HVAC systems for the fire protection engineer

Engineers concerned with smoke control often specify the use of the building HVAC system in a special mode of operation for controlling smoke. However, depending on the type of system and its set of components and controls, HVAC systems may be easy or difficult to adapt for use in controlling smoke. The various types of HVAC systems such as multizone systems, induction unit systems, fan coil systems, VAV, etc. are described relative to their ease of adaptability for controlling smoke. Also, the role of system components and controls in HVAC system operation and adaptability of the system as a smoke control system are described.