Numerical study of different ceiling-mounted air distribution systems for a virtual classroom environment

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1382-1396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eusébio Z. E. Conceição ◽  
Cristina I. M. Santiago ◽  
Hazim B. Awbi
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Air Distribution ◽  
Air Supply ◽  
Distribution Index

This paper presents a comparative numerical study of different ceiling-mounted-localized air distribution systems placed above students in a virtual classroom in summer conditions. The influence of four different ceiling-mounted-localized air distribution systems, using vertical descendent jets, on the thermal comfort, local thermal discomfort, and air quality levels was numerically evaluated. The air distribution index, developed previously, was used for non-uniform environment. This index considers the thermal comfort level, air quality level, effectiveness for heat removal, and effectiveness for contaminant removal. Numerical simulations were conducted for a virtual classroom equipped with one of four different ceiling-mounted-localized air distribution systems and with 6 desks, 6 or 12 students, and 2 upper airflow outlets. Inlet air supply temperature of 20 and 24℃ and an outdoor air temperature of 28℃ were used. The simulation results show that the air supply system having a vertical air jet placed at 1.8 m above the floor level (Case III), and with an inlet area of 0.01 m2 and a supply air velocity of 3 m/s would represent the best option in comparison with other air supply methods. In general, the air distribution index value decreases with an increase in inlet air temperature and the number of occupants. The air distribution index values are highest for Case III representing a classroom with 6 or 12 occupants with an inlet air temperature of 20 or 24℃.

scholarly journals Numerical Study on Coupled Operation of Stratified Air Distribution System and Natural Ventilation under Multi-Variable Factors in Large Space Buildings

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (23) ◽  
pp. 8130
Author(s):  
Ziwen Dong ◽  
Liting Zhang ◽  
Yongwen Yang ◽  
Qifen Li ◽  
Hao Huang
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Air Distribution ◽  
Large Space ◽  
Air Conditioners ◽  
Air Supply

Stratified air distribution systems are commonly used in large space buildings. The research on the airflow organization of stratified air conditioners is deficient in terms of the analysis of multivariable factors. Moreover, studies on the coupled operation of stratified air conditioners and natural ventilation are few. In this paper, taking a Shanghai Airport Terminal departure hall for the study, air distribution and thermal comfort of the cross-section at a height of 1.6 m are simulated and compared under different working conditions, and the effect of natural ventilation coupling operation is studied. The results show that the air distribution is the most uniform and the thermal comfort is the best (predicted mean vote is 0.428, predicted percentage of dissatisfaction is 15.2%) when the working conditions are 5.9% air supply speed, 11 °C cooling temperature difference and 0° air supply angle. With the coupled operation of natural ventilation, the thermal comfort can be improved from Grade II to Grade I.

CFD-Based Parametric Analysis on the Performance of Personalized Partition Air Distribution Systems

Solar Energy ◽  
2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kybum Jeong ◽  
Moncef Krarti ◽  
Zhiqiang Zhai
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Cfd Modeling ◽  
Air Distribution ◽  
Air Velocity ◽  
Comfort Index ◽  
System Mode

The partition air distribution systems evaluated in this study allow occupants to control the system mode (on/off) and the supply air velocity and direction with similar flexibility as occupants in automobiles. To find optimal specifications for the partition air distribution systems that are able to achieve comfortable micro-environment, a CFD modeling tool was used to simulate the airflow and thermal performance of the partition air distribution systems in a typical office space. By analyzing the distribution characteristics of indoor air temperature, air velocity and thermal comfort index, the study assessed the performance of the partition air distribution systems with different operating parameters. The simulation results were analyzed and evaluated to assess both occupant’s thermal comfort and system energy consumption. The study shows that space cooling energy can be reduced while maintaining acceptable indoor thermal comfort level using a partition air distribution system with a higher supply air temperature.

Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer Induced by a Window Air Conditioner Unit and Associated Thermal Comfort

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamza Begdouri ◽  
Luis Rosario ◽  
Muhammad M. Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Cfd Modeling ◽  
Air Distribution ◽  
Air Conditioner ◽  
Surface Areas ◽  
Air Supply ◽  
Office Rooms ◽  
Inlet Angle ◽  
The Impact

This study considers airflow simulations to evaluate the impact of different window air-conditioner locations on the thermal comfort in an office rooms (OR). This paper compares the air distribution for an office room by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. The air distribution was modeled for a typical office room window air conditioning unit, air supply from a high pressure on the top and the low pressure exhaust on the bottom considering the existing manufacturing ratios for surface areas. Calculations were done for steady-state conditions including an occupant and a light source. The discharge angle for the supply grill of the AC unit was varied from 20 to 40 degrees. The position of the air conditioner was also varied and studied at 60%, 75% and 90% of the total height of the room. In addition the location of the occupant within the office room was varied. Predictions of the air movement, room temperature, room relative humidity, comfort level, and distribution of contaminants within the office room are shown. Analysis of these simulations is discussed. The positions of the air-conditioner unit, the inlet angle and the occupant position in the office room have shown to have important impacts on air quality and thermal comfort. Results are in good agreement with available experimental data.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Integral Effect of Thermal Comfort, Air Quality and Draught Risk for Desks Equipped with Personalized Ventilation Systems

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 3235
Author(s):  
Eusébio Conceição ◽  
Hazim Awbi
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Heat Removal ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Air Distribution ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Integral Effect ◽  
Personalized Ventilation ◽  
Air Removal

This work evaluates the integral effect of thermal comfort (TC), indoor air quality (IAQ) and Draught Risk (DR) for desks with four personalized ventilation (PV) systems. The numerical study, for winter and summer thermal conditions, considers a virtual chamber, a desk, four different PV systems, four seats and four virtual manikins. Two different PV configurations, two upper and two lower air terminal devices (ATD) with different distance between them are considered. In this study a coupling of numerical methodology, using one differential and two integral models, is used. The heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system performance in this work is evaluated using DR and room air removal effectiveness (εDR) that is incorporated in an Air Distribution Index (ADI). This new index, named the Air Distribution Turbulence Index (ADTI), is used to consider simultaneously the TC, the IAQ, the DR and the effectiveness for heat removal (εTC), contaminant removal (εAQ) and room air removal (εDR). The results show that the ADI and ADTI, are generally higher for Case II than for Case I, increase when the inlet air velocity increases, are higher when the exit air is located at a height 1.2 m than when is located at 1.8 m, and are higher for summer conditions than for winter conditions. However, the values are higher for the ADI than ADTI.

scholarly journals Numerical Study on Effects of Air Return Height on Performance of an Underfloor Air Distribution System for Heating and Cooling

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1070
Author(s):  
Yaming Fan ◽  
Xiangdong Li ◽  
Minfeng Zheng ◽  
Rengui Weng ◽  
Jiyuan Tu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Air Distribution ◽  
Cooling Mode ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Heating Mode

The exhaust/return-split configuration is regarded as an important upgrade of traditional under-floor-air-distribution (UFAD) systems due to its higher energy efficiency. Moreover, existing studies are mostly focused on the effect of the return vent height on the performance of an UFAD system under cooling conditions. Knowledge of the performance under heating conditions is sorely lacking. This paper presents a numerical evaluation of the performance characteristics of an UFAD system with six different heights of the return vents in heating operation by comprehensively considering thermal comfort, air quality, and energy consumption. The results show that, in the heating mode, the general thermal comfort (predicted mean vote-predicted percentage dissatisfied (PMV-PPD) values) and indoor air quality indices (mean age of air and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) concentration) were greatly improved and energy consumption was slightly reduced with a lower return vent height. Although these were opposite to the findings of our previous study regarding the performance in cooling mode, an optimal return vent height in terms of the comprehensive all-year performance can be recommended. This method provides insight into the design and optimization of the return vent height of UFAD for space heating and cooling.

scholarly journals Personal Climatization Systems—A Review on Existing and Upcoming Concepts

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Warthmann ◽  
Daniel Wölki ◽  
Henning Metzmacher ◽  
Christoph van Treeck
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Thermal State ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
Thermal Actuators

To accomplish the current climate goals of the federal republic of Germany, energy efficiency within the building and automotive sector must improve considerably. One possible way to reduce the high amount of energy required for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) is the introduction of personal climatization systems in combination with the extension of the standardized room air temperature range. Personal systems allow improvements of climatic conditions (heating, cooling, and air quality) within sub-areas of the room instead of conditioning an entire room air volume. In this regard, personal systems are perfectly suitable for locations with local air-conditioning focal points, such as open-plan offices and vehicle cabins, where they substantially improve the energy efficiency of the entire system. This work aims to summarize previously conducted research in the area of personal climatization systems. The investigated local thermal actuators comprise fans for the generation of air movement, ventilators for the improvement of the air quality within the respiratory area of persons, water-conditioned panels for the climatization of persons via longwave radiation and conduction, radiant heaters, and combinations of the systems. Personal systems are superior to mixing ventilation regarding the improvement of the perceived air quality and thermal comfort. Furthermore, the introduced overview shows that personal climatization systems are generally more energy-efficient than conventional air-conditioning and facilitates the extension of the indoor air temperature corridor of the HVAC. Table fans and climatized seats are highly effective in connection with the improvement of personal thermal comfort. The performance of the overwhelming majority of applied personal environmental control systems is user-controlled or depends on a predefined load profile, which is generally defined person independent. Single studies reveal that effectively controlled automated systems have a similar thermal impact on a user’s thermal comfort as user-controlled ones. The implementation of an automated control system is feasible by using novel approaches such as the so-called human-centered closed loop control-platform (HCCLC-platform). The latter contains a central data server which allows asynchronous, bi-directional communication between multi-modal sensor data, user feedback systems, thermal actuators and numerical calculation models used to assess the individual thermal comfort of a person. This enables a continuous and holistic reflection of the thermal situation inside a room and the estimation of the corresponding impact on an individual’s thermal comfort. Considering the measured and simulated thermal state of a single person, the described system is capable of determining body-part-specific energy requirements that are needed to keep the overall thermal comfort level of an individual person on a high level.

scholarly journals Energy Production in Solar Collectors in a University Building Used to Improve the Internal Thermal Conditions in Winter Conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 246 ◽  
pp. 03005
Author(s):  
Eusébio Conceição ◽  
João Gomes ◽  
Mª Manuela Lúcio ◽  
Hazim Awbi
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Solar Collectors ◽  
Transient Conditions ◽  
Winter Conditions

In this numerical study the energy production in solar collectors in a University building used to improve the internal thermal conditions is made. Passive and active solutions, using external solar collector and internal thermo-convectors, are used. The numerical simulation, in transient conditions, is done for a winter typical day with clean sky. This numerical study was carried out using a software that simulates the Building Dynamic Response with complex topology in transient conditions. The software evaluates the human thermal comfort and indoor air quality levels that the occupants are subjected, Heated Ventilation and Air Conditioned energy consumption, indoor thermal variables and other parameters. The university building has 107 compartments and is located in a Mediterranean-type environment. External solar water collectors, placed above the building’s roof, and internal thermo-convectors of water/air type, using mixing ventilation, are used as passive and active strategies, respectively. The thermal comfort level, using the Predicted Mean Vote index, and the indoor air quality, using the carbon dioxide concentration, are evaluated. The results show that in winter conditions the solar collectors improve the thermal comfort conditions of the occupants. The indoor air quality, in all ventilated spaces, is also guaranteed.

scholarly journals Experimental Investigation of Ventilation Performance of Different Air Distribution Systems in an Office Environment—Heating Mode

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arman Ameen ◽  
Mathias Cehlin ◽  
Ulf Larsson ◽  
Taghi Karimipanah
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Air Distribution ◽  
Temperature Pattern ◽  
Office Environment ◽  
Ventilation Effectiveness ◽  
Local Thermal Comfort ◽  
Heating Mode ◽  
Occupied Zone

A vital requirement for all-air ventilation systems are their functionality to operate both in cooling and heating mode. This article experimentally investigates two newly designed air distribution systems, corner impinging jet (CIJV) and hybrid displacement ventilation (HDV) in comparison against a mixing type air distribution system. These three different systems are examined and compared to one another to evaluate their performance based on local thermal comfort and ventilation effectiveness when operating in heating mode. The evaluated test room is an office environment with two workstations. One of the office walls, which has three windows, faces a cold climate chamber. The results show that CIJV and HDV perform similar to a mixing ventilation in terms of ventilation effectiveness close to the workstations. As for local thermal comfort evaluation, the results show a small advantage for CIJV in the occupied zone. Comparing C2-CIJV to C2-CMV the average draught rate (DR) in the occupied zone is 0.3% for C2-CIJV and 5.3% for C2-CMV with the highest difference reaching as high as 10% at the height of 1.7 m. The results indicate that these systems can perform as well as mixing ventilation when used in offices that require moderate heating. The results also show that downdraught from the windows greatly impacts on the overall airflow and temperature pattern in the room.

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