Hybrid Ventilation Simulation: Boundary Conditions Matter
Analysis
This paper investigates the accuracy of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for hybrid ventilation in classrooms, a crucial topic for reducing airborne infection risk. The study highlights the sensitivity of the simulations to boundary conditions and external geometry, which is vital for researchers and engineers designing and optimizing ventilation systems. The findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of these factors to ensure accurate predictions of airflow and effective ventilation performance.
Key Takeaways
- •RANS simulations are used to model airflow in a hybrid ventilation classroom model.
- •Turbulence models show minimal variation in results, but over-predict jet velocity downstream.
- •Inlet boundary conditions (pressure vs. velocity) significantly impact simulation accuracy.
- •External geometry (space outside the door) strongly influences jet velocity.
- •Accurate modeling of hybrid ventilation requires careful consideration of boundary conditions and external geometry.
“The computational results are found to be sensitive to inlet boundary conditions, whether the door entry is specified as a pressure inlet or velocity inlet. The geometry of the space outside the door also has a significant effect on the jet velocity.”