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.