BN-97-05-1 -- Investigation of Atrium Smoke Exhaust Effectiveness PDF

Presents the initial results of physical model studies performed in an atrium space with mechanical exhaust as well as a comparison between experimental data and computational fluid dynamics model predictions of the conditions in the atrium space. Also investigates the effect of fire size and opening location on the conditions in the atrium. States the results indicate that for the atrium studies, the correlations in NFPA 92B used for the design of exhaust systems are valid, and that when the exhaust systems operate near or just below their design capacity they are effective in extracting gases from the hot layer without drawing in air from the lower layer. When the systems operate well above the required flow rates, fresh air from the lower layer enters the system but the hot layer remains at an acceptable height.

Units: Dual

KEYWORDS: year 1997, Atria, smoke ventilation, performance, calculating, testing, mechanical ventilation, designing