Modelling a Damper-Optimized Demand Control Ventilation System During a Fire

Abstract Modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have evolved from simple on-off, fan-driven systems to highly complex, energy-optimized systems involving sensors monitoring the building whose outputs result in dynamic changes to the HVAC system operation. In some buildings, the HVAC system is intended to aid in smoke and pressure control during the event of a fire. In such a case, the smoke, heat, and pressure from fire growth and spread interact with the HVAC system, while the control logic may react to the fire alarm and increase ventilation rates. A series of tests investigating the performance of modern damper-optimized demand control ventilation (DCV) systems during a fire and its effect on smoke and pressure control was recently performed. This paper examines the ability of Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) to model a DCV HVAC system undergoing a dynamic response change due to the presence of fire. Results show that the FDS HVAC model is capable of such simulations. However, there were challenges in the modelling process due to the limitations on the experimental data obtained from the real-world building management system software. A path forward for more complete simulations is identified.