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NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING ON THE BASIS OF

NATURAL VENTILATION

Thesis · February 2017

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Arnab Mustafi Arka Md. Tofazzal Hossain

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NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
ON THE BASIS OF NATURAL VENTILATION

Supervisor
Dr. AKM Monjur Morshed
Associate professor,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, BUET

Author
Arnab Mustafi Arka
Student ID: 1010177
Md. Tofazzal Hossain
Student ID: 1110085

A Thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the

degree of Bachelor of Science
In Mechanical Engineering

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)

Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

February 2017
 DECLARATION OF AUTHORSHIP

The authors grant to Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology the

right to reproduce, by appropriate methods, upon request, any or all portions of this thesis. It
is understood that “proper request” consists of the agreement, on the part of the requesting
party, that said reproduction is for his personal use and that subsequent reproduction will not
occur without written approval of the author of this thesis. Further, any portions of the thesis
used in books, papers, and other works must be appropriately referenced to this thesis.

All the published work have been properly consulted and attributed. Finally, the
author of this thesis reserves the right to publish freely, in the literature, at any time, any or
all portions of this thesis.

Arnab Mustafi Arka _____________________________

Md.Tofazzal Hossain _____________________________

Date _____________________________

ii
 ABSTRACT

A building, either residential or industrial, is a combination of the effort of architectural, civil

and mechanical design. The overall design should be performed by the consideration of cost
for the energy used. A large fraction of energy consumption in a building is used for the
ventilation system within the building. The more usage of energy for the ventilation, the
more power is consumed and the more cost are required. In this case, if natural ventilation
can be improved, the energy and power can be saved significantly. For the feasible
ventilation, natural circulation is the main concern here, which is highly dependent on a
factor related to the building design known as window to wall ratio (WWR). If WWR is at
the optimum level, then natural ventilation will be improved. Another factors upon which
natural ventilation is greatly dependent is the location and orientation of the building in a
geographical region and the flow direction of air with respect to the positions of window and
other openings of a building.

Thereby our main concern here to find out the critical WWR and flow direction with respect
to the windows and how energy consumption can be saved from the ventilation system. For
the achievement of these targets here, a model of a residential building is designed using the
commercial software SOLID WORKS. For the analysis of ventilation, commercial software
ANSYS FLUENT was used. Air flow pattern inside the building, related heat transfer,
turbulence, path lines of air flow, velocity and temperature profile inside the building was
analyzed.

The result suggests that as the WWR increases the temperature distribution becomes uniform
up to certain limit (here, 0.22), after that temperature distribution pattern becomes non
uniform (mainly ≥0.3) and with the higher value of WWR ( ≥0.3) as the temperature
increases which in turn affects the pattern of air flow creating unusual pattern.

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Our sincere appreciation goes to my supervisor Dr. AKM Monjur Morshed, whose
guidance, careful reading and constructive comments were valuable. His timely and efficient
contribution helped us to shape this into its final form and we express our sincerest
appreciation for his assistance in any way that we may have asked.

iv
 DEDICATION

This thesis template is dedicated to everyone who has suffered the frustration of fighting with
the “enhancements” of simulation software.

v
Table of Contents
1.1 Motivation for the study....................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Objective .............................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Climate Design – Adaptation to climate conditions ............................................................................ 4
2.2 General strategies for energy efficient buildings ................................................................................. 4
2.2.1 Minimization of losses – Compactness ............................................................................................. 5
2.2.2 Maximization of solar gains – Heating case ..................................................................................... 5
2.2.3 Minimization of solar gains – Cooling case ...................................................................................... 5
2.2.3.1 Transparent building elements (windows) ..................................................................................... 5
2.2.3.2 Natural cooling with passive night ventilation............................................................................... 6
2.2.3.3 Natural ventilation by wind ........................................................................................................... 7
2.2.4 Minimization of electricity demand for artificial lighting ................................................................ 7
2.3 Simulation of natural ventilation.......................................................................................................... 7
3.1 SIMULATION METHODOLOGY: CFD ......................................................................................... 11
3.2 CFD Processes at a Glance ................................................................................................................ 11
3.2.1 Basic Steps involved in a Typical CFD Process ............................................................................. 11
3.2.1.1. Preprocessing .............................................................................................................................. 11
3.2.1.2 Processing ................................................................................................................................... 12
3.2.1.3 Post-processing ........................................................................................................................... 12
3.2.2 Solution technique .......................................................................................................................... 12
3.2.3 Field of CFD .................................................................................................................................. 13
3.2.4 Limitation of CFD........................................................................................................................... 13
3.3 Introduction to FLUENT ................................................................................................................... 14
3.3.1 Aspects of Fluent ............................................................................................................................ 14
3.3.2 Assumptions.................................................................................................................................... 15
3.3.3 Governing Equation ........................................................................................................................ 15
3.3.4 Non-Dimensional Equations ........................................................................................................... 17
3.3.5 Turbulence Models ......................................................................................................................... 18
3.3.6 Discretization .................................................................................................................................. 19
3.3.8 Boundary condition......................................................................................................................... 20
3.3.9 Time Dependent Simulations .......................................................................................................... 21
3.3.10 GAUSS-SEIDEL METHOD ........................................................................................................ 21
4.1 BUILDING LAYOUT ....................................................................................................................... 23
4.2 MATERIAL USED ........................................................................................................................... 24
4.2 MESHING MODEL OF THE BUILDING ....................................................................................... 25

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4.3 MESH INDEPENDENCE TEST....................................................................................................... 27
4.4 VALIDATION OF WORK ............................................................................................................... 28
5.1. WINDOW TO WALL RATIO 0.056 ............................................................................................... 30
5..2 WINDOW TO WALL RATIO 0.22 ................................................................................................. 32
5.3 WINDOW TO WALL RATIO 0.3 .................................................................................................... 42
5.4 RELATIVE COMPARISION OF CHANGING WINDOW TO WALL RATIO ............................. 44
6.2 FUTURE WORK AND RECOMMENDATIONS:........................................................................... 47

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 2. 1 Window To Wall Ratio(Wwr) ......................................................................................................... 5

Fig 2. 2 Passive Cooling (Without Mechanical Energy) Through Stack Ventilation In The Night, Office
Building W.E.I.Z. ,Weiz,Austrelia, Archilets: A Plus Zt Gmbh Weiz ......................................................... 6
Fig 2. 3 Natural Ventilation Concept By Wind, Head European Central Bank, Frankfurt, Univ. Prof. Brian
Cody And Coop Himmelb(L)Au .................................................................................................................. 7
Fig 3. 1 Traditional Cfd Cell Shapes ............................................................................................................ 15
Fig-4. 1 The Building Structure ................................................................................................................... 23
Fig-4. 2 Geometry Of The Building ............................................................................................................. 24
Fig-4. 3 Meshing View Of Building ............................................................................................................ 25
Fig-4. 4 Top View Of Mesh ......................................................................................................................... 26
Fig-4. 5 Front View Of Mesh ....................................................................................................................... 26
Fig-4. 6 Mesh Independence Test ................................................................................................................ 27
Fig-4. 7 Mean Air Velocity Vs Distance Graph From Ge And Fazio ; And Andrius Jurelionis And
Edmundus I Sevicius ................................................................................................................................... 28
Fig-4. 8 Analogy Graph Of Mean Air Velocity Vs Distance ...................................................................... 29
Fig 5. 1 Contours Of Velocity Magnitude For Wwr 0.056 .......................................................................... 30
Fig 5. 2 Velocity Vectors Colored By Velocity Magnitude For Wwr 0.056 .............................................. 31
Fig 5. 3 Velocity Vectors Colored By Temperature For Wwr 0.056 ........................................................... 32
Fig 5. 4 Contours Of Velocity Magnitude For Wwr 0.22 ............................................................................ 33
Fig 5. 5 Velocity Vectors Colored By Velocity Magnitude For Wwr 0.22 ................................................ 34
Fig 5. 6 Velocity Contour In Plane 1 For Wwr 0.22 .................................................................................... 35
Fig 5. 7 Velocity Contour In Plane 2 For Wwr 0.22 .................................................................................... 35
Fig 5. 8 Velocity Contour In Plane 3 For Wwr 0.22 .................................................................................... 36
Fig 5. 9 Velocity Vectors Colored By Velocity Magnitude In Plane 1 For Wwr 0.22 ................................ 36
Fig 5. 10 Velocity Vectors Colored By Velocity Magnitude In Plane 2 For Wwr 0.22 .............................. 37
Fig 5. 11 Velocity Vectors Colored By Velocity Magnitude In Plane 3 For Wwr 0.22 .............................. 37
Fig 5. 12 Pathlines Colored By Velocity Magnitude In Plane 1 For Wwr 0.22 ........................................... 38
Fig 5. 13 Pathlines Colored By Velocity Magnitude In Plane 2 For Wwr 0.22 ........................................... 38
Fig 5. 14 Pathlines Colored By Velocity Magnitude In Plane 3 For Wwr 0.22 ........................................... 39
Fig 5. 15 Velocity Vectors Colored By Temperature For Wwr 0.22 ........................................................... 39
Fig 5. 16 Velocity Vector Colored By Total Temperature In Plane 1 ......................................................... 40
Fig 5. 17 Velocity Vector Colored By Total Temperature In Plane 2 ......................................................... 40
Fig 5. 18 Velocity Vector Colored By Total Temperature In Plane 3 ......................................................... 41
Fig 5. 19 Mean Air Velocity Vs Distance Graph For Wwr 0.22................................................................. 41
Fig 5. 20 Total Temperature Vs Distance For Wwr 0.22 ............................................................................. 42

viii
Fig 5. 21 Velocity Vectors Colored By Temperature For Wwr 0.3 ............................................................. 43
Fig 5. 22 Contours Of Velocity Magnitude For Wwr 0.3 ............................................................................ 43
Fig 5. 23 Velocity Vectors Colored By Velocity Magnitude For Wwr 0.3 ................................................ 44
Fig 5. 24 Relative Comparison For Different Wwr In Case Of Velocity Vectors Colored By Velocity
Magnitude .................................................................................................................................................... 45
Fig 5. 25 Relative Comparison For Different Wwr In Case Of Velocity Vectors Colored By Temperature
..................................................................................................................................................................... 45

ix
 LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. 1 Summary Of ASHRAE Guidelines .............................................................................................. 2

Table 4. 1 Properties Of Air And Common Brick ....................................................................................... 25

x
 List of Variables

Roman Variables

Cp Specific Heat Capacity

E Total Energy
G Gravity
Gr Grashof Number
H Enthalpy
I Identity Tensor
L Length Scale
K Turbulent Kinetic Energy, Conductive Heat Transfer Coefficient
P Pressure
Pr Prandtl Number
Ra Rayleigh Number
Re Reynolds Number
T Time
T Temperature
u0 Velocity Scale
V Velocity
Greek Symbols

Α Thermal Diffusion Coefficient

Β Thermal Expansion Coefficient
Ε Turbulent Dissipation Rate
Θ Non-Dimensional Temperature
Μ Dynamic Viscosity
Ν Kinematic Viscosity
Ρ Density
Τ Shear Stress

xi
Ω Specific Dissipation Rate
Subscripts

L Length Based
L Neighboring Cell
P Present Cell
S Surface Value
0 Reference Value, Initial Value
Atm Atmospheric Condition
Superscripts

* Non-dimensional value, given

' Correction

xii
 Chapter 1

Introduction

In the era of globalization the energy consumption rate increases gradually. If we keep an eye
over the energy consumption in the USA then we see, since 1949 it has been increased from
30 quadrillion BTU to about 100 quadrillion BTU in 2007 [1]. In this modern globalization
era the usage of energy consumption increases day by day and consequently the cost of energy
production increases, which in turns to raise the cost of energy usage. With this point of
economical consideration, it is very important for the overall world to minimize the energy
consumption and we should try our best to conserve energy.

1.1 Motivation for the study

In a building either residential or industrial, a large portion of total energy is consumed mainly
for the conditioning of inside air of those buildings. In a residential building around 51% of
the total energy consumed is used for heating and cooling application [1] and this rate
becomes more for the commercial building. In most of the cases, mechanical ventilation
systems (Air Conditioning Units: AHU, FCU, etc.) are used to serve these purposes. There is
a good scope to save these energy consumptions through natural ventilation system. The
ventilation of a room depends mostly on the orientations, geographical locations and design of
the buildings. If these parameters can be made favorable for the natural ventilation system, the
need of Air conditioning system will be minimized and consequently energy consumption will
be reduced.

Natural ventilation mainly depends on the circulation of air within the buildings and this
circulation occurs due to the thermal gradients of air within the buildings or between the
building and the outer environment/atmospheric conditions. The ASHARE standard 55-2004
is a standard that provides minimum requirements for acceptable thermal indoor environments
[2]. It establishes the ranges of indoor environmental conditions that are acceptable to achieve
thermal comfort for occupants. Two factors must be considered during the natural ventilation

1
 Table1. 1 Summary of ASHRAE Guidelines [2]
Recommended Acceptable

min max min max

T (°C) 20 25 18 28

v (m/s) - 0.2 - 0.8

study: (i) air velocity and (ii) thermal comfort. Thermal comfort mainly depends on the air
velocity. Both of these two factors can be justified by the ASHRAE standard 55-2004.

Natural ventilation is accelerated by the buoyancy effect, venturi effect, cross ventilation that
is related to the thermal patterns and air flow patterns. In most cases, these factors are not
considered in an architectural design of a building [3]. Architectural and civil design gives
priority on the aesthetic view of the building only. In most cases, building natural ventilation
system is ignored. Later on, mechanical ventilation system is given priority for the
improvement of the ventilation system.

The spatial constructions are equipped with the HVAC system and HVAC system must be
integrated into the design. With the knowledge of volumetric composition, both architects and
engineers need to change their approaches and they should negotiate both the architectural,
aesthetic design and energy efficiency. Hence, a crucial approach should be followed, which
is favorable for all the aspects of the building. In this case, a strong approach can be made
with the help of Computational Fluid Dynamics to estimate the flow the patterns and air
circulation by modeling a three dimensional building, including windows, doors, vents,
kitchens, corridors, etc., which would give the true interpretation of how building design and
spatial layout will affect the ventilation system of the building.

2
1.3 Objective

In this study, CFD has been used to model airflow and temperature distribution in existing
buildings, and to examine the effectiveness of natural ventilation to control thermal comfort
within the buildings. Thermal comfort and air velocities will be examined following
ASHRAE Standard 55.
CFD simulations has been used to examine the spatial layout effects on the ability of natural
ventilation to maintain a comfortable thermal environment and acceptable rates of ventilation
to maintain fresh air throughout the building during different atmospheric conditions. The use
of CFD in this study is to demonstrate its potential application as a design tool. Changes can
be relatively inexpensive during the design stage using CFD as compared to making
renovations in an existing building.

3
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

In the building sector with the highest energy saving potentials can be realized by energy
efficient building design. The energy efficiency of a building is significantly influenced by
design aspects, such as orientation, shape of the building structure, where the openings of
window are located, etc. [4].
A short overview of the most important innovative design strategies for energy efficient
building design is given in the following section.

2.1 Climate Design – Adaptation to climate conditions

Building design, besides other factors (social aspects, availability of building materials, etc.)
always was a result of the climatic conditions of the building site. To design, energy efficient
building (low-tech building) architectural concepts have to integrate this old knowledge and
develop new innovative design solutions based on climatic aspects.

2.2 General strategies for energy efficient buildings

In general, there are following strategies for the design of energy efficient building:

1. Minimization of losses
2. Maximization of solar gains – Heating case
3. Minimization of solar gains – Cooling case
4. Minimization of electricity demand for artificial lighting

4
2.2.1 Minimization of losses – Compactness

Transmission heat losses play an important role in the energy performance of buildings.
Depending on the building type (housing, office, schools, etc.) transmission losses can have
the highest ratio of all losses. Therefore the first design relevant measure should be the
reduction of heating losses by minimization of the shape/volume ratio.

2.2.2 Maximization of solar gains – Heating case

During the heating period, a maximization of passive solar gains should be the main target to
reduce the heating energy demand. Optimized interaction of orientation, size of windows and
disposable thermal mass are the key elements.

2.2.3 Minimization of solar gains – Cooling case

2.2.3.1 Transparent building elements (windows)

Orientation and size of transparent building elements (windows) have an important influence
on the cooling demand.
Window to wall ratio is the ratio of the window area to the gross wall area of a particular
façade. The gross wall surface area includes both wall area and the window area.

FIG 2. 1 Window to wall ratio(WWR) [4]

The wall shown in the figure has height ‘H’ and width ‘W’ and the window has height ‘a’ and
𝑎∗𝑏
width ‘b’. So, according to definition, 𝑊𝑊𝑅 = 𝑊∗𝐻 .

5
The effect of increasing WWR on air conditioning and artificial lighting has been shown in
Figure 2.2. The variety of air conditioning energy consumption with WWR changes with
different orientations of the openings as discussed by Y.B. Hou and X.Z. Fu in [2]. From that
study, it becomes quite evident that orientations have a significant effect.

Air conditioning energy increase with increasing WWR, on the other hand, the trend in
artificial lighting energy is just opposite i.e. it decreases with increasing WWR. Thus, the
overall impact of WWR on total energy consumption can be seen in Figure 2(b). It is a U-
shaped curve with minimum lying somewhere around 20% WWR. The minimum varies for
different types of building and different orientation of opening [5].

This brings out the need for optimization so as to reach the point of minimizing energy
consumption with combination of different WWR in all four directions

2.2.3.2 Natural cooling with passive night ventilation

The total cooling load can be managed by passive cooling without mechanical energy. Night
temperature in summer around 15°C, adequate thermal building mass and the possibility of
natural stack ventilation are requirements for this kind of cooling.

FIG 2. 2Passive cooling (without mechanical energy) through stack ventilation in the night,
office building W.E.I.Z. ,Weiz,Austrelia, archilets: A plus ZT GMbH Weiz [4]

6
2.2.3.3 Natural ventilation by wind
For high rise building, natural ventilation concepts by wind are innovative alternatives to
conventional mechanical ventilation systems. The new office building of the European
Central Bank in Frankfurt (architects: Coop Himmelb Au, energy concept: Univ. Prof. Brian
Cody [4] will be the first office building using only natural ventilation. The design of the
building is based on wind and ascending forces around and in the building.

FIG 2. 3 Natural ventilation concept by wind, Head European Central Bank, Frankfurt, Univ.
Prof. Brian Cody and Coop Himmelb(l)au [4]

2.2.4 Minimization of electricity demand for artificial lighting

The development of innovative daylight concepts is the most important strategy to decrease
the energy demand for lighting. Proper use of daylight reflector is an effective solution of this.

2.3 Simulation of natural ventilation

A significant amount of research has been conducted using numerical techniques to model
airflow in and around a single room building [6-11] but few detailed studies of the whole
building are available. A primitive computational analysis method for building energy usage
is the zonal or network model, which has been widely used to simulate airflow and thermal

7
comfort through multi-room buildings. The network model of simulating airflow considers
each room as a control volume and it is assumed that the temperature and pressure within a
room are uniform [12]. Mass and energy balance calculations are performed on the control
volume to find the temperature and pressure within the zone as well as the mass flow rate at
the boundary. The omission of pressure variations within a zone has been shown to provide
erroneous results and more recent approaches to zonal modeling have divided zones in
multiple seasons, allowing multiple pressures and temperatures to be calculated within a zone
[12].

The advantage of CFD modeling is that instead of examining the average temperature in a
room, a CFD investigation can identify parts of a room or building that are not cooled or
heated sufficiently. While CFD is the more obvious choice for accurate predictions, there are
many problems when simulating natural ventilation. Thermally driven flows are usually
characterized by low Reynolds numbers with large levels of turbulence caused by buoyant
plumes that can create problems with numerical convergence in the simulation [13]. In
buoyant flows, the ratio of buoyancy forces to viscous forces is defined by the Grashof
number (Gr):

𝑔𝛽 (𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇0 )𝐿3
𝐺𝑟𝐿 = 1.1
𝜈2

Where, g is gravitational acceleration, β is the coefficient of thermal expansion, Ts-T∞ is a

characteristic temperature difference, L is a characteristic length, and ν is the kinematic
viscosity [14]. The flow regime is determined by the Rayleigh number (Ra):
𝑔𝛽 (𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇0 )𝐿3
𝑅𝑎 = 𝐺𝑟𝐿 𝑃𝑟 = 1.2
𝜈𝛼

Where, α is the thermal diffusivity and Pr is the Prandtl number given by:

𝜈
𝑃𝑟 = 𝛼 1.3

According to Incropera, et al. [14], flow transitions from laminar to turbulent at Ra ≈ 109. In a
flow, that is driven by both buoyancy and pressure gradient, the choice of the boundary type
becomes important. Heiselberg [10] showed the solution of such flow is dependent on the

8
relative magnitude of the forces due to buoyancy and pressure. Without knowing which force
is dominant, the boundary conditions in such combined flow must allow fluid to enter or exit
the boundary.

Another issue to be considered when performing CFD simulations for natural ventilation in
building, is the availability of computing resources. In 1992, Schaelin, et al. [8] used 39000
cells for simulations of a domain of approximately 16000 m3. Asfour and Gadi [6] recently
found that using a mesh of 2.25 million cells for a domain of 18000 m3 was beyond the
capabilities of the computing resources available to the authors. It should be noted that neither
study specified the type and number of processors nor amount of memory available to the
researchers. Therefore, discretizing whole buildings is constrained by the available machine
memory and processor speed causing the grid resolution to often be too coarse to capture the
physics of the flow and necessitating the use of a turbulence model.

Turbulence models have been developed to calculate the effect of turbulence on a flow and
eliminate the need for the grid to resolve the turbulence itself. Existing research on turbulence
model in natural ventilation flow has shown mixed results and most has focused on two-
equation turbulence models such as the k-ε and k-ω models. In these model, k is the turbulent
kinetic energy, ε is the turbulent dissipation rate and ω is specific dissipation rate. Three k-ε
models are examined: standard k-ε, renormalization group theory (RNG) and realizable. The
standard k-ε model is considered the simpler of the two-equation turbulence models. The
RNG k-ε model includes additional terms in the transport equation for ε that improve accuracy
in highly strained and swirling flows. The realizable k-ε is a new approach to the standard k-ε
model with a new derivation of the ε transport equation [15].

Evola and Popov [16] compared the standard k-ε model and the RNG k-ε model for
simulations of natural ventilation in a single room. Both the standard k-ε model and the RNG
k-ε model performed well, but the RNG k-ε model performed better near walls, however a
slight decrease in computational performance was noted.

Kuznik, et al. [17] performed the most thorough examination of turbulence models in natural
ventilation examining the standard k-ε, realizable k-ε, RNG k-ε and k-ω models. The
simulations were in a room with an isothermal jet, a hot jet, and a cold jet. A comparison was

9
made of the velocity and temperature of the jet and the authors found that all turbulence
models agreed well with experimental data for the isothermal and hot jet cases, but none
agreed well for the cold jet case. The authors mentioned that for the cold jet, the k-ω model
agreed the best. Stavrakakis, et al. [18] examined the three k-ε models for natural ventilation
in a livestock building and a greenhouse. The authors found the standard k-ε model and the
RNG k-ε model agreed with experimental results best. The standard k-ε models, however,
converged in fewer iterations than the RNG k-ε model.

Liu, et al. [19] examined natural ventilation using a laminar model, a zero-equation turbulence
model, the standard k-ε model the RNG k-ε model and Large Eddy Simulations (LES). Two
simulations were performed, the first was a single heated zone and the second added a multi-
story atrium to the single zone. The authors found that the LES model was too
computationally intensive for the domain size necessary for natural ventilation. The two
different situations examined showed different suitable turbulence models. The single zone
simulation showed the RNG k-ε and zero-equation models agreed with experimental data
best. The second simulation showed the zero-equation and laminar models had a better
agreement with experiments. The authors stated for the two cases the laminar and zero-
equation model may be better because the flow is turbulent only in parts of the domain.

Based on the aforementioned research findings, the k-ε model performed well and the
standard model is more efficient, therefore the current study will use the standard k-ε model.

10
 Chapter 3

Numerical Approach

In this chapter, an overview of the physical model used for this study has been discussed. The
commercial software FLUENT 14.5 is used to perform all the simulations. The following
section presents the equations and models employed to simulate air flow and temperature
distribution within a building.

3.1 SIMULATION METHODOLOGY: CFD

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) which is widely used to predict fluid flows and heat
transfer using computational methods. CFD technique helps us to understand the underlying
phenomena of fluid flow and heat transfer and enable us to optimize the system.

3.2 CFD Processes at a Glance

The cornerstone of computational fluid dynamics is the fundamental governing equations of

fluid dynamics: the continuity, momentum and energy equations. They are the mathematical
statements of three fundamental principles upon which all of fluid dynamics is based:

1. Mass is conserved (Continuity equation)

2. Momentum is conserved (Newton’s second law)
3. Energy is conserved

3.2.1 Basic Steps involved in a Typical CFD Process

3.2.1.1. Preprocessing
Choosing appropriate boundary conditions (with initial conditions) discretization is performed
which involves replacing PDEs into approximate algebraic equations. This is the most
important part of the CFD processes. Two things need to be discretized. Firstly, the geometry
(computational domain) itself has to be discretized into nodal points called grids, mesh, cell,

11
element, particle etc. i.e., continuous physical domain is substituted for finite number of
points. Each point produces one algebraic equation for an unknown property at that point for
which the solution is sought. This equation contains known values of the same property from
its neighboring points. Secondly, the model equation has to be discretized so that its
differential operators are substituted for arithmetic operators (differentiation is substituted by
finite difference operation).

3.2.1.2 Processing
Choosing suitable numerical schemes for ensuring consistency, stability and convergence of
the solution as well as ensuring accuracy. Solving for Time: time marching method (Unsteady
solution).

3.2.1.3 Post-processing
Derivation and Calculation of drag, lift, pressure drop, power, skin friction, heat transfer,
efficiency etc. from the solved primitive variables. Visualizations of Flow field (streamlines),
pressure and temperature distributions, velocity vectors etc.

3.2.2 Solution technique

There are many different ways by which equations describing fluid flow and heat transfer can
be solved using computational methods but the solutions obtained are only approximate,
whichever method is used. Most commercial and research codes rely on one of the following:

 Finite Difference
 Finite Element
 Spectral Methods
 Macroscopic Fluid Modeling (Lattice Methods)
 Finite Volume

Each of these methods requires the definition of discrete points in space at which variables
like velocity, pressure, temperature etc. will be computed. While the governing equations are

12
always the same, the particular geometry with initial and boundary conditions determines a
unique solution for each particular problem.

3.2.3 Field of CFD

Within the list of industries and applications listed above, CFD can include any of the
following phenomena and flow regimes:
 Laminar/turbulent flow
 Subsonic/Transonic/Supersonic/Hypersonic flows
 Newtonian/Non-Newtonian fluid
 Multiple fluids, mixing and phase changes/mass transfer
 Solid/fluid heat transfer, convection and thermal radiation
 Combustion of gas, liquids and solids
 Distributed resistances (porous media)
 Fluid-Structure Interaction
 Aero acoustics and noise prediction
 Free-surface flows, surface tension effects
 Time varying (transient) effects and moving boundaries
 Electromagnetic, electrostatic, electrochemical and other effects
 Casting, solidification and melting

3.2.4 Limitation of CFD

As CFD is still in its relative infancy as a subject, there are a number of things that CFD
cannot currently do accurately at an affordable cost. The reason is that some physical
phenomena are not well enough understood to be able to postulate a mathematical model, or
the required models are so complex that the required computing effort is excessive. Therefore,
the governing equations are simplified using models of physical phenomena that are
affordable but not exact, leading to errors even if one was able to solve the equations
analytically. The phenomena affected include:

 Turbulence at high Reynolds number

 Transition from laminar to turbulent flow

13
  Chemical reactions in high speed flow
 Atomization of sprays

As noted above, there are many reasons why CFD cannot currently predict the above
phenomena, one being the inadequacy of computing power .In the next decade or two, these
restrictions along with others are likely to be overcome (mostly by faster computers but also
by smarter numerical methods) and CFD will become applicable to a wider range of complex
flow, heat and mass transfer problems.

3.3 Introduction to FLUENT

FLUENT is a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package to simulate fluid flow
problems. It uses the finite-volume method to solve the governing equations for a fluid. It
provides the capability to use different physical models such as incompressible or
compressible, inviscid or viscous, laminar or turbulent, etc.

3.3.1 Aspects of Fluent

FLUENT is a commercial code and a state-of-the-art computer program for modeling single
and multiphase flows, heat and mass transfer, chemical reaction phenomena, and etc. in
complex geometries. This code includes following components; FLUENT, the flow solver;
the preprocessor for geometry modeling and mesh generation; pre PDF, the preprocessor for
modeling PDF combustion; an additional preprocessor that can generate volume meshes form
existing boundary meshes, and etc. FLUENT solver utilizes a finite-volume, pressure-based
SIMPLE algorithm, for solving the governing integral equations for conservation of mass and
momentum, and for energy and other scalars such as turbulence and chemical species.
For simulating the flow field in FLUENT we first have to subdivide the solution domain into
a finite number of CVs (also called cells) using a suitable grid (also called a mesh). The grid
can be composed of hexahedral, tetrahedral, prismatic, pyramid or polyhedral cells. Any of
these cell shapes can be used to construct grids suitable for CFD domains but for historical
and other reasons, hexahedral and tetrahedral are the pre-dominant shapes used. Polyhedral
grids are rapidly catching up and are likely to be the standard in the future. Examples of each
of the above cell types are shown below:

14
 Fig 3. 1 Traditional CFD cell shapes

3.3.2 Assumptions

 Heat and fluid flow has been assumed to be three dimensional.

and in transient state
 Fluid flow is assumed to be turbulent
 Air flow is considered as incompressible
 No slip condition is approximated.
 Boussinesq approximation is applicable.
 Fluid is isotropic
 Heat loss due to radiation is negligible.

3.3.3 Governing Equation

The velocity and temperature fields in buildings are governed by the three-dimensional
Navier-Stokes equations and the energy transport equation. The standard k-ε turbulence
equation is also used to model free stream wind, which is inherently turbulent [6].
The compressible form for conservation of mass and is given by

𝜕𝜌
+ ∇. (𝜌𝜈⃗) = 0 3.1
𝜕𝑡

15
where 𝜌 is the fluid density, and v is the velocity vector.
Conservation of momentum is given by:

𝜕
(𝜌𝜈⃗) + ∇. (𝜌𝜈⃗𝜈⃗) = −∇𝑝 + ∇. (𝜏̿) + 𝜌𝑔⃗ 3.2
𝜕𝑡

Where p is the pressure, 𝜏̿ is the stress tensor, and 𝑔⃗ is the gravitational body force vector. The
stress tensor 𝜏̿, for a Newtonian fluid is given by:

2
𝜏̿ = 𝜇 [(∇𝜈⃗ + ∇𝜈⃗𝑇 ) − 3 ∇. 𝜈⃗𝐼] 3.3

where µ is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid and I is the identity tensor. For the current
study, the flow is considered incompressible because low velocities and small pressure
differences are present in the domain.
The Boussinesq approximation is used for buoyancy-driven flows, such as natural convection.
The approximation assumes that density differences are small except for the buoyancy force,
which is due to vertical density gradients and the gravitational force. Thus, if density changes
are considered to be only a result of temperature changes:
1 𝜕𝜌
𝛽 = − 𝜌 (𝜕𝑇 ) 3.4
𝑇

where β is the thermal expansion coefficient [20]. The Boussinesq approximation can then
be used assuming density as a linear function of temperature, and therefore is only valid when
the range of temperatures is small. The Boussinesq approximation is given by:

(𝜌0 − 𝜌) = −𝜌0 𝛽 (𝑇 − 𝑇0 ) 3.5

where 𝜌0 and T0 are reference values. Equation 3.5 can be solved for density ρ and

substituted into the term ρg of Equation 3.2. In all other terms, ρ is replaced with ρ0.

The general form of the energy equation is given by:

𝜕
(𝜌𝐸 ) + ∇. [𝜈⃗(𝜌𝐸 + 𝑝)] = ∇. 𝑘𝑒𝑓𝑓 ∇𝑇 + ∇. (𝜏̿. 𝜈⃗) + 𝑆ℎ 3.6
𝜕𝑡

where E is total energy. The first term on the right hand side is the effective conductivity, keff,
which is the sum of the fluid thermal conductivity and the turbulent thermal conductivity. The
second term on the right hand side represents viscous heating present in the flow; however,

16
this value is neglected for most incompressible flows. The final term on the right hand side,
Sh, represents an energy source term, which will be discussed on a case by case basis. The
total internal energy of the fluid is defined as:
𝑝 𝜈2
𝐸 =ℎ−𝜌+ 3.7
2

where h is the sensible enthalpy of the fluid:

𝑇
ℎ = ∫𝑇 𝐶𝑝 𝑑𝑇 3.8
𝑒𝑓𝑓

and Tref is a reference temperature (usually standard temperature) and cp is the constant
pressure specific heat of the fluid. In this study the fluid thermal conductivity and cp will be
considered constant for the small temperature changes present.
Using the simplifications given above, the final forms of the incompressible conservation
equations are:

∇. 𝜈⃗ = 0 3.9

𝜕𝜈
⃗⃗ 1 𝜇
+ 𝜈⃗∇. 𝜈⃗ = − 𝜌 ∇𝑝 + 𝜌 ∇2 𝜈⃗ + 𝑔⃗ − 𝛽 (𝑇 − 𝑇0 )𝑔⃗ 3.10
𝜕𝑡 0

𝜕𝑇
+ 𝜈⃗. ∇𝑇 = 𝛼∇2 𝑇 3.11
𝜕𝑡

3.3.4 Non-Dimensional Equations

Non-dimensionalization of the equations is used to evaluate the importance of each term
of the governing equations. To do this, L, u0 and ρ will be used to non-dimensionalize all of
the variables, and a superscript * will represent the non-dimensional quantity, where:

𝑡𝑢0
𝑡∗ = 3.12
𝐿

∇∗ = ∇𝐿 3.13

⃗⃗
𝜈
𝜈⃗ ∗ = 𝑢 3.14
0

𝑝
𝑝∗ = 3.15
𝜌𝑢0 2

𝑔𝐿
𝑔∗ = 𝑢 2 3.16
0

17
 𝑇−𝑇
𝜃 ∗ = 𝑇 −𝑇∞ 3.17
𝑠 ∞

Equations 3.12-3.17 are substituted into Equations 3.9-3.11 to produce the non-dimensional
set of
equations:

∇∗ . 𝜈⃗∗ = 0 3.18

⃗⃗ ∗
𝜕𝜈 1 𝐺𝑟
+ 𝜈⃗ ∗ ∇∗ . 𝜈⃗ ∗ = −∇∗ 𝑝∗ + 𝑅𝑒 ∇∗ 2 𝜈⃗∗ + 𝑔⃗∗ − 𝑅𝑒 2 𝜃 ∗ 3.19
𝜕𝑡 ∗

𝜕𝜃∗ 1
+ 𝜈⃗ ∗ . ∇∗ 𝜃 ∗ = 𝑅𝑒𝑃𝑟 ∇∗ 2 𝜃 ∗ 3.20
𝜕𝑡 ∗

where Re is the Reynolds number, defined as the ratio of momentum forces to viscous forces,
which is given by:

𝜌𝑢0 𝐿
𝑅𝑒 = 3.21
𝜇

The Grashof number is given by:

𝑔⃗⃗𝛽(𝑇𝑠−𝑇0 )𝐿3
𝐺𝑟 = 3.22
𝜈2

and the Prandtl number is defined as ν/α [21].

3.3.5 Turbulence Models

The standard k-ε turbulence model is used in this study, which uses two additional transport
equations to model the effects of turbulence on the entire flow field. The additional transport
equations are used to calculate the turbulent kinetic energy, k, and the turbulent dissipation
rate, ε. In the standard k- ε model, the transport equations for k and ε are given by:
𝜕 𝜇𝑡
(𝜌𝑘) + ∇. (𝜌𝑘𝑣⃗ ) = ∇. [(𝜇 + ) ∇𝑘] + 𝐺𝑘 + 𝐺𝑏 − 𝜌𝜀 + 𝑆𝑘 3.23
𝜕𝑡 𝜎𝑘

𝜕 𝜇 𝜀 𝜀2
(𝜌𝜀 ) + ∇. (𝜌𝜀𝑣⃗ ) = ∇. [(𝜇 + 𝑡) ∇𝜀] + 𝐶1𝜀 (𝐺𝑘 + 𝐶3𝜀 𝐺𝑏 ) − 𝐶2𝜀 𝜌 + 𝑆𝜀 3.24
𝜕𝑡 𝜎 𝜀𝑑 𝑘

18
In these equations, 𝐺𝑘 represents turbulent kinetic energy production due to mean velocity

gradients; 𝐺𝑏 represents turbulent kinetic energy production due to buoyancy; Sk and Sε are

source terms for k and ε respectively; C1ε, C2ε, and C3ε are constants; 𝜎𝑘 and σε are turbulent

Prandtl numbers for k and ε respectively; and μt is the turbulent viscosity. The expressions of

these parameters are given by:

𝐺𝑘 = 𝜇𝑡 𝑆 2 3.25

𝑡 𝜇
𝐺𝑏 = −𝑔⃗𝛽 𝜌𝑃𝑟 ∇𝑇 3.26

𝑘2
𝜇𝑡 = 𝜌𝐶𝜇 3.27
𝜀

The values of the constants used by FLUENT are: C1ε = 1.44, C2ε = 1.92, Cμ = 0.09, 𝜎𝑘 = 1.0,

σε = 1.3. Because the effects of the buoyancy generation term on ε are not well understood and

considered negligible in the turbulent dissipation rate transport equation, C3ε is not needed.

The final forms of the k-ε transport equations for incompressible flow are:

𝜕𝑘 𝜇 𝑘2 𝑘2 𝑘2
+ 𝑣⃗. ∇𝑘 = (𝜌 + 0.09 ) ∇2 𝑘 + 0.09 𝑆 2 − 0.09 𝑔⃗𝛽 𝜌𝜀𝑃𝑟 ∇𝑇 − 𝜌𝜀 + 𝑆𝑘 3.28
𝜕𝑡 𝜀 𝜀

𝜕𝜀 𝜇 0.09 𝑘 2 𝑘2 𝑘2
+ 𝑣⃗. ∇𝜀 = (𝜌 + ) ∇2 𝜀 + 0.1296 𝑆 2 − 1.92 + 𝑆𝜀 3.29
𝜕𝑡 1.3 𝜀 𝑑 𝑘

3.3.6 Discretization
FLUENT uses a control volume approach (also referred to as a finite volume approach) to
calculate the dependent variables (e.g. v, T) at the center of each cell; however, these variables
are needed at cell faces to compute fluxes. In this study, a second-order upwind discretization
scheme is employed to compute variables at the face using the cell-centered data. The second
order upwind scheme uses a Taylor series expansion of the variable about the cell face to
compute flux values.

19
3.3.7 Solver
The current study uses the segregated pressure-based Navier-Stokes (PBNS) [22] solver in
FLUENT. The PBNS solver is applied to incompressible flows, where conservation of mass is
rewritten in terms of pressure and pressure becomes the primitive variable. Within the broader
class of PBNS solvers, the SIMPLE algorithm [23] is used for pressure-velocity coupling. The
SIMPLE algorithm initially solves for a velocity field using a given pressure field p* and
velocity field v* .This will give an intermediate velocity field v* .The final solution for the
velocity field, v must satisfy the continuity equation. The final velocity field can be defined
as:

𝑣⃗ = 𝜈⃗ ∗ + 𝜈⃗ ′ 3.30

and a final pressure field can be defined as:

𝑝 = 𝑝∗ + 𝑝′ 3.31

where p′ is a pressure correction.

The SIMPLE algorithm then approximates a solution for v ' as:

1 1
𝜈 ′ = − 𝐴 ∑𝑙 𝐴𝑙 𝜈𝑙 ′ − 𝐴 ∇𝑝′ |𝑝 3.32
𝑝 𝑝

The coefficients Ap and Al are derived from the discretized momentum equation. The subscript
P represents the cell that is being solved and the subscript l represents all other cells used in
the discretized equation. Equations 2.15 and 2.17 are substituted into Eq. 2.1 to formulate the
pressure equation. The first term on the right hand side of Eq. 2.17 is unknown, the SIMPLE
algorithm approximates it as zero in the pressure equation. Once the pressure correction is
found, a velocity correction is calculated using Equation 2.17. The pressure and velocity fields
are then updated using Eqn. 2.15 and 2.16. Finally, all other equations are solved using the
updated pressure and velocity fields [24].

3.3.8 Boundary condition

There are three boundary types used in the study: surfaces, inlets, and outlets. Inlets and
outlets represent building openings. At inlets, a uniform velocity profile, with both speed and
direction, and the temperature of the incoming air are specified.

20
At outlets, the ambient air pressure and temperature are specified. Turbulent kinetic energy
and turbulent dissipation rate at the inlets and outlets are set to zero because the parameters
are hard to estimate. All surfaces that represent a wall boundary assume the no-slip condition.

All of the boundary conditions are enlisted here:

a. Air velocity at inlets (Left window, door, front window, corridor, back window, bath
window): 0.2 m/s (ASHRAE STANDARD for 27°C ambient temperature)
b. Outlet temperature: 32°C (Right window)
c. Inlet and outlet pressure: ambient condition
d. Roof, front wall, floor are at constant temperature of 27°C
e. Internal heat generation is assumed at back wall of 850W
f. Back wall is at constant heat flux 20.48 W/𝑚2 and heat generation rate of 2.275 W/𝑚3

3.3.9 Time Dependent Simulations

All simulations in the current study are time dependent and time is discretized using a first
order implicit method. Stability is governed by the Courant-Friedrichs-Levy (CFL) number:

𝑢0 𝑡
𝐶𝐹𝐿 = 3.33
∆𝑥

Where Δx is the grid spacing and u0 is the velocity specified at an inlet [22]. An initial time step
for all cases is calculated to maintain the CFL number near unity. For some cases, the time step
had to be lowered to achieve convergence. For most simulations this required around 20-30
pseudo-iterations per time step. A pseudo-iteration is the iterative process within a time step to
ensure all variables have converged to a criterion.

3.3.10 GAUSS-SEIDEL METHOD

Iterative or approximate methods provide an alternative to the elimination methods. Here
GAUSS-SIEDEL is an iterative method for solving a set of linear algebraic equations. A
convergence criteria is used here for getting the desired values .In our simulations the
convergences of the iterations are performed with the GAUSS-SEIDEL method technique.
Here a brief description for solving a 3*3 algebraic equations is given bellow using the
GAUSS-SEIDEL method:

21
Assumed that we are given a set of n equations: [A] {X} = [C]
Suppose that for consciences we limit ourselves to a 3*3 set of equations. If the diagonal
elements are all nonzero, the first equation can be solved for x1, the 2 nd for x2 and the 3rd for
x3 to yield
𝑏1−𝑎12.𝑋2−𝑎13.𝑋3
𝑋1 = 3.34
𝑎11

b2−a21.X1−a23.X3
𝑋2 = 3.35
a22

𝑏3−𝑎31.𝑋1−𝑎32.𝑋2
𝑋3 = 3.36
𝑎33

Now, we can start the solution process by choosing guesses for the x’s. A simple way to
obtain initial guesses is to assume that they are all zero. These zeros can be substituted into
𝑏1
Eqn (3.34), which can be used to calculate a new value for 𝑋1 = 𝑎11 .Then, we substitute this

new value of X1 along with the previous value of zero for X3 into Eqn (3.35) to compute a
new value for X2. The process is repeated for Eqn (3.36) to calculate a new estimate for X3.
Then we return to the first equation and repeat the entire procedure until our solution
converges closely enough to the true values. Convergence can be checked using the criterion
as follows:
𝑋𝑖,𝑗−𝑋𝑖,𝑗−1
|𝐸𝑎, 𝑖 | = | | ∗ 100% < 𝐸𝑠 3.37
𝑋𝑖,𝑗

For all i, where j and j-1 are the present and previous iterations.

22
 CHAPTER 4

CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING STRUCTURE

4.1 BUILDING LAYOUT

Fig-4. 1 The Building Structure

23
Figure (4.1) shows the layout of the building. It consists mainly of three section. At the left
section (from front to back) there is a kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom. Each of them has a
door and a window. The middle section consists of (from front to back) entrance door, dinning
space, a balcony and a bathroom (with a window).The right section comprises of (from front to
back) two bedrooms each having two windows. Wall thickness is used 0.15m.

Fig-4. 2 Geometry of the building

Similar building structure of three types of window to wall ratio of 0.056, 0.22 and 0.3 is used
throughout the work.

4.2 MATERIAL USED

For the walls, roof and floor common brick is used and the vacuum space is completely filled
with air.

Properties of the materials:

24
 Table 4. 1 Properties of air and common brick
Material name Air Common brick

Density(kg/𝒎𝟑 ) 1.225 1890

Specific heat,𝑪𝒑 (j/kg-K) 1006.43 900

Thermal conductivity, 0.0242 0.8

K(W/m-K)

Viscosity, µ(kg/m-s) 1.7894e-05 -

4.2 MESHING MODEL OF THE BUILDING

Fig-4. 3 Meshing view of building

25
 Fig-4. 4 Top view of mesh

Fig-4. 5 Front view of mesh

The geometry of the buildings was drawn in Solid Works 2013. The files were received in IGES
format and imported into the grid generation software ANSYS FLUENT (CFD).

26
The corrected geometry was meshed using structured method. There are 500 equal division in
are used in all directions of the building for meshing i.e. 6.35 million mesh blocks are used in the
whole structure for the analysis.

4.3 MESH INDEPENDENCE TEST

The computational model was verified using mesh independence test and three different mesh
number systems had been tested. For these cases, mean air velocity vs distance (measured from
left wall) graph were generated and it was found the variation for 6.35 million and 6.6 million
mesh block is negligible. Thus, to keep a balance between computational economy and
prediction accuracy, the meshes including 6.35 M chosen for all the arrangements (WWR 0.056,
0.22 and 0.3)

Fig-4. 6 Mesh Independence Test

27
4.4 VALIDATION OF WORK

Andrius Jurelionis and Edmundus I sevicius in their “CFD predictions of indoor air movement
induced by cold window surfaces” have shown that the mean air velocity increases with the
distance from wall surface up to a certain limit, reaching a peak, then decreases following the
experimental work of Ge and Fazio. Our simulation result also follows the same trend of the
graph. Moreover, according to ASHRAE 90.1-2007 the optimum WWR for natural ventilation,
residential building is 0.24. From the three case we considered, the optimum value we find is
0.22.And ASHRAE 90.1-2007 also indicates that for 0.3 or greater value of WWR creates
detrimental effect on natural ventilation by increasing the temperature of air [26]. In our case we
found unusual air flow pattern and increase in temperature for WWR 0.3 which also matches.

Fig-4. 7 Mean air velocity vs distance graph from Ge and Fazio ( ); and Andrius Jurelionis
and Edmundus I sevicius ( )[25]

28
Fig-4. 8 Analogy graph of mean air velocity vs distance

29
 CHAPTER 5

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Window to wall ratio (WWR) is the major factor in increasing the natural ventilation effect of
the building. We have worked with WWR of 0.056, 0.22 and 0.3 and made relative comparisons
between them to optimize the WWR for a naturally ventilated building.

5.1. WINDOW TO WALL RATIO OF 0.056

WWR 0.056 is the lowest of the considered ratio. For uniform airflow and temperature
distribution WWR, air velocity and orientation of room plays a very important role. As air
velocity is considered 0.2 m/s which is low enough and left inlet window of kitchen and
bedroom both have an opposite door with respect to window location, air has an optimum
distribution parallel to window space.

Fig 5. 1 Contours of velocity magnitude for WWR 0.056

30
But as the low speed air does not have enough time to spread uniformly surrounding the area, the
uniform distribution is not ensured in that space.
After that, air faces a partition wall which decreases its velocity. In the middle section air also
comes from the balcony, door and bathroom windows which combine with the air coming from
left windows increasing air quantity in the room. Next air again faces a partition wall which
decreases its velocity. At the right section more air enters into the room through front and back
window increasing more air quantity and occupies more volume in space, ensuring better
distribution with increasing velocity until it faces the right wall.

Fig 5. 2 Velocity vectors colored by velocity magnitude for WWR 0.056

The temperature does not vary much with WWR, as seen in Fig-5.3 though there is slight
change in temperature is found near the balcony for the viscous effect of combining air from
different inlet.

31
 Fig 5. 3 Velocity vectors colored by temperature for WWR 0.056

5..2 WINDOW TO WALL RATIO OF 0.22

As the WWR increases from 0.056 to 0.22, size of the window increases. It permits more air
with a slight decrease in velocity (according to continuity equation). The air has a better
distribution pattern than the previous one Fig-5.2.

32
 3D VIEW

TOP VIEW
Fig 5. 4 Contours of velocity magnitude for WWR 0.22

This is because of decreasing velocity air has more time to spread uniformly throughout the
room. So the uniform distribution of air results in better natural ventilation effect. This we can
see the gradual increment of air velocity in every section (left, middle and right) of the building.

33
 3D VIEW

TOP VIEW
Fig 5. 5 Velocity vectors colored by velocity magnitude for WWR 0.22

34
This can also be found from the velocity vector,velocity pathline and velocity contour.Here three
different planes are considered for the observation of gradual and uniform increase of velocity
throughout the building structure.The planes are at 0.5m(plane 1), 5m(plane 2) and 9.5m(plane
3) from the left wall along the length of the building and the planes are parallel to the left wall.

Fig 5. 6 Velocity Contour In Plane 1 For WWR 0.22

Fig 5. 7 Velocity Contour In Plane 2 For WWR 0.22

35
 Fig 5. 8 Velocity Contour In Plane 3 For WWR 0.22

Fig 5. 9 Velocity Vectors Colored By Velocity Magnitude In Plane 1 For WWR 0.22

36
Fig 5. 10 Velocity Vectors Colored By Velocity Magnitude In Plane 2 For WWR 0.22

Fig 5. 11 Velocity Vectors Colored By Velocity Magnitude In Plane 3 For WWR 0.22

37
Fig 5. 12 Pathlines Colored By Velocity Magnitude In Plane 1 For WWR 0.22

Fig 5. 13 Pathlines Colored By Velocity Magnitude In Plane 2 For WWR 0.22

38
 Fig 5. 14 Pathlines Colored By Velocity Magnitude In Plane 3 For WWR 0.22

In the right outlet windows, air velocity reaches to maximum with increasing air quantity as the
previous case but in a more uniform manner. Uniform temperature distribution is found
throughout the building for WWR 0.22.This uniform temperature distribution can also be
observed using temperature profile in three different planes stated above.

FIG 5. 15 Velocity Vectors Colored By Temperature For WWR 0.22

39
FIG 5. 16 Velocity Vector Colored By Total Temperature In Plane 1 For WWR 0.22

FIG 5. 17 Velocity Vector Colored By Total Temperature In Plane 2 For WWR 0.22

40
 Fig 5. 18 Velocity Vector Colored By Total Temperature In Plane 3 For WWR 0.22

If mean air velocity is considered, it can be found that it reaches gradually to maximum value at
5m from left wall. This is because at this location air has the maximum free flowing space
considering the designed building structure.

Fig 5. 19 Mean Air Velocity Vs Distance Graph For WWR 0.22

41
The total mean temperature is also found to be uniform and nearly constant of 300K.

TEMPERATURE VS DISTANCE
305
304
303
TOTAL TEMPERATURE(K)

302
301
300
299
298
297
296
295
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DISTANCE FROM LEFT WALL(m)

Fig 5. 20 Total Temperature Vs Distance For WWR 0.22

5.3 WINDOW TO WALL RATIO OF 0.3

As the size of the window increases, we expect better distribution of air flow pattern and uniform
distribution of air. But in reality it does not match with expectation. A window to wall ratio is the
measure of the percentage area of a building’s exterior envelope that is made up of glazing, such
as windows. ASHRAE 90.1-2007 has established that Window to Wall Ratio (WWR) of 0.24 is
considered ideal to allow optimum indoor daylight and natural ventilation. This does not mean
that the higher of WWR, the better performance of the windows. The larger a window, more heat
or light will penetrate into the room which cause overheating and glare. Windows with WWR
more than 0.30 will create overheating into the building.

42
 Fig 5. 21 Velocity vectors colored by temperature for WWR 0.3

As we can see in Fig-5.21 the outlet temperature of air increases. Which in turn reduces the
natural ventilation effect. Moreover, non uniformity in airflow pattern is found.

Fig 5. 22 Contours of velocity magnitude for WWR 0.3

43
 Fig 5. 23 Velocity vectors colored by velocity magnitude for WWR 0.3

Finally, for the current designed building for WWR 0.3, the window size almost equals to the
outside wall side which is practically impossible.

5.4 RELATIVE COMPARISION OF CHANGING WINDOW TO WALL

RATIO

Window to wall ratio (WWR) mainly has a dual effect on the optimization of naturally ventilated
building structure: firstly, on the air flow distribution pattern and secondly, on distribution of
temperature. Some observations have found from the simulation:
a. The effectiveness of natural ventilation depends largely on the architecture and orientation of
the building
b. As the WWR increases the temperature distribution becomes uniform up to a certain limit
(here, 0.22), after that temperature distribution pattern becomes non uniform (mainly ≥0.3)
c. With the higher value of WWR (≥0. 3) as the temperature increases, which in turn affects the
pattern of air flow creating unusual pattern.

44
Fig 5. 24 Relative comparison for different WWR in case of velocity vectors colored by velocity
magnitude

Fig 5. 25 Relative comparison for different WWR in case of velocity vectors colored by Temperature

CHAPTER 6

45
 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The increases in energy consumption and costs over the past 30 years have caused a movement
towards designing more energy efficient buildings. Since the majority of energy used in building
is for heating and cooling, the exploitation of natural ventilation systems is being explored.
Commercial simulation software ANSYS FLUENT (CFD) 14.5 is used to simulate the air flow
and temperature distribution to find out the optimum window to wall ratio (WWR) which is the
most important parameter for the exploitation of natural ventilation system in building design.
Three simulation with window to wall ratio (WWR) 0.056,0.22 and 0.3 were examined for the
building structure. The air inlet velocity and atmospheric temperature was set to 0.2 m/s and
27°c.
A more uniform distribution of air flow pattern and temperature distribution was found with
WWR 0.22 than WWR 0.056.As the WWR increase to 0.3, a non-uniform air flow pattern is
found with the increase of temperature.

It is found that for optimization of natural ventilation nearly 0.22 WWR is preferable. It is also
found that for WWR greater than or equal 0.3 the temperature effect takes place which results in
unusual air flow pattern creating problems for the design of natural ventilation.

46
6.2 FUTURE WORK AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. The whole thesis is conducted with considering the air velocity 0.2 m/s. As the air velocity
increases the airflow pattern becomes more effective for natural ventilation and thermal comfort.
For better thermal comfort inlet velocity up to 0.4 m/s can be set.

2. Though nearly desired result is found, the radiation heat transfer is not considered in this study.
For more accurate and precise result radiation heat loss should be calculated.

3. The orientation and structural design of the building are of great importance in building design.
A major concern building orientation for natural ventilation system is not considered here. More
work can be done considering the orientation of the building in finding WWR ratio in different
direction.

4. Building involving the occupant and furniture can improve the result.

5. Before CFD can be used to predict airflow in the design stage of buildings, more data needs to be
collected on the airflow through existing buildings to help validate the results found using CFD.

47
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