A numerical study of natural convection was conducted with Code Saturne soft ware package. A numerical model based on combined k-ω SST turbulence model was developed. The results of simulation of natural convection in enclosed volume of air were obtained in two variants of boundary conditions specification: by heat flux and by heat transfer coefficient. The problem was solved in a non-stationary formulation using a pressure-velocity coupling algorithm PISO. This simulation model adequacy is evaluated. Experimental data on the temperature profile in the central section is used as a benchmark criteria. Assumptions about the destructive factors reducing the accuracy of the solution, are partly supported by the results of comparative analysis of the intensity of convective mixing. Assumptions partially confirmed by the results of comparative analysis of the intensity of convective mixing, performed on the basis of upward velocity profiles for the heated air.