The Vortex Tech device, created by 16-year-old Angela Karime Benegas Hernandez, utilizes low-frequency sound waves at 30 Hz to extinguish small fires. The system generates air vortices that disrupt the combustion process, effectively suppressing flames within seconds. The device is designed to operate at a range of approximately 2 meters.
The hardware consists of a 12 V battery, a frequency generator, a power amplifier, and a speaker. An integrated thermal sensor detects fire and triggers the system automatically. This approach serves as a dry alternative to traditional extinguishers, avoiding the damage caused by water or chemical residues in sensitive environments.
The project was developed over the course of a year, starting in 2025, during which the inventor produced five prototypes. The device is intended for use in laboratories, high-precision manufacturing facilities, and areas housing cultural artifacts where traditional extinguishing agents might cause secondary damage.
In October 2026, the project earned a gold medal and a special Grand Prix at the International Science and Invention Fair (ISIF) in Indonesia. The competition featured 110 entries from 25 countries, highlighting the recognition of this acoustic fire-suppression technology on an international stage.
