Mats Sandberg

Some examples of solution multiplicity in natural ventilation

Abstract This paper shows that under certain conditions, multiple solutions for the flow rate exist in a natural ventilation system, induced by the non-linear interaction between buoyancy and wind forces. Under certain physical simplifications, the system is governed in steady state by a non-linear algebraic equation or a system of equations. Three examples are given here: a single-zone building with two openings, a channel with two end openings, and a two-zone building with two openings in each zone. Analytical and numerical solutions are presented. It is shown that in all three cases the flow rate exhibits hysteresis. These results have significant implications for multi-zone modelling of natural ventilation and smoke spread in buildings. An experimental investigation using a small-scale model in a water tunnel confirms that two steady-state solutions exist for a single-zone building.

Evaluation of Discharge Coefficients for Window Openings in Wind Driven Natural Ventilation

Abstract This paper describes the classical approach for calculation of wind driven airflow through large openings in buildings and discusses the fulfilment of the limiting assumptions. It is demonstrated that the limiting assumptions are not fulfilled for large openings in buildings for cross ventilation, and therefore, the classical approach is not appropriate for prediction of airflow through large openings in buildings in the cross ventilation case. Using the approach for real openings and estimating the discharge coefficient for window openings has also not been very successful. The discharge coefficient cannot be regarded as a constant and it is very difficult to estimate correct values resulting in less accuracy of prediction of natural ventilation.

Computed Tomography for Indoor Applications

Abstract This paper deals with tomographic techniques for two-dimensional spatially resolved concentration measurements indoors. This represents a significant advance over the traditional point measuring method for mapping tracer gas and pollutants. Methods for recording of data are stressed as well as different types of tomographic reconstruction algorithms such as the Smooth Basis Function Minimization (SBFM) and the modified Low Third Derivative (LTDm) methods. Among the reconstruction algorithms available today, SBFM and LTDm are among the most promising. These algorithms show potential for reconstruction of gas concentration in rooms, since they are regularized to converge towards smooth concentration distributions. Using the LTD method and ‗snapshot‘ configuration enables the examination and real-time monitoring of transient flows.

The confinement effects on jet kinetic momentum flux quantified by measuring the reaction force

Abstract A turbulent jet is the most important flow element in mechanical ventilation. Mixing ventilation is based on the properties of turbulent jets. By entrainment into the jet the ambient air is set into motion. For a jet supplied within a room the enclosure may affect the jet in several ways, through: Coanda effect which is the tendency of a fluid to be attracted to a nearby surface. A free jet is turned into a wall jet and the momentum flux of the jet decreases by friction against the room surfaces. The jet collides with the opposing wall and the jet is transformed into a wall jet. The size of the cross sectional area relative to the supply opening will affect the flow pattern within the enclosure. One can expect the direction of the inflow (entrainment) to the jet to be affected. Location of supply and extract. The location of the supply is a factor that influences the pressure gradient within the room. This paper considers the items b), c) and d). The main characteristic of a jet is its momentum flux, but determining the momentum flux is not an easy task and has lead to contradicting results. Standard methods require velocity field measurements which have their restrictions and uncertainties. To overcome these problems a direct and more reliable method was used by recording the flow force, caused by an impinging jet, with a digital balance. The tests were carried out both for unenclosed (free jet) and enclosed cases. In the latter case tests were conducted with supply and extract both located on the same wall and located on opposite walls. Detailed pressure measurements were conducted to describe the details of the reaction force. There was a clear effect of the confinement on the reaction force and a Reynolds number dependence.

Robustness of Air Distribution in Plenum-Based Ductless Ventilation Systems

Abstract This paper introduces a concept of robustness of an air distribution method, which is defined as being capable of meeting the ventilation requirements during varying operational conditions. The robustness performance may be particularly important when the system allows individual control of the supply air parameters. As a preliminary example, plenum–based (ductless) air distribution methods are studied using computational fluid dynamics. Among the four basic air distribution methods in plenum–based systems, it is found that the floor supply and ceiling return system does not always produce the conventional displacement ventilation system performance when the heat sources are not concentrated. The ceiling supply with ceiling return produces the best robustness performance over a wide range of supply velocities.