Performance Evaluation of Smoke Control and Ventilation Systems in Large Spaces

Abstract

The smoke control and ventilation system is critical in ensuring that the occupants are safe in the event of fire in complicated spatial composition. Such systems, be it natural, mechanical, or hybrid, have a decisive effect on the maintenance of the quality of ambient air, control the development of smoke, and allow systematized evacuation. The research paper critically examines the effectiveness of various smoke management and ventilation systems applied in risky and large-scale spaces, including tunnels, atria and industrial plants. The study uses a synergistic method that integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, controlled hot smoke experiments, and empirical data collection to determine the relative performance of different smoke mitigation methods which are natural ventilation, mechanical exhaust, and hybrid forms. The results explain the performance determinants that are critical including airflow, smoke extraction efficiency, system reliability and energy used. In addition, the research presents design proposals that should be used to maximise smoke suppression within such large areas taking into consideration building typologies, the nature of fire and the current safety standards. Together, the discussed insights add to the comprehension of how to increase the safety and operational efficiency of smoke control and ventilation systems, thus promoting the fire protection practices on a large architectural level.