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CFD in Ventilation Design, a

new REHVA Guide Book


by

Peter V. Nielsen,

Aalborg University

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 1


Development in Computer Speed

In 1970. 3D non-
isothermal flow. 39 CPU years
1 mio. grid points

In 2009. 3D non-
A few CPU
isothermal flow.
hours
1 mio. grid points

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 2


My First Experience with CFD

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 3


The Development
of CFD

The computation cost


is decreasing by a
factor of 10 each
eighth year.

7 x 10

31x31x31 10,000

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 4


CFD Prediction of Cross Infection

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 5


The Amoy Gardens SARS Outbreak

A
B

B
C
C

F
7
8 1
2 D D
6 3

E
5 4

E
6

Index patient
visited Flats 7, 16 th Floor
Index patient visited
a flat 7 on two nights
in March 2003
N

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 6


Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 7
Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 8
Concentration Distribution with 45
degree Deflector

Airflow rate with 100m3/h

Airflow rate with 150m3/h Airflow rate with 200m3/h


Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 9
CFD in Ventilation Design

Authors: Peter V. Nielsen (ed.), Francis Allard,


Hazim B. Awbi, Lars Davidson and Alois Schälin

Computational fluid dynamics in a nutshell


Symbols and glossary
Mathematical background
Turbulence models
Numerical methods
Boundary conditions
Quality control
CFD combined with other prediction models
Application of CFD codes in building design
Case studies
Benchmark tests
Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 10
About the design guide book

The user of the design book is mainly considered


to be a consulting engineer who has to:

- order a CFD prediction

- consider and work with a CFD prediction

- discuss CFD and CFD quality with a supplier of


a CFD prediction

The book is in principle not written for engineers


who are making CFD predictions

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 11


CFD in Ventilation Design

Computational fluid dynamics in a nutshell


Symbols and glossary
Mathematical background
Turbulence models
Numerical methods
Boundary conditions
Quality control
CFD combined with other prediction models
Application of CFD codes in building design
Case studies
Benchmark tests

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 12


Mathematical Background

From the general description

∂(ρ Φ)
+ div(ρV Φ) = div(ΓΦ gradΦ) + SΦ
∂t

to a two-dimensional time dependent transport


equation

∂c ∂c ∂c ⎛ ∂ 2c ∂ 2c ⎞
+ u + v = D ⎜⎜ 2 + 2 ⎟⎟
∂t ∂x ∂y ⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎠

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 13


CFD in Ventilation Design

Computational fluid dynamics in a nutshell


Symbols and glossary
Mathematical background
Turbulence models
Numerical methods
Boundary conditions
Quality control
CFD combined with other prediction models
Application of CFD codes in building design
Case studies
Benchmark tests

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 14


Turbulence Models

2D steady state laminar


boundary layer flow/
turbulent boundary layer flow

∂c ∂c ∂ 2c
ρ u + ρ v = Γc 2 + Sc
∂x ∂y ∂y

A discussion of different turbulence models as


the k-ε model, the k-ω model, the SST model
and the Reynolds Stress model

The Large Eddy Simulation is also discussed

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 15


CFD in Ventilation Design

Computational fluid dynamics in a nutshell


Symbols and glossary
Mathematical background
Turbulence models
Numerical methods
Boundary conditions
Quality control
CFD combined with other prediction models
Application of CFD codes in building design
Case studies
Benchmark tests

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 16


One-Dimensional
Case

The case can be considered as


a small part of a flow, which
in certain areas is one-dimensional,
parallel with grid lines and steady.
dc d 2c
ρu = Γc 2 + S c
dx dx
Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 17
Steady One-Dimensional Convection -
Diffusion Transport Equation

Analytical
Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 18
expression
One-Dimensional Discretization
Equation

Control-volume formulation (of mass fraction transport


Equation in x direction):

It is necessary to replace values at the cell surfaces e


and w with values at the grid points WW, W, P, E and
EE to have a final version of the discretization equation.
Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 19
Different Discretization Equations, 1
The flow is studied in a case where the length x is equal
to 4. The boundary values co and c3 are equal to 1.0 and
0.0.
Diffusion, u = 0.0

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 20


Different Discretization Equations, 2
The flow is studied in a case where the length x is equal
to 4. The boundary values co and c3 are equal to 1.0 and
0.0.
Central difference fx ce = (cP + cE)/2 and u = 0.1

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 21


Different Discretization Equations, 3

Central difference fx ce = (cP + cE)/2 and u = 3.0


ρ Δxu
Wiggly for Pe = larger than 2
Γc

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 22


History and Numerical Schemes, 1

The sixties
The central difference scheme becomes unstable (wiggly)
when the Peclet number is large. The cure is to decrease
the grid size.

The seventies
Upwind difference opened the way for infinitely high
Reynolds numbers, but false diffusion could in many
cases be larger than diffusion of physical kind.

The eighties and the nineties


Second order schemes decreased the effect of false diffusion.

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 23


Imperial College and the Upwind
Scheme

The upwind scheme was among


others invented by Imperial College
in the late sixties.

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 24


Upwind Scheme

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 25


Different Discretization Equations, 4
The flow is studied in a case where the length x is equal
to 4. The boundary values co and c3 are equal to 1.0 and
0.0.
Upwind scheme fx ce = cP and u = 3.0

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 26


History and Numerical Schemes, 2

The sixties
The central difference scheme becomes unstable (wiggly)
when the Peclet number is large. The cure is to decrease
the grid size.

The seventies
Upwind difference opened the way for infinitely high
Reynolds numbers, but false diffusion could in many
cases be larger than diffusion of physical kind.

The eighties and the nineties


Second order schemes decreased the effect of false diffusion.

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 27


False
Diffusion

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 28


Second-Order
Upwind Scheme

Second-order discretization error.


Unbounded (e-value can be larger than W, P, E-values).
Non-physical wiggles may occur.
Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 29
Higher Order Schemes
Second order upwind scheme is an example of a new
scheme developed in the middle of the seventies.

The one-dimensional case with the velocity u = 3.0 and


1st and 2nd order upwind scheme

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 30


False Diffusion and Order of the
Schemes
Flow from an opening, which is
inclined at ~30 deg. to the mesh.
Three-dimensional flow.

Profile at the upper surface at a


distance of 1 m from the opening.

Dispersive error

Diffusive error

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk Svidt 31


History and Numerical Schemes, 3

The sixties
The central difference scheme becomes unstable (wiggly)
when the Peclet number is large. The cure is to decrease
the grid size.

The seventies
Upwind difference opened the way for infinitely high
Reynolds numbers, but false diffusion could in many
cases be larger than diffusion of physical kind.

The eighties and the nineties


Second order schemes decreased the effect of false diffusion.

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 32


CFD in Ventilation Design

Computational fluid dynamics in a nutshell


Symbols and glossary
Mathematical background
Turbulence models
Numerical methods
Boundary conditions
Quality control
CFD combined with other prediction models
Application of CFD codes in building design
Case studies
Benchmark tests

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 33


Boundary Conditions
• Wall boundary
• Free boundary
• Plane of symmetry
• Air supply opening
• Air exit opening
• Obstacle boundary

Air supply opening

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 34


CFD in Ventilation Design

Computational fluid dynamics in a nutshell


Symbols and glossary
Mathematical background
Turbulence models
Numerical methods
Boundary conditions
Quality control
CFD combined with other prediction models
Application of CFD codes in building design
Case studies
Benchmark tests

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 35


Quality Control

Quality control consists of these major steps:


- recognize possible sources of errors,
- check for them in your own simulations,
- estimate the accuracy of the simulations,
- improve the simulations, if possible.

Main items in this chapter are:


- Steps in a CFD simulation
- Sources of errors and uncertainties
- How to ensure high quality predictions
(recommendations)
- Questions to ask the CFD engineer about
the work reported
- Additional advice and remarks
- A short check list
Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 36
Quality Control, Sources of Errors and
Uncertainties
Some examples: 2D treatment instead of 3D

Simplification, modelling level

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 37


Cell Quality

Monitoring velocities
Versus number of cells
in the prediction

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 38


Cell Quality

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 39


Turbulence Model
3D wall jet in a room simulated by a k-epsilon Model
and a Reynolds Stress Model.

Schälin and Nielsen


Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 40
Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 41
CFD in Ventilation Design

Computational fluid dynamics in a nutshell


Symbols and glossary
Mathematical background
Turbulence models
Numerical methods
Boundary conditions
Quality control
CFD combined with other prediction models
Application of CFD codes in building design
Case studies
Benchmark tests

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 42


CFD Combined with other Prediction
Models

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 43


The Regional Library of Northern Jutland

The Regional Library of Northern Jutland is used as a test


building where a combination of BEPS and CFD is used for
prediction of energy consumption and indoor climate.

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 44


Contaminant Distribution

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 45


CFD in Ventilation Design

Computational fluid dynamics in a nutshell


Symbols and glossary
Mathematical background
Turbulence models
Numerical methods
Boundary conditions
Quality control
CFD combined with other prediction models
Application of CFD codes in building design
Case studies
Benchmark tests

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 46


Application of CFD Codes in Building
Design
The applications of CFD in buildings may be grouped under the
following headings:

• Prediction of air jet diffusion

• Room air movement analysis

• Prediction of contaminant dispersal

• Modelling emission from materials and equipment in buildings

• Indoor air quality prediction

• Thermal comfort assessment

• Mean age of air and ventilation effectiveness predictions

• Prediction of fire and smoke spread

• Wind flow around buildings


Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 47
CFD in Ventilation Design

Computational fluid dynamics in a nutshell


Symbols and glossary
Mathematical background
Turbulence models
Numerical methods
Boundary conditions
Quality control
CFD combined with other prediction models
Application of CFD codes in building design
Case studies
Benchmark tests

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 48


Case studies on Different Air
Distribution Systems
Five air distribution systems are compared with each other.
They are all installed in the same room, and they all
handle the same situation and the same load.

Mixing ventilation with end wall


mounted diffuser. Return
opening below the supply.

Vertical ventilation with a textile


terminal. End wall mounted return
opening at floor level.

Displacement ventilation. End


wall mounted low velocity
diffuser. End wall mounted return
opening below ceiling.

Mixing ventilation generated by


a ceiling mounted radial
diffuser. End wall mounted return
opening below ceiling.

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 49


The Test Room

The test room is the IEA Annex 20 room with length, width and
height equal to 4.2 m, 3.6 m and 2.5 m.
The heat load consists of two PCs, two desk lamps and two
manikins producing a total heat load of 480 W. One work place
is used in some of the experiments (240 W).
Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 50
CFD Model
• Radiation is ignored
– Convection is estimate to
be 50 % of total heat flux
• Wall, ceiling and floor
– Surface temperature
• Mannequins, PC´s and lamps
– Fixed heat flux

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 51


Case Study, Mixing Ventilation with
Wall Mounted ATD

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 52


Simulation of the Diffuser

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 53


Mixing Ventilation with End Wall
Mounted Diffuser

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 54


Case Study, Vertical Ventilation

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 55


Vertical Ventilation

Radiation ignored, plane-symmetrical solution domain used.


(Stratified flow = plane-symmetrical flow, Momentum driven flow may give unsymmetrical flow)

Observations Measurements

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 56


Vertical Ventilation, Diffuser

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 57


Vertical Ventilation, Diffuser

1st order steady state equations, k-ε turbulence model,


300,000 cells

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 58


Vertical Ventilation

BC: Diffuser F
Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 59
Vertical Ventilation, Quality Control

Monitoring points

Velocity in
y-direction

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 60


Vertical Ventilation
Predictions in the whole
room
n = 5 h-1
218.400 grid points

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 61


Case Study, Displacement Ventilation

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 62


Diffuser for Displacement Ventilation

Non-prepenticular flow must be compensated


θ
u

in flow area to ensure fixed flow


A/cos θ

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 63


Displacement Ventilation
1st order steady state equations, k-ε turbulence model,
220,000 cells,
Radiation ignored, plane-symmetrical solution domain used.
(Stratified flow = plane-symmetrical flow, Momentum driven flow may give unsymmetrical flow)

Grid convergence
Monitorpunkt 1 Monitorpunkt 2 Monitorpunkt 3 Monitorpunkt 4

40

35

Fejl i forhold til målte værdier [%]


30

25

20

15

10

0
0 50000 100000 150000 200000 250000
Antal netpunkter

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 64


Displacement Ventilation

Case:
c

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 65


Displacement Ventilation

Case:
d

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 66


Case Study, Mixing Ventilation with
Ceiling Mounted ATD

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 67


Mixing Ventilation with Ceiling Diffuser,
Diffuser Models

– 4-way diffuser
– Fixed-flow diffuser
– Diffuser with
horizontal surface

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 68


Diffuser Models

Measurements 4-way diffuser

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 69


Diffuser Models

Fixed-flow diffuser Diffuser with horizontal


surface

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 70


CFD Simulations

• Temperatures

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 71


CFD Simulations
• Maximum velocity at 1.80 m
(top boundary of the occupied zone)

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 72


Steady and/or Transient Flow
Measurements in ceiling region
n = 6.02 h-1 n = 3.25 h-1

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 73


Simulation of
Transient Flow
(Time Dependent Equations)

y-velocity at 1.80 m

y-velocity at
different positions

n = 3.25 h-1

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 74


Direct Description of a Diffuser, 1

Diffuser Rectangular cells Unstructured grid,


and multigrid case 2
structure, case 1

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 75


Direct Description of a Diffuser, 2

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 76


Direct Description of a Diffuser, 3

CFD simulation
of the diffuser
based on fine
unstructured grid.

Prediction based on
the PV method. Velocity
values are given from
the diffuser simulation.

Kondo et al

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 77


Literature
P. V. Nielsen, The Selection of Turbulence Models for Prediction of Room Airflow. ASHRAE Transactions. 1998; Vol. 104, Part 1B. -
pp. 1119-1127.

P. V. Nielsen, Indoor Climate Modelling, Chapter in: Per Erik Nilsson, Achieving the Desired Indoor Climate – Energy Efficiency
Aspects of System Design. The Commtech Group, Studentlitteratur, Lund, 2003.

D. N. Sørensen and P. V. Nielsen, Quality Control of Computational Fluid Dynamics in Indoor Environments. International Journal
of Indoor Environment and Health, Vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 2-17, March 2003.

A. Schälin and P. V. Nielsen, Impact of Turbulence Anisotropy near Walls in Room Air Flow. Indoor Air, International Journal of
Indoor Environment and Health, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 159-168, 2004.

P. V. Nielsen, A. Restivo and J. H. Whitelaw, Buoyancy-Affected Flows in Ventilated Rooms, Numerical Heat Transfer, Vol. 2, 1979.

B. Bjerg, K. Svidt, G. Zhang, S. Morsing, J.O. Johnsen, Modeling of air inlets in CFD prediction of airflow in ventilated animal
houses, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 34, 223–235, 2002

P. V. Nielsen, The Description of Supply Openings in Numerical Models for Room Air Distribution. ASHRAE Transactions, Vol. 98,
Part 1, 1992.

P. V. Nielsen, The Box Method - A Practical Procedure for Introduction of an Air Terminal Device in CFD Calculation. - Aalborg:
AAU, 1997. - 15 p. (R9744. - ISSN: 1395-7953).

P. V. Nielsen, The Prescribed Velocity Method - A Practical Procedure for Introduction of an Air Terminal Device in CFD Calculation.
- Aalborg: AAU, 1998. - 13 p. (R9827. - ISSN: 1395-7953).

Bjerg B., Svidt K., Morsing S., Zhang G, Comparion of Methods to Model a Wall Inlet in Numerical Simulation of Airflow in Livestock
Rooms, Proceedings of AgEng2000, International Conference on agricultural engineering, Warwick, UK, 2000.

L. Davidson, P. V. Nielsen and A. Sveningsson, Modifications of the Model for Computing the Flow in a 3D Wall Jet. Submitted to
THMT-03, International Symposium on Turbulence, Heat and Mass Transfer, October 12 – 17, 2003, Antalya, Turkey.

L. Davidson, P. V. Nielsen and C. Topp, Low-Reynolds Number Effects in Ventilated Rooms: A Numerical Study. In: Proceedings of
ROOMVENT 2000, Reading, 2000.

Peter V. Nielsen, Aalborg University pvn@civil.auc.dk 78

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