Car park ventilation: Smoke control for car parks

Enclosed or underground car parks normally require ventilation systems to assist firefighting operations. These systems generally also prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide during normal day to day use of the car park. 

View our car park ventilation leaflet for further information regarding the design approaches.

The alternatives to ductwork: jet fans, impulse ventilation, induction ventilation

Colt offers the latest technology in impulse or induction ventilation systems. Over the past ten or so years, the strategy for ventilating underground car parks has changed dramatically. Traditional ducted systems have been replaced by so-called ‘jet fan’, ‘impulse’ and/or ‘induction’ systems. These use relatively small fan units positioned around the car park to direct the smoke towards the extract points.

As a result, the need for distribution ductwork throughout the car park is eliminated. This may save car-parking spaces and make the car park a lighter, less cluttered environment.

Colt offer Jetstream impulse fans and Cyclone induction fans specifically for this purpose.

Features and benefits of impulse and induction systems compared to traditional ducted systems:

• Easier and quicker installation
• Lower excavation costs
• Lower maintenance
• Cleaner, less cluttered ceilings

Design

The proving of alternative designs is frequently undertaken by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. CFD can provide detailed prediction of air movement, temperature and smoke density throughout the car park, taking into account the often complex geometry of individual buildings. This level of detail cannot be provided by any other means.

Colt can provide complete in-house CFD modelling of the system and a full technical report for local authority approval prior to installation.

Contact us for further information. We have considerable experience in the design and implementation of smoke control systems or smoke ventilation in car parks.