Analysis of kitchen fire risk from the isobutane refrigeration system based on decision support strategy for high-rise buildings

Kitchen fire has been becoming the critical risk to the building structure and security of users in high-rise buildings. Household isobutane refrigeration (HIR) systems are the most popular preservation method in the kitchen, and the isobutane (R600a) has been widely used in HIR system according to its low-global warming potential. Unfortunately, the R600a leakage from HIR system could cause fire accidents due to its flammable. A comprehensive analysis of flammable refrigerant leakage and the resulting fire risk is essential for the HIR system in the kitchen. Here, a novel decision support strategy that integrates the operation of the HIR system with the assessment of kitchen space fire risk is presented. The refrigerant leakage numerical model based on decision support strategy is built, and the reliability of proposed model is verified. The kitchen fire explosion risk is investigated and assessed considering various factors. The results indicate the leakage position and direction are related to kitchen fire risk. The kitchen fire explosion risk of the HIR system in winter is higher than that in summer, and the ventilators installed can reduce kitchen fire explosion risk. The kitchen fire risk probability is decreased by 19.86 % with the airflow velocity from 0 to 1.5 m/s. The comprehensive fire risk probability of the HIR system in the kitchen is 1.03 x 10(-12)-5.05 x 10(-11). This study not only reaffirms some effective methodologies for mitigating risks and improving the system, but also provides a reference for improving high-rise building fire risk by decision support strategy.