Through our several years of experience we can offer CFD simulations of a range of different scenarios. We are specialised in the flow simulations of fires, but can also provide our services for air quality analysis of apartments, hotel rooms and underground carparks, as well as for air flow simulations in data centers.
CFD simulations in fire situations are especially complicated as a range of factors must be accounted for, the chemistry and heat release rate of the fire, fire spread from one object to another, the effect of any installed sprinkler and the effect of any smoke and heat extraction devices (RWA). To date we have performed CFD simulations for cinemas, theatres, historical buildings, logistic centers, underground carparks, container systems, atriums and office buildings. Each case brings its own complexities and challenges, but all were successfully overcome.
„Flow simulation of noxious gases in underground car park”
Cars produce a range of noxious gases that can build up in an underground car park, such as Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter. A CFD analysis can aid in the optimisation of the ventilation systems for the removal of theses gases, reducing the number of fans required and also the electrical power. Additionally, the CFD model can also be reused to prove the viability of any smoke removal system in the case of a fire in the underground carpark.
The removal of hot air in a data centre is vital to the longevity and reliability of the server systems. A CFD analysis can identify locations of low air velocity where hot air can build up and damage server racks. The analysis can also be used to optimise the air flow, the position of vents and power required for the fans. It is also possible to simulate the effect of brief power loss to the ventilation system to determine how the heat may quickly build up in the time before emergency protocols can run.
For any questions to structural fire protection, please contact Dr. Robin Amy.
Fire Design of Steel Structures
Fire Design of Reinforced Concrete
In a fire significant amounts of heat and smoke can be produced, the CFD simulation must model the transport of these products. Additionally it is possible to model the spread of fire from one item to another, the effects of sprinklers where installed, the build up of poisonous gases using fractional effective dose (FED) , the visibility of any warning signs to the occupants and many other factors.
The results of the CFD analysis can also be used to calculate the temperatures in the load bearing structures in the building, such as posts, concrete slabs, steel beams or wooden structures. The resulting hot measurement can be used to calculate the fire resistance time of the components. This is the state-of-the-art in determing the exact fire resistance of structures and often gives longer fire resistance times compared to traditional methods.
A CFD analysis can also be used to for an evacuation simulation in a building, where the movement of the occupants is affected by smoke, visibility and location of the fire. This type of evacuation simulation is more exact and provides better safety for the occupants in the building and also be used to find bottle-necks in stairwells and corridors.