Natural smoke ventilation, as the name suggests, facilitates the natural flow of air to extract smoke from a building in the event of a fire. The system uses louvre vents, windows or smoke shafts that open automatically in response to smoke being detected. This allows for the safer evacuation of those inside the building and easier access for the fire services.
Louvre vents are units built into the exterior walls of the building that are made up of a number of blades that can be opened to provide ventilation. The louvres can also consist of glazed elements to allow natural light to enter the building.
This type of system can also be used on a day-to-day basis to control indoor temperatures and improve air quality. This is done using a louvre vent that is linked to a heat detection system. If the temperature in an area of the building rises above a set point, the vents will automatically open to ventilate the room. Once the temperature has returned to the correct level the vent will then close.
In addition to louvre vents, automated windows can also be used as part of a natural ventilation system. A chain or linear actuator can be attached to existing windows and, when heat or smoke are detected, the window will automatically open. If a building does not allow for windows or vents, a smoke shaft connected to an automatically opening vent can be used. As with louvre vents, this will enable heat or smoke to be extracted from the building through the natural movement of air.
Using a natural ventilation system such as louvre vent windows can be a more cost-effective solution compared to mechanical ventilation systems. Natural systems also take up less space compared to mechanical ventilation, which utilises a mechanical fan linked to a smoke shaft. The maintenance is usually simpler and generally, natural systems have lower day-to-day running costs.
All components used as part of a natural ventilation system must comply with the criteria outlined in Approved Document B that provides guidelines for the placement, size and installation of vents.
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