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importance of ensuring smoke fans are not causing too much noise pollution, as this will impact the comfort of occupants. This is where silencers have a role to play, which are components that are installed in ventilation ducting to reduce sound levels of high-powered smoke extraction fans. Getting to grips with the differing requirements and options available is key. For example, a standard cylindrical silencer is
covered as an ancillary component, and therefore under EN12101-3 fan specification. However, when the design changes and a rectangular, splitter attenuator is needed, these may need to be compliant to BS476 Pt24 (which specifies they operate for a two- or four-hour period at temperatures of up to 1,000°C). By incorporating fire-rated silencers within
a smoke ventilation system, it is possible to drastically reduce noise pollution, without impacting overall safety. Applied Technology smoke fans, for example, are now available with fully-compliant fire-rated silencers from noise control specialists Acoustica, ultimately improving the end product and avoiding the need to specify individual components separately.
Energy efficiency
As we have touched upon already, smoke ventilation is not only used at times of crisis. While this is its primary purpose, regular testing and secondary functionality means that it can be in operation fairly frequently. As such, the efficiency of the fan is another important factor to consider. In part, this is because running costs are always
going to be a priority for building owners. While this is obviously not an issue in a fire situation, the aforementioned operation of a ventilation system means that ongoing energy efficiency – and the associated utility bills – is a key consideration. It is also true that new buildings have strict efficiency targets to meet, in order to ensure the overall structure is as sustainable as possible.
Various building regulations apply depending on the primary purpose of a building, which further emphasises the requirement to make smoke ventilation as efficient as possible, without impacting its safety function. The latest technology contains a number
of developments that are making fans more efficient, ranging from variable speed drives (VSDs) through to the integration of EC motors in standard environmental fans. As with silencers, it is critical that all components within a smoke ventilation system are equipped to handle the high temperatures that come with a fire. Applied Technology recently tested its smoke fans alongside various VSDs in accordance with BS EN12101-3:2015. The bespoke fans were tested at BSRIA’s testing facility in Bracknell, for F300 (300°C 2Hr) and F400 (400°C 2Hr). Having the fans running with a VSD during the test ensures that the fans and VSD can be used together, without the need for bypassing or fitting filters to the VSD in fire mode.
Closing thoughts
First and foremost, the single most important aspect of a smoke ventilation system is safety. It needs to work at its optimum capacity during a fire, and this is why regular maintenance, servicing, and testing is crucial. However, as we have outlined above, this should not be at the expense of energy efficiency, nor should it result it excessive noise pollution. The latest technology ensures that smoke
systems can continue to be relied upon for worst- case scenarios, while also operating quietly and with minimal energy expenditure during tests or when in ‘trickle mode’.
Commercial heating
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December 2021
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