Seaforth Carpark & Car Lift Ventilation Modelling
SEED Engineers tackled an exceptional ventilation challenge in the Seaforth Carpark & Car Lift Ventilation Modelling project, set within a residential building. This project required the innovative application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to ensure the safety and compliance of a unique car lift system. Facing a highly unconventional design that uses a car lift to transport vehicles to different parking levels, our team was engaged to provide assurances that carbon monoxide levels within this system would remain within safe limits for human exposure.
| Client: | |
| Mix Use: | Commercial |
| Sector: | Commercial |
| Size: | Medium |
| Disciplines Engaged: | Mechanical Engineering |
The Challenges Faced
The project presented complex challenges primarily due to the limited spatial arrangement and the unconventional use of a car lift in the car park. Local council and certifiers expressed concerns about potential carbon monoxide accumulation within the lift, posing a significant health risk. Additionally, the project’s configuration did not allow for high-level discharge of exhaust, necessitating a performance-based solution for safe and low-level emission discharge. The acoustic considerations in maintaining a conducive environment for residents added another layer of complexity to our engineering solutions.
The Solution Provided
In response to the unique demands of the Seaforth Carpark project, SEED Engineers leveraged advanced CFD simulations to model and analyze carbon monoxide dispersion within the carpark and car lift system. Our approach included a detailed assessment of the worst-case scenarios—such as maximum carpark usage and lift operation with all doors closed—to ensure comprehensive safety measures. By optimising airflow and introducing effective low-level discharge systems, we successfully demonstrated that even at reduced airflow levels, mandated by AS1668.2, the environment would remain safe. This strategic application not only addressed the immediate concerns but also upheld the project’s compliance with stringent safety standards, ensuring a robust solution that aligns with both aesthetic and functional requirements of the residential buildingnning resulted in everything aligning perfectly in place to solve the issues in this project.
