Numerical simulation study of smoke exhaust efficiency in an atrium

The influence of multiple parameters on smoke exhaust efficiency in an atrium is the subject of this article. Detailed information is obtained through a series of four numerical simulations, all but one case involving a mechanical exhaust system. Quantitative smoke exhaust efficiencies in various cases are evaluated and compared. The investigated parameters include the activation time of the smoke exhaust system, the mechanical fan capacity, the elevation of make-up air inlets and the horizontal location or distributed arrangement of the inlet distribution. It is revealed that all these parameters have impacts on smoke exhaust efficiency to different degrees and hence on the performance of the smoke exhaust system. Improper design and operation may lead to a significant reduction in efficiency. The mechanism that causes the reduction of efficiency is discussed. Velocity and temperature fields are analyzed to reveal the interactions between the fire plume and the inlet jet flows.