Parking Ventilation

In the ventilation of such spaces, jet fans are used to control airflow and prevent the spread of pollutants. Jet fans are capable of moving large volumes of air at high velocities. Due to the pressure drop present in ducts, ventilation performed by jet fans consumes less energy compared to ducted systems, which is attributed to the pressure losses in the ducts. Additionally, due to the intelligence of the system, not all jet fans are continuously operating at full capacity, which in turn leads to reduced energy consumption.

Classification of Parking Garages Based on the Third Topic of the National Building Regulations

According to the National Building Regulations, all enclosed parking garages, at any level, must have adequate ventilation to allow for the extraction of smoke and other gaseous products resulting from fire.

Types of Parking Garages:

Open Parking Garage – An open parking garage is defined as one where at least 20% of the total wall area or 40% of the wall perimeter is open (natural ventilation).

Semi-Open Parking Garage – A semi-open parking garage is defined as one where at least 10% of the total wall area or 20% of the wall perimeter is open (mechanical ventilation without fresh air). These garages do not require a fresh air system.

Enclosed Parking Garage – An enclosed parking garage is one that has no openings to the outside environment (mechanical ventilation).

Classification by Area:

• Under 300 m²
• 300 to 500 m²
• Over 500 m² up to 2000 m²
• Over 2000 m²

Classification by Depth of the Lowest Level:

• Less than 9 meters
• 9 to 18 meters
• 18 meters and above

Types of Parking Ventilation Systems

Parking ventilation systems are divided into two types: natural and mechanical.

• Open parking garages use natural ventilation.
• Enclosed parking garages:

Height less than 9 meters

a) Under 300 m² and depth less than 3 meters (natural ventilation) – These garages do not require a smoke management system.

b) Up to 500 m² (mechanical ventilation without fresh air).

c) Over 500 m² (full mechanical ventilation).

d) Garages over 2000 m² (mechanical ventilation with zoning).

Height over 9 meters – Full mechanical ventilation.

Height over 18 meters – Mechanical ventilation with zoning.

Equipment Required for Various Parking Types

Mechanical Ventilation (Smoke Management Systems without Fresh Air) – The required equipment for this type of parking includes two exhaust fans. If axial fans (in-duct exhaust fans) are used, they must comply with F-300 standards based on the performance criteria for exhaust fans. Otherwise, centrifugal fans (utility exhaust fans) may be used.

Full Mechanical Ventilation – The required equipment for each zone includes two fresh air fans and two F-300 standard axial exhaust fans. If needed, F-300 jet fans may also be used to reduce horizontal ductwork on each floor.

Mechanical Ventilation with Zoning – In these parking garages, smoke curtains must be used to separate fire zones. Each zone must have its own dedicated smoke management system, including F-300 exhaust fans, fresh air fans, and, if necessary, F-300 jet fans. The smoke management scenario in all cases is controlled by a dedicated smoke management control panel.