Computer simulations of temperature and flow field in industrial spaces using confluent jets air supply method

Abstract: Ventilation systems are closely connected to indoor environment. In industrial spaces it has a major impact due to air quality and thermal comfort requirements, which leads into health and economy improvements. Confluent jets ventilation system has been assess in Söderhamn Eriksson, a machinery company located in Mariannelund, Sweden, since it has been proved as the best ventilation performance. Moreover this system is worthy for both heating and cooling purposes, although just heating case will be developed in this thesis. By means of modelling software such as Gambit and Airpak, the company’s case could have been analyzed via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, i.e. Fluent. The analyzed models were accepted after a thorough study of meshing parameters, bearing in mind computational limitations. Every temperature data gathered from simulation results has been verified with infrared camera figures taken at the company, thus contributing to reach reliable conclusions. As it is inferred from previous papers and empiric theory, the flow field observed is also justified. Then, thermal comfort and air quality analysis relies on consistent facts. It has been found that current ventilation at the company is slightly misadjusted, since supplied air’s temperature and velocity are slightly off point. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce these values to reach better working environment.