Temperature Distribution in a Cooled Room

Abstract

A 3-dimensional numerical study was conducted to compare the computational and experimental results of airflow characteristics and temperature fields in the activity areas of Kolej Kediaman Tun Dr. Ismail (KKTDI) and Kolej Kediaman Tun Fatimah (KKTF), focusing solely on their indoor environmental conditions. Two methods were employed: experimental measurements and computational simulation using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approaches. The validation process involved comparing the proposed simulation with previous experimental results, focusing on velocity and temperature results. The average relative error of the velocity was 12.59%, which was considered acceptable because it was less than 20%. This error was observed only at the KKTF, as no velocity was recorded at the KKTDI (0 m/s at all lines). The temperature simulation consistently showed 18°C across all lines. The experimental results for the KKTF ranged from 16.4°C to 17.8°C, whereas the KKTDI temperatures ranged from 27.8°C to 28.9°C. Comparing the simulation and experimental results, the KKTF results were similar, with differences ranging from 0.2°C to 1.6°C across the curves. However, the KKTDI exhibited significant differences, ranging from 9.2°C to 10.9°C across lines. This study successfully demonstrated the accuracy of the airflow characteristics and temperature field data obtained in the two active halls. The results provide valuable insights into the indoor environmental conditions of the KKTDI and KKTF, highlighting the importance of proper ventilation system design and equipment placement in managing heat accumulation. The results contribute to a better understanding of indoor environmental dynamics and can inform the future design and optimisation of similar spaces.