficiency. The framework includes five automated processes: information preprocessing, device arrangement, system loop generation, device wiring, and result generation. By converting the computer-aided design (CAD) results into building information models (BIM), building information and related professional device information are obtained, addressing the need for fire alarm system (FAS) design to integrate with multiple disciplines. The process can also automatically arrange FAS devices according to design specifications. Optimization algorithms, such as Ant Colony Algorithm and Prim Algorithm, are used to determine the device connection order and solve the problems of obstacle avoidance and orthogonal connections between two points. Compared to traditional design methods, the proposed automatic design framework for fire alarm systems in metro stations can not only satisfy the mandatory design requirements but also avoid the cumbersome and repetitive design process, providing new solutions for designers. Additionally, it can reduce wire length and save on construction costs. Using a real metro station as a case study, it is calculated that the automatic design can save between 8 % and 48 % of the wire length.