Study on the Influence of Ventilation Speed on Smoke and Temperature Characteristics of Complex Underground Spaces

• Published in: Fire (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 6; no. 11; p. 436
• Main Authors: Ou, Jianchun, Wang, Xinyu, Ming, Yuyang, Sun, Xixi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-11-2023
• Subjects: Carbon monoxide; complex urban space; Evacuation; Evacuations & rescues; Experiments; fire; Fires; Hazardous materials; Heat; Personnel; Safety; Safety measures; Simulation; Smoke; Smoke abatement; Temperature; Temperature distribution; Temperature profiles; Ventilation; ventilation speed; Visibility; Wind; Wind effects; Wind speed
• ISSN: 2571-6255; 2571-6255
• DOI: 10.3390/fire6110436

This study explores the intricate behaviors of smoke flow, temperature distribution, carbon monoxide (CO) levels, and visibility dynamics within complex underground spaces during fire incidents. A key revelation is the profound impact of ventilation speed, with the identification of a critical range between 2 and 3 m/s that consistently proves to be instrumental in curbing smoke-related hazards and ensuring the safe evacuation of personnel. Furthermore, this paper underscores the influence of accelerated longitudinal winds on temperature profiles, particularly under high HRR conditions, underscoring the importance of accounting for wind effects in comprehensive fire response strategies. Regarding CO concentration, which is a critical safety concern, this study demonstrates that higher ventilation speeds effectively reduce hazardous gas levels, thereby fortifying overall safety measures. The visibility is analyzed, with the findings indicating that elevated ventilation speeds enhance visibility, albeit with considerations about potential drawbacks on personnel evacuation due to excessive wind speed. In conclusion, this paper offers a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role played by ventilation speed in underground space safety by encompassing smoke control and temperature management.