CFD Analysis on Effect of Air Inlet and Outlet Location on Air Distribution and Thermal Comfort in Small Office

Abstract

Air distribution occupies an important position in the building design process as building occupants expect good standards of indoor air quality. Indoor air may uncomfortable because of its temperature, speed, direction, and volume flow rate. It doesn't matter how efficient the ventilation equipment is if the air not distributed well. The main aim of this study was to improve air distribution inside the office and avoided the local temperature difference, extract the warmed and contaminated air before it disperses across the room. A numerical study was performed into the effects of the location of inlet air and outlet air in relation to the room heat sources on air distribution and thermal comfort. A concept of combined indoor heat sources with the exhaust outlet was employed in this investigation. Also, in this research, the developed CFD models were thoroughly validated. This system was adopted for use in office spaces, where the exhaust outlet was located near the heat source. Four different locations studied in four cases with eight lines: four in the different corners and four around the heat source were analysed also the study take Air Distribution Performance Index and ventilation effectiveness as an indicator to the improvement in air distribution. The results showed a significant improvement in (ADPI) from 33% to 83% and the indoor thermal environment was improved using the new locations of the inlets and outlets.