Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Air Flow and Temperature Distribution in Buildings

Abstract

Energy consumption for the heating and cooling of residential buildings accounts for nearly half of total use. Because the physical configuration of heating and cooling inlets and outlets is often determined from historical practice or convenience rather than optimal performance, it stands to reason that there is an opportunity to gain effectiveness of these systems by applying engineering principles to their design. In this study, a computational fluid dynamic analysis was performed to investigate the effect of the physical configuration of inlet and outlet vents on the temperature and flow patterns inside a room modeled for simplicity as a two dimensional enclosure. It was determined that for use in both heating and cooling of a room, a low or floor located inlet vent coupled with an outlet that is positioned on the upper half of a wall yields the most desirable results in reaching, or nearly reaching, comfort conditions in the shortest amount of time. However, if either heating or cooling is expected to be the primary energy consumption, it may be advantageous to deviate from this configuration.