The automatic smoke ventilation systems installed at every station within Dubai’s new tram network are using more than 300 compact SECO N 24 40 chain actuators and Type 23 OS2 controllers from SE Controls to ensure the smoke vents operate faultlessly in the event of a fire, allowing waiting passengers to evacuate safely.
Phase 1 of the Dubai Tram system spans 10.6 kilometres and includes 11 stations along the route, which starts at Dubai Marina and ends at Al Sufouh, with stops at the Jumeirah Beach Residence as well as Knowledge Village, Internet City and Media City, while also linking with the Dubai Metro and the Palm Jumeirah Monorail.
The natural smoke ventilation systems are installed into the two separate enclosed passenger terminals located on each side of the track at every station that incorporate main entrance and exit doors as well as automated platform screen doors (PSD) which only open when a tram is stationery to allow passenger access.
In the event of a fire, the fire alarm system triggers the opening of 14 ‘bottom-hung’ platform facing windows, each measuring 1400mm x 600mm, which allows smoke to vent from the building and create a clear escape route for passengers through the main exit doors. To avoid any risk of a platform fire spreading to the trams, the system is designed to ensure the PSDs remain closed.
Madhava Prasad, General Manager with SE Controls Middle East, who handled the project, explained: “We are delighted to have been involved in the Dubai Tram network, as it extends the public transport system and allows easy transit between key areas within Dubai. Clearly, passenger safety is a primary consideration and the smoke ventilation systems demonstrate the importance attached to fire safety by the operators.”
