Numerical and experimental investigation of inlet velocity influence on airflow characteristics for indoor thermal comfort

Document Type : Article

Authors

1 - Laboratory of Electro-Mechanic Systems (LASEM), National School of Engineers of Sfax (ENIS), University of Sfax, B.P. 1173, km 3.5 Road Soukra, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia - National School of Engineers of Tunis (ENIT), University of Tunis Manar, BP 37, le Belvedere, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia

2 UR22ES12: Modeling, Optimization and Augmented Engineering, ISLAI Beja, University of Jendouba, Beja 9000, Tunisia

3 LISA Laboratory, National School of Applied Sciences, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco

4 Laboratory of Electro-Mechanic Systems (LASEM), National School of Engineers of Sfax (ENIS), University of Sfax, B.P. 1173, km 3.5 Road Soukra, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia

5 UR22ES12: Modeling, Optimization and Augmented Engineering, ISLAI Béja, University of Jendouba, Béja 9000, Tunisia

10.24200/sci.2024.63501.8436

Abstract

Indoor thermal comfort has met with continuous and rising interest due to its impact on human health and work productivity. Indeed, various factors can influence both airflow characteristics and thermal comfort in indoor environments. This study comprehensively investigates the impact of input velocity on indoor airflow characteristics and thermal comfort. A numerical model was developed, and an experimental setup was implemented, with the numerical results verified through a meticulous comparison with test data—specifically, air velocity and datas obtained from a cabin test occupied by a human body. To ensure the precision of the simulations, turbulence and grid independence analyses were consistently integrated into the numerical model optimization process. Additionally, numerous numerical simulations were conducted to scrutinize the effects of inlet velocity. The analysis reveals that airflow characteristics within the cabin test are predominantly influenced by the input velocity. Furthermore, comparative analysis demonstrates the input velocity direct impact on thermal comfort index. Specifically, the maximum expected PD% value for V=1 m.s-1 increases significantly, by 1.6, 2.2, and 2.63 times, respectively, compared to cases V=0.5, 0.33 and 0.25 m.s-1. In summary, this study illuminates the substantial inlet velocity effects emphasizing critical importance of precise modeling and control for shaping optimal indoor environment.

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