Coupling of differential CFD and integral human thermophysiology numerical models applied in indoor ventilated spaces

¹ FCT - Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
² CINTAL, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
³ Instituto Superior Técnico, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
⁴ School of Built Environment, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AW United Kingdom

^* Corresponding author: econcei@ualg.pt

Abstract

This work presents the development of the coupling of differential Computer Fluid Dynamics and integral human thermo-physiology numerical models applied in indoor ventilated spaces. The study is performed in a virtual chamber, similar to an existing experimental chamber, with dimensions of 4.50×2.55×2.50 m³. The chamber, occupied with twelve virtual manikins, is equipped with six tables, twelve chairs, one exhaust system and one inlet system, based on confluents jets system. In the exhaust system, they are considered six air ducts, located above the head level, connected to the ceiling area. The inlet system, based in four vertical ducts, with 0.15 m diameter, located on the corners of the chamber, is equipped with consecutive holes, that promotes horizontal jets near the wall. The results demonstrate that when the airflow rate increases the air quality number increases, the thermal comfort number decreases, and the Air Diffusion Index increases slightly. The predicted percentage of dissatisfied index values show that the thermal comfort level of occupants is acceptable, the dioxide carbon concentration values show that the indoor air quality is near the acceptable value and the Draught Risk is acceptable.