Testing and Analysis Department—CFD simulations

SMAY offers a broad range of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations. The simulation is a modern tool to check the state of operation of the system at the conceptual stage and thus provides tools for creating effective solutions. An additional advantage of numerical analysis is an option to compare various projects, which helps optimise the concept for a particular facility. CFD simulations at each project stage help avoid errors which, without the analysis, could be detected only after the system is installed. Retrofit modifications are often labour-intensive and involve significant costs—and sometimes are not feasible.

SMAY is an expert on fire ventilation simulations. Our offer includes the following numerical studies:

• stairwell smoke ventilation;

• fire development and ducting as well as jet fan system operation in garages;

• fire development and smoke ventilation system operation in large-volume spaces (atria, entrance halls);

• smoke ventilation from horizontal escape routes, such as corridors;

• effectiveness of pressure differential systems for vertical escape routes.

CFD simulations are performed at SMAY with a number of software programs, such as Ansys Fluent, FDS with PyroSim add-on, and SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation. Smay’s numerical analysis offer inludes also evacuation analysis in Pathfinder.

Commissioning tests

SMAY offers comprehensive support for fire ventilation commissioning. We perform differential pressure system and smoke ventilation system tests.

The pressure differential system tests cover positive pressure tests in the protected zone, tests on the force needed to open the door and airflow speed in open escape doors according to PN-EN 12101-6.

In terms of smoke ventilation, SMAY offers system efficiency tests and smoke tests. Hot marker smoke tests are performed to determine the performance of smoke ventilation systems, and to provide assistance with their calibration. Smoke tests are performed e.g. for smoke ventilation in garages, corridors, tunnels, and other spaces where the verification of performance is required. They help verify e.g. directions of smoke spread, and potential smoke accumulation in escape routes, which could threaten safe evacuation.

Modern ventilation systems very often perform two functions. One is smoke extraction, and the other household ventilation. If this is the case, the performance of the system should also be tested for household ventilation. SMAY offers system efficiency testing in this respect, including the preparation of a speed profile using an ultrasound anemometer, detecting the so-called dead zones in the analysed space.

All CFD simulations and measurements are performed by experts with many years’ experience of conducting numerical studies and installation system tests.