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Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for predicting air flow and thermal comfort in naturally ventilated buildings. Numerical simulations were carried out for a naturally ventilated room with heat-pipe heat recovery. The RNG k-ε turbulence model was used for simulations. Calculation of air flow rates in the room took into account not only of driving forces (wind and stack effects) but also flow resistances (pressure loss due to heat pipes and other duct fittings and friction loss in air ducts). The potential of a heat-pipe heat recovery system to produce adequate thermal comfort in naturally ventilated buildings is investigated using CFD. The importance of proper control of air flow rate is highlighted.

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Naturally ventilated buildings with heat recovery: CFD simulation of thermal environment

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