Prospects for air curtains application in smoke protection system of buildings. Analysis of regulatory documents requirements

PURPOSE. Analysis of using air curtains in various industries of our country including smoke protection systems for buildings shows that air curtains are widely used now. However, until recently, air curtains have not been used in smoke protection systems. Meanwhile, their use will allow solving a number of problems in the field of smoke protection. The aim of the study was to identify fire regulation shortcomings of air curtains use in smoke protection systems, as well as to find possible ways for further research in this field. METHODS. To evaluate the available data theoretical research methods have been used: analysis and synthesis. FINDINGS. The analysis of normative documents on air curtains use in the field of smoke protection, calculation methods of air curtains, as well as research in this field showed the shortcomings of air curtains fire regulation and the problems of calculation methods. Possible ways of research and search for air curtains optimal parameters for the purposes of building smoke protection are determined. RESEARCH APPLICATION FIELD. The results of the regulatory documents analysis on air curtains use in the field of smoke protection, calculation methods of air curtains, as well as previous studies can be used for further research of air curtains for smoke protection in order to obtain optimal parameters to improve their efficiency in fire conditions. In the future this will improve the method of air curtains calculating for smoke protection purposes, as well as eliminate the shortcomings of fire regulation in this field. CONCLUSIONS. According to the results of regulatory requirements analysis it has been found that at present a sufficiently large number of parameters, which can significantly affect the efficiency of air curtains to protect openings in fire conditions are not taken into account. The formulas for calculation methods of air curtains are derived from the equations for an isothermal jet and do not take into account the impact of the jet on heat and mass transfer in the room under fire, as well as the influence of thermogasdynamic conditions on the jet in the room. To determine the optimal parameters of air curtains for the purposes of building smoke protection, a more detailed study of heat and mass transfer processes based on a three-dimensional mathematical model (CFD modeling) and field experimental studies are required.