A large tent is kept warm during a power outage with a hot-air heater and a generator. Change the insulation, the weather, the crowd and the equipment, and watch the heat balance, the comfort, the fuel in the tanks and the air quality.
Quick start: the clock is already running from 17:00 in a cold tent (10 min of simulated time per second). Open Heat flows and Heat map to see where the heat goes, then compare the presets. In real life follow your local civil-protection guidance; this lab explains the physics only.
1. The shelter and its insulation
2. Weather3. People and comfort
4. Heating
5. Power and generator
6. Fresh air, CO2 and carbon monoxide
7. Experiments and numerical checks
Question 1. How much fuel does one 12-hour night need at different outdoor temperatures? The sweep simulates the night from a cold start and from a warm start and compares both with the analytic steady-state estimate.
Question 2. Is insulation worth its cost? Five insulation levels, same weather, same people: fuel per night and the payback in nights.
Question 3. How long does a tank last, and which generator size is sensible for this load?
Independent numerical checks
Running...
The science (equations, assumptions, limits)Safety notes (read these)
Never run a generator, a charcoal grill, a gas or kerosene heater or any other combustion appliance inside a tent, hall, garage or basement. Carbon monoxide has no smell and can be fatal within minutes at high concentration.
Put the generator outdoors, well away from doors, windows and air intakes, with its exhaust pointing away from the building; many authorities say at least 6 m. Fit a working CO alarm in every heated room.
Refuel only with the engine stopped and cool; store fuel in approved containers away from the generator, the heater and any ignition source; keep a fire extinguisher and a sand bucket close by.
If a CO alarm sounds or people get a headache, dizziness or nausea: go outside into fresh air, open the tent, and call the emergency number (112). Follow your local authority's guidance.
This simulator is a physics lesson with simplified models. It is not a design tool and does not replace the guidance of civil-protection authorities or a qualified engineer.
Family-friendly: no people are drawn. Warm glows in the heat-map view only mark where occupants' body heat enters the model. Not affiliated with any government service; the sign is generic.