Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Air Flow, Heat Transfer and Thermal Comfort in Buildings with Different Heating Systems

Abstract

Monitoring of temperature, humidity and air flow velocity is performed in 5 experimental buildings with the inner size of 3×3×3 m3 located in Riga, Latvia. The buildings are equipped with different heating systems, such as an air-air heat pump, air-water heat pump, capillary heating mat on the ceiling and electric heater. Numerical simulation of air flow and heat transfer by convection, conduction and radiation is carried out using OpenFOAM software and compared with experimental data. Results are analysed regarding the temperature and air flow distribution as well as thermal comfort.

CFD Analysis of Airborne Pathogen Disinfection in a UV-C Air Purification Device

“…4.9 million cells, with an additional mesh refinement inside the air purifier and at the room walls. Mesh size of 40 mm far from the walls and 2.5 mm at the air purifier walls and in the fans was chosen based on our previous experience in modelling the air flow and CO 2 transport [16], [17].…”

“…However, as evident in the simulations, the concentration distribution at the device inlet is relatively homogeneous throughout the simulation timeframe. In our previous work, a more realistic initial distribution of the aerosol and the effects of different heating regimes were investigated numerically [15].…”

Numerical Evaluation of the Efficiency of an Indoor Air Cleaner under Different Heating Conditions

“…In the present work, which is an extended version of our conference paper [24], numerical airflow simulations in a realistic indoor setup are carried out using OpenFOAM finite volume software [25]. The CFD model describes the air velocity and temperature distributions in winter season for the following heating conditions: an air-air heat pump (conditioner), capillary mat on the ceiling, capillary mat on the walls, heated floor, and radiator.…”

Thermal Comfort in Indoor Spaces with Radiant Capillary Heaters

“…Thermal environment indoors has been studied numerically in many works. For example, indoor environment quality with heat recovery ventilation combined with low-temperature radiator has been analysed in [11], thermal comfort in a room heated by a conventional radiator or radiant walls/floor was studied in [12], and thermal conditions in a model room heated by air-air or water-air heat pump system, an electric heater, as well as a ceiling radiant capillary mat was investigated in [13]. Numerical models often require experimental validation, hence many studies combine experiments with modelling.…”

“…This can provide efficient air mixing and temperature homogenization but can also promote dust circulation [15], [16]. Additionally, thermal comfort can be reduced by high local temperature gradients and radiation asymmetry [13], [17] in the vicinity of the heaters.…”