EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF SMOKE EXTRACTION SYSTEMS IN MOVIE THEATERS

Abstract

The ability of the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) to simulate smoke extraction systems and its ability to correctly deduce temperatures at several different locations during the fire is verified through the current experimental work. Also, through the present study the FDS is used to simulate fire development, and to analyze the characteristics of smoke movement in a movie theater hall. Four cases are performed in this study to investigate the behavior of the HVAC systems when make-up air is supplied and smoke is extracted through linear and square vents. Depending on airflow patterns, temperature contours, and concentration of CO and CO2, the performance of nondedicated systems is evaluated and compared. The behavior of the HVAC systems has been the main focus in the comparison at normal operation and when it changes to smoke control mode.