Study on the diffusion characteristics of fire smoke in the main powerhouse of a hydropower station

Abstract

The hydropower station projects are developing rapidly in China. At the same time, the fire risks they face are also increasing. To study the diffusion characteristics of fire smoke in the main powerhouse of a hydropower station, a numerical model of the same size was constructed based on a typical large-scale hydropower station project in China. This research is carried out for four fire scenarios: a fire at the end of the generator floor, a fire in the middle of the generator floor, a fire in the middle of the busbar floor, and a fire in the middle of the turbine floor. The smoke diffusion process and spread characteristics under different fire scenarios are analyzed and discussed. The research shows that when a fire breaks out at the end or in the middle of the generator floor, the smoke cannot diffuse to other floors. However, when a fire breaks out in the middle of the busbar floor or the turbine floor, the smoke will fill the entire space of the main powerhouse eventually. Nevertheless, the diffusion mechanisms of smoke among different floors vary under different scenarios. The research conclusion can provide theoretical and technical guidance for fire smoke prevention, control, and emergency response in the main powerhouses of hydropower stations as well as extra-large spaces.

Keywords

hydropower station fire / main powerhouse / high and large space / smoke diffusion / numerical simulation