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Effects of Time to Unactuate Air Conditioning on Fire Growth

Author

Listed:
  • Teng-Yi Wang

    (Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan)

  • Kuang-Chung Tsai

    (Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan)

Abstract

Air conditioning systems have become essential equipment in many buildings. However, fire safety design and management in buildings rarely consider whether to turn the system off or keep it on in a fire. This study ignites a stack of wood in a room center or corner to explore the influence of air inlet actions of a fan coil unit (FCU) with the door opened or closed. Simulation results using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) demonstrate that the heat release rate (HRR) and room temperature obviously decrease when the room doorway is closed, regardless of whether the air conditioner is turned on. The air supply for combustion is poor. When the door of the room is opened, turning off the air conditioner can effectively reduce the HRR and the room temperature in the early stages of fire growth. However, along with the fire growth, turning on air conditioning can help decrease the heat radiation feedback and the consequent HRR. Therefore, the conclusion that air conditioning always enhances a fire because it provides oxygen may not always be correct.

Suggested Citation

  • Teng-Yi Wang & Kuang-Chung Tsai, 2021. "Effects of Time to Unactuate Air Conditioning on Fire Growth," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:11:p:3100-:d:562616
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hong Sheng Huang & Chung Hwei Su & Cheng Bang Li & Ching Yuan Lin & Chun Chou Lin, 2016. "Enhancement of Fire Safety of an Existing Green Building due to Natural Ventilation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-28, March.
    2. Chow, W. K., 2001. "Numerical studies of airflows induced by mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning (MVAC) systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 68(2), pages 135-159, February.
    3. Ricardo S. Gomez & Túlio R. N. Porto & Hortência L. F. Magalhães & Antonio C. Q. Santos & Victor H. V. Viana & Kelly C. Gomes & Antonio G. B. Lima, 2020. "Thermo-Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Fire Smoke Dispersion and Control Strategy in Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-27, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Pengcheng Qin & Mingnian Wang & Zhanwen Chen & Guanfeng Yan & Tao Yan & Changling Han & Anmin Wang, 2021. "Effects of Ambient Pressure on Burning Characteristics of Gasoline: A Pilot Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-12, July.

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