Validation of Modeling Tools for Detection Design in High Airflow Environments
Joshua Dinaburg, Hughes Associates, Inc
Jason Floyd, Hughes Associates, Inc
Sai Thumuluru, FM Global

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Information-technology and telecommunications (IT/telecom) facilities provide critical services. Dramatic changes in the equipment housed in these facilities has placed increased demands on HVAC systems. As a result, airflow containment solutions, which create high airflow environments, are being introduced to increase energy efficiency. Although tools exist to model fire development, detection time, and suppression agent dispersion, they have not been validated for this application. The Fire Protection Research Foundation has undertaken a project with Hughes Associates and FM Global to validate a CFD model that can be used for providing reliable analysis of detection performance facilities with high air flows. This project included small scale characterization testing of fuels and detection devices, full scale testing, and modeling.