Influence of air ceiling diffusers in enclosed spaces: An experimental and numerical investigation

Abstract

Within the past few years, IEQ has been a hot topic among building occupants, government officials, and academics all around the globe. Most modern life is spent indoors, in homes, workplaces, and shopping centres. People’s awareness of the need for healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) rises in tandem with their rising standard of living. Along with air temperature, humidity, and cleanliness, air velocity in a climate-controlled room affects the space’s microclimate. In particular, reducing discomfort in enclosed areas is a function of having an adequate distribution of air velocities. This study employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to examine the effects of types of air diffusers in an enclosed office space in Alexandria, Egypt, on the ensuing air velocities and temperature gradients. Model accuracy has been confirmed by comparing numerical simulations to physical measurements. The simulations demonstrated that the square diffuser was superior in temperature distribution uniformity within the office volume but that there was a significant interaction between supply diffusers. The round diffuser had faster velocities in the standing and sitting planes (1.2 and 1.8 m) and a lower average temperature, implying that it can be employed with a reduced fan speed than the square diffuser, reducing overall power use.

Keywords

• CFD
• Thermal comfort
• IEQ
• IAQ
• HVAC