Application of passive downdraught evaporative cooling (PDEC) to non-domestic buildings

The applicability of Passive Downdraught Evaporative Cooling (PDEC) for reducing energy consumption in hot dry climates is reviewed. A new EC Joule project explaining the application of PDEC in non-domestic buildings is described. The building performance assessment methodology which employs dynamic thermal simulation programs for thermal analysis, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes for airflow modelling is discussed. The role which wind tunnel tests and field measurements have in producing improved models is noted. Preliminary results from CFD benchmark trials are presented.     

Estimating the potential yield of small building‐mounted wind turbines

The wind profile in the urban boundary layer is described as following a logarithmic curve above the mean building height and an exponential curve below it. By considering the urban landscape to be an array of cubes, a method is described for calculating the surface roughness length and displacement height of this profile. Firstly, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model employing a k‐? turbulence model is used to simulate the flow around a cube. The results of this simulation are compared with wind tunnel measurements in order to validate the code. Then, the CFD model is used to simulate the wind flow around a simple pitched‐roof building, using a semi‐logarithmic inflow profile. An array of similar pitched‐roof houses is modelled using CFD to determine the flow characteristics within an urban area. Mean wind speeds at potential turbine mounting points are studied, and optimum mounting points are identified for different prevailing wind directions. A methodology is proposed for estimating the energy yield of a building‐mounted turbine from simple information such as wind atlas wind speed and building density. The energy yield of a small turbine on a hypothetical house in west London is estimated. The energy yield is shown to be very low, particularly if the turbine is mounted below rooftop height. It should be stressed that the complexity of modelling such urban environments using such a computational model has limitations and results can only be considered approximate, but nonetheless, gives an indication of expected yields within the built environment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using CFD to investigate ventilation characteristics of vaults as wind-inducing devices in buildings

This paper investigates the potential of the vaulted roofs for improving wind-induced natural ventilation, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) three-dimensional modelling. This has been carried out in a parametric study considering different climatic and geometrical parameters. Using Fluent 5.5 program, natural ventilation performance has been modelled and assessed according to the value of airflow rate, and the quality of internal airflow distribution. It has been concluded that utilisation of vaulted roofs for natural ventilation increases inflow rate of the building, and re-distribute internal airflow currents by attracting some of the air to leave through roof openings instead of walls openings. This has improved ventilation conditions in the upstream and central zones of the building, but not in the downstream zone. Natural ventilation performance of two equivalent domed and vaulted roofs has also been compared. Results showed that there are many similarities between domed and vaulted roofs in terms of their natural ventilation performance. The advantage of any roof shape in air suction is highly dependant on wind direction.     

Buoyancy-driven single-sided natural ventilation in buildings with large openings

Full-scale experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods were used to investigate buoyancy-driven single-sided natural ventilation with large openings. Detailed airflow characteristics inside and outside of the room and the ventilation rate were measured. The experimental data were used to validate two CFD models: Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equation (RANS) modeling and large eddy simulation (LES). LES provides better results than the RANS modeling. With LES, the mechanism of single-sided ventilation was examined by turbulence statistical analysis. It is found that most energy is contained in low-frequency regions, and mean flow fields play an important role.     

Modélisation d'un panache d'émetteur de chaleur pour le logiciel de simulation énergétique des bâtiments SPARK

Plume's convector modeling for object-oriented thermal building simulation software SPARK. In this paper, a zonal model used to predict air movement and temperature distribution in a room is presented. This model is based on a rough partitioning of the room: it is an intermediate approach between one-node models (that consider a homogeneous temperature in each room) and CFD models. Flow rates are calculated in respect to the pressure distribution in low velocity domains and specific laws describe plumes and jets. The airflow model is coupled with a building envelope model. They are implemented in an object-oriented environment called SPARK. The modularity of SPARK allows the creation of very flexible tools, and its strict syntax permits having the simulations automatically generated.     

Total analysis of cooling effects of cross-ventilation affected by microclimate around a building

This study aims to develop a simulation system for evaluating the passive cooling effects, such as cross-ventilation, solar shading by trees, etc. Since the passive cooling effects are strongly affected by the spatial distributions of airflow, air temperature and radiative heat transports around a building, the microclimate around a building should be accurately predicted for this type of simulations. In this study, convective and radiative heat transports around buildings are analyzed by CFD (computational fluid dynamics) and radiation computations. Furthermore, the heat load calculation with the program “TRNSYS” was carried out, using the values of the cross-ventilation rates predicted by CFD computation and incoming solar radiation onto the building walls under the shade of trees obtained by the radiation computation as boundary conditions. Indoor velocity and indoor air temperature obtained by the simulation system developed here showed generally good agreement with measured data.     

Two-sided wind catcher performance evaluation using experimental,numerical and analytical modeling

Experimental wind tunnel and smoke visualization testing as well as CFD and analytical modeling were conducted to investigate the performance of a two-sided wind catcher. This type of wind catcher is divided internally into two halves for the purposes of air supply and extract. In this study, the two-sided wind catcher model was constructed of two similar one-sided wind catcher models, which were attached together back to back. These one-sided models are 1:40 scale models of Kharmani's School wind catcher in the city of Yazd. Experimental investigations were carried out using an open-circuit wind tunnel and both the induced volumetric airflow into the building and the pressure coefficients around all surfaces of the wind catcher model were measured at various wind angles. Furthermore, the CFD simulation was also used to evaluate the pressure coefficient distribution and airflow pattern around and through the wind catcher. Additional experimental tests and computational fluid dynamics simulation of the wind catcher in the wind tunnel were also conducted in order to assess the accuracy of measurement procedures and the uncertainty of experimental results. This article also represents a semi-empirical approach in which experimental data were used for a detailed analytic model, in order to provide an accurate estimate of the performance of wind catchers. It was found that for an isolated two-sided wind catcher model, the maximum efficiency is achieved at the angle of 90°. At this air incident angle the wind catcher efficiency increases approximately 20% more than the one at zero angle. The experimental investigations demonstrated the potential of two-sided wind catcher for enhancing the natural ventilation inside buildings. It can be seen that CFD simulation and analytical modeling results have a good agreement with the experimental results. Theoretical modeling can also help to assess the accuracy of measurement procedures and the uncertainty of experimental results.     

Airpak软件在气流组织领域的应用

Airpak是用于模拟室内气流组织的CFD专用软件,用于工程领域和科学研究。介绍了Airpak软件的基本特点,并用该软件模拟了某办公室的气流组织和热舒适性,为改善室内热环境提供参考。     

Physical modelling and advanced simulations of gas–liquid two-phase jet flows in atomization and sprays

This review attempts to summarize the physical models and advanced methods used in computational studies of gas–liquid two-phase jet flows encountered in atomization and spray processes. In traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach, physical modelling of atomization and sprays is an essential part of the two-phase flow computation. In more advanced CFD such as direct numerical simulation (DNS) and large-eddy simulation (LES), physical modelling of atomization and sprays is still inevitable. For multiphase flows, there is no model-free DNS since the interactions between different phases need to be modelled. DNS of multiphase flows based on the one-fluid formalism coupled with interface tracking algorithms seems to be a promising way forward, due to the advantageous lower costs compared with a multi-fluid approach. In LES of gas–liquid two-phase jet flows, subgrid-scale (SGS) models for complex multiphase flows are very immature. There is a lack of well-established SGS models to account for the interactions between the different phases. In this paper, physical modelling of atomization and sprays in the context of CFD is reviewed with modelling assumptions and limitations discussed. In addition, numerical methods used in advanced CFD of atomization and sprays are discussed, including high-order numerical schemes. Other relevant issues of modelling and simulation of atomization and sprays such as nozzle internal flow, dense spray, and multiscale modelling are also briefly reviewed.     

Three-dimensional simulation with a CFD tool of the airflow phenomena in single floor double-skin facade equipped with a venetian blind

Nowadays different kinds of double-skin facades are developed and used in new architectural projects. The aim of these facades is, on the one hand, to increase internal comfort and, on the other hand, to decrease energy consumption. In order to optimise the overall performance of the double-skin façades, their detailed behaviour needs to be better understood. The prediction of the airflow within the channel (between the two glazings) is very important for understanding of the double-skin facades behaviour, especially in summer conditions. A comprehensive modelling of a compact double-skin facade equipped with a venetian blind and forced ventilation is proposed here. The modelling is done using the CFD (computational fluid dynamics) approach to assess the air movement within the ventilated facade channel. Three-dimensional airflow is modelled using a homogeneous porous media representation, in order to reduce the size of the mathematical model. A parametric study is proposed here, analysing the impact of three parameters on the airflow development: slat tilt angle, blind position and air outlet position. The distance between the blind and the external glazing was found to have a major impact on the velocity profiles inside the double-skin facade channel.     

Thermo-hydrodynamic aspect analysis of flows in solar chimney power plants—A case study

The purpose of the work presented in this study is related to heat transfer and airflow modelling analysis in solar chimneys, according to some dominant parameters. A typical case of application is given in this study. It consists in analyzing a natural laminar convective heat transfer problem taking place in a chimney. Heat transfer and fluid dynamic aspects of the airflow, through an axis symmetric system in a dimensionless form, with well defined boundary conditions is thus examined. Results are related to the temperature distribution and the velocity field in the chimney and in the collector, determined by solving the energy equation, and the Navier–Stokes equations, using finite volume method. The numerical code based on this modelling is validated through the Vahl Davis benchmark solution for natural convection and to other authors for other cases.     

Simulating Natural Ventilation in and Around Buildings by Fast Fluid Dynamics

Natural ventilation is a sustainable technology that can provide a well-built environment and also save energy. The application of natural ventilation to buildings requires a careful approach in the early design phase, and fast, simple design tools are greatly needed. Fast fluid dynamics (FFD) can provide useful airflow information at a speed much faster than CFD so that it is a potential design tool for natural ventilation. This study thus validated FFD with test cases representing different types of natural ventilation. The results showed that FFD was capable of predicting the main air flow feature and ventilation rate with reasonable accuracy for wind-driven or buoyancy-driven natural ventilation. FFD simulation can reflect the influence of wind direction and surrounding buildings on natural ventilation.     

Simulation of energy saving in Iranian buildings using integrative modelling for insulation

According to one survey on energy consumption in Iran, commercial and building sector consume more energy than any other economic sectors. For example, about 38% of total energy that consumed in year 2001 has been used for space heating. Insulation in external walls of buildings has an important role to reduce the environmental effects on indoor space condition. Therefore, always using insulation is an alternative to avoid from the energy loss. In this paper, the effects of the using of a proper insulation on the energy saving in Iranian buildings are studied. For this purpose, an integrative modelling is used for simulation of the energy consumption in buildings. It is shown that energy consumption per square meter of buildings can be reduced up to 35.2% when insulation is used for external walls.     

Method for simulating predictive control of building systems operation in the early stages of building design

A method for simulating predictive control of building systems operation in the early stages of building design is presented. The method uses building simulation based on weather forecasts to predict whether there is a future heating or cooling requirement. This information enables the thermal control systems of the building to respond proactively to keep the operational temperature within the thermal comfort range with the minimum use of energy. The method is implemented in an existing building simulation tool designed to inform decisions in the early stages of building design through parametric analysis. This enables building designers to predict the performance of the method and include it as a part of the solution space. The method furthermore facilitates the task of configuring appropriate building systems control schemes in the tool, and it eliminates time consuming manual reconfiguration when making parametric analysis. A test case featuring an office located in Copenhagen, Denmark, indicates that the method has a potential to save energy and improve thermal comfort compared to more conventional systems control. Further investigations of this potential and the general performance of the method are, however, needed before implementing it in a real building design.     

整车罩壳内空气流动的数值模拟研究

为提高冷却系统散热能力,探讨某装载机罩壳内空气流动的数值模拟方法。计算模型中综合考虑了各种对空气流动影响较大的因素,尤其对风扇-散热器组件作了重点分析。将数值模拟结果同整车热平衡风洞试验相验证,为冷却系统空气侧评估与改进提供完整方法。     

Application of terminal box optimization of single‐duct air‐handling units

Terminal boxes maintain room temperature by modulating supply air temperature and airflow in building heating, ventilation and air‐conditioning (HVAC) systems. Terminal boxes with conventional control sequences often supply inadequate airflow to a conditioned space, resulting in occupant discomfort, or provide excessive airflow that wastes significant reheat energy. In this study, the procedure for the optimal minimum airflow setpoint was developed to improve thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption. The determined minimum airflow setpoint was applied in an office building air‐conditioning system. Improvements in indoor thermal comfort and energy reduction were verified through measurement. The results show that the minimum airflow reset can stably maintain room temperature, satisfy comfort standards and reduce energy consumption compared with the conventional control. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vented explosion of hydrogen/air mixture: An intercomparison benchmark exercise

Explosion venting is a widely used mitigation solution in the process industry to protect indoor equipment or buildings from excessive internal pressure caused by accidental explosions. However, vented explosions are very complicated to model using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In the framework of a French working group, the main target of this investigation is to assess the predictive capabilities of five CFD codes used by five different organizations by means of comparison with recent experimental data. On this basis several recommendations for the CFD modelling of vented explosions are suggested.     

Stochastic modelling of temperatures affecting the in situ performance of a solar-assisted heat pump: The multivariate approach and physical interpretation

Box-Jenkins-based multivariate stochastic modelling is carried out using data recorded from a domestic heating system. The system comprises an air-source heat pump sited in the roof space of a house, solar assistance being provided by the conventional tile roof acting as a radiation absorber. Multivariate models are presented which illustrate the time-dependent relationships between three air temperatures—at external ambient, at entry to, and at exit from, the heat pump evaporator. Using a deterministic modelling approach, physical interpretations are placed on the results of the multivariate technique. It is concluded that the multivariate Box-Jenkins approach is a suitable technique for building thermal analysis. Application to multivariate model-based control is discussed, with particular reference to building energy management systems. It is further concluded that stochastic modelling of data drawn from a short monitoring period offers a means of retrofitting an advanced model-based control system in existing buildings, which could be used to optimise energy savings. An approach to system simulation is suggested.     

New 0D/1D Physical Approach for Modelling the Gas Dynamics Behavior Inside the Intake System of an Engine

The competition among carmakers to introduce the most innovative solutions is growing day by day. Since few years, simulation is being used widely in automotive industries. Instead of building costly prototypes and expending fuel for doing tests on a real engine, simulation became a good solution before taking new decisions. Concerning the study of gas dynamics and pressure wave's propagation in the intake system of an internal combustion engine, a precise modelling is needed in order to obtain good results. Unfortunately, the computational time for these simulations is considered as high compared to the real time. The main objective of the new approach presented in this paper, is to reduce simulation time of models in the internal combustion engine simulation code, allowing them to accomplish many engine simulations faster than one-dimensional non-linear approach. A transfer function is defined to link directly the relative pressure and the air mass flow rate. In a second time, the model is included into an internal combustion engine simulation code. The results obtained with this code are compared to experimental ones which are measured on a one-cylinder engine test bench. A good agreement is obtained between the experimental results and the numerical one. The model was improved by adding a transfer function for temperature evolution. The convergence time is then reduced as well as the global simulation time of the model.     

A comparison of CFD‐simulations and measurements of the temperature stratification in a mixing box of an air‐handling unit

This paper presents a comparison between CFD‐simulations and measurements of the temperature stratification in a mixing box of an air‐handling unit. We have used data from field measurements during a period of over a year for different outside temperatures. We performed two‐dimensional CFD‐simulations for four different outside temperatures with commercially available software. The measurements as well as the simulations show that the temperature difference between the upper part and the lower part of the duct downstream of the mixing box is considerable. It increases, as the outside temperature decreases. However, the discrepancies between the measurements and the simulations are large. The reasons for this are uncertain boundary conditions and modelling errors leading to an inaccurate simulation result. The stratification downstream of the mixing box implies large sensor errors and the use of the mixed air temperature for control and fault detection must therefore be questioned. Averaging sensors, which take a mean value over the duct section, can be used but do not consider differences in velocities and are therefore not accurate either. In order to, for example, use CFD as a tool to decide the optimal sensor location a more accurate model and more information regarding the boundary conditions is needed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.