jaue2023072: Performance Evaluation of an Air Curtain for Blocking Air Inflow Based on a Blower Door Test

Abstract

Unintentional air inflow causes energy loss and malfunction of smoke control equipment. Owing to the stack effect, the air flows in and out of the lower and higher levels of a building such that an overpressure is created around some entrance doors and the air flows upward through the shaft. As this accelerates the spread of smoke in cases of fire, the safety of buildings is undermined. To mitigate the air inflow, a vestibule or a revolving door is installed to reduce the inflow of air through the opening. However, when fires occur, the doors remain open as the evacuees leave the building, and no measure is enforced to block the air inflow. Therefore, in this study, an air curtain was installed at the entrance door. Further, the performance of the curtain was evaluated in terms of its capacity to block air inflow while the door remained open. using a blower door test, this study analyzed changes in the amount of air inflow according to the operation of the air curtain. The study results and data are expected to be used to determine the performance of air curtains and reduce air inflow