Computational fluid dynamics simulation of thermal comfort in naturally ventilated room

Abstract

The paper presents experimental measurements and numerical simulation of thermal environment in naturally ventilated room by a fresh air valve. For the aim of Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, a model room was created. The fresh air valve is located in an occupied space, at the external wall. It has a major effect on mixing indoor and outdoor air, temperature profiles, thermal condition and indoor air quality of the rooms during the heating period. To determine the thermal condition of a naturally ventilated building, PN-EN 15251:2012 standard was used. According to the standard, using PMV/PPD is suitable for evaluating the thermal environment. In the naturally ventilated buildings, the following criteria are very important for local thermal discomfort: draught, radiant temperature asymmetry and vertical air temperature differences. To compare the simulation results, real air temperatures were measured by the thermocouples in a day room having the same geometry. A series of simulations has been carried out to determine the profiles of temperature and velocity of indoor air. Obtained results prove correlation with calculations of profiles of indoor air temperature, estimated using the thermocouples.