Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) is a tool used to analyze fluid flows and temperature. In the case of building and environmental engineering, it can be used for internal spaces (large spaces such as warehouses, exhibition spaces or workshops) or external spaces (districts, neighborhoods or cities).
In internal space, CFD is used to calculate thermal comfort via the calculation of airspeed, air temperature, “age” of air taking into account stack effect, stratification and wind speed.
CFD provides detailed temperature, thermal comfort and airflow data in every part of the volume using a mesh, as we can see in the figures below:
More specifically, internal CFD can be used for different applications:
- Natural ventilation:
1st case study: Optimization of natural ventilation openings (façade and roof) to cool down a workshop containing industrial ovens, with the constraint of avoiding the generation of defective products due to quick cooling of materials coming out of the ovens,
2nd case study: Sizing louvers and roof opening of a naturally ventilated dry warehouse,
- HVAC and thermal comfort:
Internal CFD to study air flows and temperature homogenization of the current HVAC systems of a store for further renovation,
In external space, CFD is used to calculate wind velocity patterns in a large area containing many buildings (for example district, a neighborhood or a city). It is used to evaluate pedestrian comfort and safety. Based on the result, it is then possible to give recommendations to adjust the master plan or to help decisions for urban planning.
- CFD highlights potential areas with high wind speed (need to reshape buildings or add trees to reduce wind speed) or areas with less ventilation that may face a higher Heat Island Effect.
CFD can help design companies, architects and investors to assess and optimize their building design.
And as you would have guessed, we can do it at TERAO!
If you need a CFD study for your project, you can contact our BD manager Gaspard at glemoinescelles@teraoasia.com. We would be glad to accompany you to assess your assets Temperature distribution, air flow, or wind distribution.
Leave A Comment