Optimizing Underground Car Park Ventilation Using CFD Simulation

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A detailed CFD study was conducted to design and validate the ventilation system of an underground car park, ensuring effective pollutant control during normal operation and supporting smoke extraction strategies for emergency scenarios. In accordance with BS 7346-7, a comprehensive 3D model was developed including inlets, exhausts, and jet fans. Simulations evaluated airflow distribution and local mean age of air as key performance indicators, identifying low velocity and recirculation zones. Alternative jet fan layouts were tested to optimize air movement. The final design delivers a compliant, energy efficient ventilation concept that ensures safe air quality and improved smoke management.

Technology Used
  • Ansys Discovery, Ansys Fluent

Design and validate ventilation systems for underground car parks to ensure effective pollution control during normal operation and rapid smoke clearance during emergency situations.



Underground car parks present complex ventilation challenges requiring compliance with strict safety standards (BS 7346-7). The design must provide adequate air renewal, maintain safe velocity distributions, and enable rapid smoke removal in emergency scenarios while minimizing energy consumption.



Set up a detailed 3D CFD model of the underground car park including fire sectors, inlets, exhausts, and jet fans. Set up CFD simulations for both Normal Pollution Ventilation and Emergency smoke clearance modes using appropriate turbulence modeling and local mean age (LMA) of air as the performance indicator. Flow patterns were analyzed to identify low-velocity and recirculation zones. Multiple jet fan configurations were tested iteratively, adjusting positions and orientations to improve airflow distribution and minimize stagnant regions. 



The optimized ventilation system achieves effective air renewal during normal operation and rapid smoke extraction in emergencies. Comparative analysis of multiple jet fan layouts enabled selection of a design that balances safety, airflow performance, and energy efficiency, providing a compliant and reliable solution for underground car park ventilation. 

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