Experimental and numerical study on fire smoke propagation and ventilation modes in powerhouse of hydropower station during construction stage

In this paper, full-scale fire experiments and numerical simulations in a underground powerhouse of a hydropower station during construction stage were carried out to study the temperature distribution and smoke propagation. Characteristic of inverse ambient temperature in the vertical direction was found, resulting in the vertical movement of smoke being different from that in a uniform temperature environment. The maximum temperature rise appeared at non highest points. Smoke characteristic parameters like smoke settling heights and temperature rise were discussed under different HRR of fire source to determine the fire risk distribution of the powerhouse. Two ventilation modes are proposed, and the comparison of smoke control effects between each ventilation modes was made. The optimal ventilation mode and ventilation volume in different fire scenarios are proposed. The research findings can offer scenario and data support to fire smoke control and emergency plan design in the powerhouse of hydropower stations.