Smoke extraction engineering – Theatre
Smoke control engineering
Year
2023
Customer
NC
Location
France
Typology
Smoke control engineering
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Fire safety engineering (FSE) in a theatre
EOLIOS Engineering’s deep expertise in the field of fluid mechanics enabled it to conduct a rigorous study to ensure safety on the site in the event of a fire.
The primary objective of our study was to analyze potential fire risks and assess existing safety measures. Based on the results obtained, we identified high-risk areas and additional measures to be implemented to ensure optimal protection.
We used advanced modeling methods to simulate fire behavior in different scenarios. This allowed us to assess the extent of potential damage and determine impact zones.
Based on this information, we recommended the installation of fire detection and suppression systems tailored to the site’s specific characteristics. We also recommended improvements to ventilation and smoke extraction to optimize occupant safety.
We worked closely with the company’s teams to implement these recommendations.
Fire safety in theaters: the importance of rapid evacuation
Theaters are performance venues that can accommodate between 30 and 700 spectators, depending on their size. It is therefore crucial to plan for the sudden evacuation of a large number of people in case of an emergency, such as a fire. In the event of a fire, smoke will increase and spread. This can cause evacuation routes to become blocked due to heat, smoke fumes , and poor visibility .
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) ensures that escape routes are clear and that smoke extraction systems are designed effectively to help save lives and combat fires or their spread. The purpose of our smoke control study is to model smoke propagation in order to optimize its evacuation , as well as the evacuation of combustion products and theater personnel, under the best possible conditions in the event of a fire.
3D model of the site
The entire site has been reproduced using 3D software by our EOLIOS engineers. This model will be created from the 3D model of the building and its systems.
3D model of the theatre studied in smoke extraction engineering
This modeling then allows for CFD simulation to be performed for each scenario.
The objective is not to overload the model with inappropriate details in order to maximize computing power for sensitive areas of the study within the volume, the volumetrics is carried out in such a way as to take into account all elements having an impact on the aerodynamics of the volume.
Characterization of fire in the model
Definition of heat flow rate: challenges in fire modeling
Software allows for fluid studies but cannot predict the ignition of combustible materials or how they burn (energy and effluents produced). Therefore, the combustion phenomenon is not modeled in this study. The fire is modeled using a volumetric heat model , which only considers the thermal and toxic effects of combustion within a volume defined as the area where the combustion occurs.
It is then the user’s responsibility to carefully select the model’s input data. Combustion is a reaction that releases heat. This quantity of heat per unit of time, called the heat output or fire power, is not constant over time (small flames, then bright flames, then gradual extinction), which makes it complex to define. Preliminary studies are therefore conducted to determine the temporal evolution of the heat output and the emission rates of combustion products , which will then serve as input data. EOLIOS has a database that allows defining the smoke generation conditions for the most common materials.
Model of the theatre in smoke extraction engineering -Flame speeds
Modeling the combustion phenomenon: focus on heat and toxic effects
Scenarios considered
It is very difficult to predict the precise location of a future fire. Therefore, several studies are conducted with different scenarios . The fire locations studied are based on the most unfavorable cases in order to best size the smoke extraction systems . These unfavorable cases meet several constraints:
- Maximize the smoke path between the fireplace and the nearest outlet
- Maximize detection time
- Delaying the discovery of the fire
- Blocking the use of an emergency exit or escape route
- Promote the accumulation of heat and fumes in a specific area
The model development phase focuses on defining various essential parameters for each fire scenario. These parameters are:
- The position of the hearth
- The characterization of the home
- The building elements, systems and measures impacting the development and spread of the fire
These different scenarios aim to ensure that smoke extraction systems are adequately sized to meet protection objectives . It is therefore possible to determine the ideal location of emergency exits, fire doors, and smoke extraction systems by observing the path smoke takes within the theatre.
Fire evacuation: the challenges theaters face with smoke
CFD simulation of the model
Smoke control engineering studies allow for the representation of gas diffusion in space and time. This is coupled with multiphysics modeling that takes into account phenomena arising from smoke formation. EOLIOS’ expertise in thermal and aerodynamic engineering offers innovative and relevant solutions for climate and fire risks. The implementation of CFD simulations requires the involvement of experts in fluid mechanics, thermal engineering, and numerical simulations.
EOLIOS engineers specializing in thermo-aeraulics and fluid mechanics work closely with other EOLIOS engineers specializing in fire risk and systems.
For our study, a CFD simulation is performed for each scenario considered. It is necessary to first determine the boundary conditions to solve the partial differential equations of the model. An appropriate mesh is then automatically generated from the model’s geometry, but it is possible to refine it where greater accuracy is desired.
3D model of the theater in smoke extraction engineering - Temperatures
Through various simulations, we can study the movement of heat and smoke, which follow the movement of air generated by the fire. It is necessary to determine how long the different access points to emergency exits would have been blocked by smoke, preventing a safe evacuation, either completely or partially.
Analysis of results
The results provide insight into the thermal conditions and heat flow to which people may be subjected during evacuation and firefighters during their intervention. This allows for the development of a solution to improve existing smoke extraction systems. EOLIOS proposes a new system that takes into account the safety of people, applicable regulations , and environmental conditions . Site layout recommendations, such as the placement of emergency exits and fire doors, are also made based on the speed at which smoke spreads through the spaces, the temperatures inside the theater, and the smoke visibility, which is the greatest distance at which an object can be seen.
Video summary of the study
A CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation of a fire starting on a theater stage can produce several important results. Here are some of the key results that can be expected from such a simulation:
1. Heat propagation: CFD simulation shows how the heat generated by the fire spreads through the environment. This helps to understand areas of high temperature and predict how it might affect the theater structure, stage elements, and the audience.
2. Smoke Movement: The simulation also allows visualization of how the smoke generated by the fire moves through the space. This can help identify areas where smoke could accumulate, potentially becoming dangerous for people in the theater.
3. Airflow Speed and Direction: CFD simulation allows us to study air movements, particularly the speed and direction of airflow generated by the fire. This helps us understand how the fire can influence air circulation in the theater and assess the risks of smoke inhalation for occupants.
4. Combustion Product Concentration: CFD simulation also allows for the calculation of combustion product concentrations, such as toxic gases, in different areas of the theater. This helps identify areas with the highest concentrations of these products, enabling the implementation of appropriate safety measures to protect occupants.
5. Evaluation of Escape Routes: By understanding the spread of fire, smoke, and combustion products, CFD simulation can assess the effectiveness of existing escape routes in the theater. This helps identify potential problems in the initial design and suggest improvements for safer evacuation in the event of a fire.
In summary, a CFD simulation of a fire starting on a theatre stage allows visualization of the spread of fire, smoke and combustion products, assessment of risks to occupants and identification of the safety measures necessary to ensure a rapid and safe evacuation.
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