Comparación hidráulica y sostenible de sistemas de extinción de incendios: rociadores automáticos vs. agua nebulizada

Abstract

Fires pose a significant risk to buildings and industrial environments, which has driven the adoption of various technologies for their control. Among them, automatic sprinkler and water mist systems are widely used in medium- and high-complexity scenarios. While sprinklers stand out for their reliability and coverage, they require large volumes of water and robust networks; in contrast, mist systems considerably reduce water consumption and collateral damage, although they require high-pressure equipment with greater energy costs. This study compares both systems from two perspectives: a technical perspective, analyzing hydraulic parameters such as flow rate, pressure, coverage, and response time; and a sustainable perspective, evaluating the efficient use of water resources, energy consumption, and environmental impact. The results are intended to guide the selection of the most appropriate alternative for projects seeking a balance between fire safety and resource optimization, in line with global sustainability objectives.