COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND

AERONAUTICAL TECHNOLOGY
461 William Shaw st., Grace Park, Caloocan City

B.S. AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING 3RD YEAR SECTION A

AEE 660 - AERONAUTICAL LABORATORY 2

“Thermal Comfort in a Bed room”

Prepared by: CANETE, Sonny Jr.

SEDILLA, Chynna Princess Jea G.

Requested by: Engr. LACEDA, Marco Angelo E.

Date Submitted: February 23/24, 2023
I. AIM OF THE DESIGN STUDY

The primary objective of studying thermal comfort using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
is to enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between the built environment and
human perceptions of comfort. CFD allows for a detailed analysis of the thermal conditions within
indoor spaces by simulating the flow of air and heat transfer. By employing CFD, researchers and
designers can assess various parameters, such as air velocity, temperature distribution, and
humidity levels, providing valuable insights into the thermal comfort experienced by occupants.
This information is crucial for optimizing building designs, HVAC systems, and ventilation
strategies to create environments that promote well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction
among occupants. In essence, the use of CFD in studying thermal comfort facilitates the
development of more energy-efficient and human-centric indoor environments.

II. INTRODUCTION

In fluid dynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a pivotal and innovative tool,
revolutionizing the understanding and analysis of fluid flows. CFD is a branch of fluid mechanics
that employs numerical methods and algorithms to solve and simulate the governing equations of
fluid flow and heat transfer. This computational approach allows for the detailed investigation of
complex fluid phenomena that are often challenging or impossible to study experimentally.

As the scope of engineering applications continues to expand, CFD has become an indispensable
tool in aerospace, automotive design, environmental engineering, and thermal analysis. It enables
researchers and engineers to gain insights into the intricacies of fluid behavior, optimize designs,
and predict performance without the need for costly and time-consuming physical experiments.

The objective is to contribute to this field's growing knowledge by addressing specific challenges
and proposing advancements in computational methods. By leveraging the power of CFD, this
CFD aims to enhance our understanding of fluid dynamics and provide valuable insights for
designing and optimizing engineering systems and processes. The subsequent chapters will
comprehensively explore CFD's applications, methodologies, and impact on diverse engineering
disciplines.

III. DEFINE:

• THERMAL COMFORT

In computational fluid dynamics (CFD), thermal comfort refers to the degree of happiness or
welfare experienced by people in a particular setting, particularly regarding the temperature conditions.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a very effective technique used to model and examine the
movement of fluids and the transmission of heat in a given area. It evaluates and improves thermal
comfort by simulating and analyzing these processes. When conducting CFD simulations, several
elements, such as air temperature, velocity, humidity, and radiation, are considered to accurately mimic
the intricate interactions between the human body and its environment. Attaining thermal comfort
using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) entails the regulation of appropriate temperature
distributions and airflow patterns to guarantee that occupants experience neither excessive heat nor
excessive cold. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, engineers and designers may
enhance Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems and building designs. This optimization
aims to produce environments that improve occupant well-being and productivity by maximizing
thermal comfort.

• PREDICTED MEAN VOTE

It is associated with thermal comfort analysis. In CFD simulations, especially those applied to
indoor environments, predicting the mean vote involves assessing the perceived thermal comfort of
occupants within a space. The PMV is a metric that quantifies the average thermal sensation of people
exposed to a particular thermal environment. It considers factors such as air temperature, radiant
temperature, air speed, and humidity, among others, to estimate the comfort level. This predictive
approach aids in designing Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems that optimize thermal
conditions within buildings, ensuring a comfortable and productive environment for occupants. CFD
simulations enable engineers to analyze and refine these environmental conditions virtually,
contributing to the creation of energy-efficient and occupant-friendly indoor spaces.

• PREDICTED PERCENTAGE DISSATISFIED

Serves as a key metric in assessing the level of discomfort experienced by occupants in indoor
environments. Primarily applied in the context of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
simulations, predicted percentage dissatisfied n is a quantitative measure that evaluates thermal
comfort. It considers factors such as air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, and clothing
insulation to estimate the percentage of occupants likely to feel dissatisfied with the thermal
conditions. CFD simulations enable engineers and designers to predict airflow patterns and
temperature distributions within a space, facilitating an analysis of the thermal comfort experienced
by individuals. The expected percentage deficit is crucial in optimizing indoor environments to
ensure occupant well-being and satisfaction.

• FILM COEFFICIENT/HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENT

It plays a vital function in simulating the movement of heat within a fluid area. This coefficient
represents the effectiveness of heat transfer at the interface between a solid surface and the
surrounding fluid. It quantifies the rate at which heat is exchanged between the solid boundary and
the adjacent fluid. The film coefficient is a critical parameter in heat transfer simulations,
influencing the accuracy of temperature predictions and aiding in understanding thermal behavior
in diverse engineering applications. It is determined by various factors such as fluid properties,
flow conditions, and surface characteristics. Accurate representation of the film coefficient in CFD
simulations is essential for predicting temperature distributions, optimizing thermal performance,
and ensuring the reliability of designs in fields ranging from aerospace engineering to electronics
cooling.
 • THERMAL DESIGN POWER

It plays a crucial role in assessing and managing the heat dissipation characteristics of
electronic components, such as processors or graphics cards, within a computational system. TDP
represents the maximum heat generated by these components under typical usage scenarios. In
CFD simulations, understanding and accurately modeling TDP is essential for predicting thermal
behavior and ensuring the system remains within acceptable temperature limits. CFD simulations
use mathematical models to simulate fluid flow and heat transfer within a system, allowing
engineers to analyze and optimize thermal performance. By incorporating TDP values into these
simulations, engineers can assess the impact of heat generation on the system, identify potential
hotspots, and design effective cooling solutions. This proactive approach aids in the prevention of
overheating issues, ensuring the reliability and longevity of electronic components in
computational systems. Therefore, in the context of CFD, Thermal Design Power serves as a
critical parameter guiding the efficient design and management of thermal conditions for electronic
devices.

IV. EXPERIMENTATION
AIRCON 1 :1 HP
LG HSN09IPX: Split Type Dual Inverter Premium Aircon

SPECIFICATIONS:
AIRCON 2 : 1.5 HP
Daikin 1.5HP Inverter D-Smart Prince Split Type Aircon FTKF35CVA/RKF35CVA

SPECIFICATIONS:
 I. MATERIAL ASSIGNMENT
NO. PART TYPE MATERIAL
1 Floor Solid Brick
2 Wall (Insulation) Solid Glass Wool
3 Ipad Solid Silicon
4 Sofa Solid Wood (Soft)
5 Bed Solid Wood (Soft)
6 Curtain Solid Nylon
7 Human Solid Human
8 Air-Conditioner Fluid Air

BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
DESCRIPTION TYPE MAGNITUDE
Ceiling and Floor Film Coefficient 3.5 BTU/FT^2/h/R
Temperature 60 C
Temperature 16 ℃
Inlet Flow Volume Flow Rate (1HP) 6.6
Volume Flow Rate (1.5HP) 9
Outlet Flow Pressure 0 Pa

TOTAL HEAT GENERATED

MATERIAL MAGNITUDE
Human 60 W
Ipad 30 W

NUMBER OF ITERATIONS

GRAVITY ITERATIONS
NO. COMPRESIBILITY TOTAL TEMPERATURE
METHODS/DIRECTION TO RUN

1 Compressible 26.85 C Earth (0, -1, 0) 100

ELEMENT SIZING
Mesh Size Auto size
MATERIAL ASSIGNMENT

BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
MESH

RESULTS : PLANES
RESULTS : ISO-SURFACE

RESULTS : PMV
RESULTS : PMV

V. RESULTS : X-Y PLOT

 VI. CONCLUSION

After a thorough comparison between the 1 HP and 1.5 HP split-type dual-inverter standard air
conditioners, it is evident that there are discernible differences in their performance in terms of
thermal comfort. The 1 HP air conditioner exhibited a slight cooling effect, whereas the 1.5 HP air
conditioner provided a more regular and satisfactory level of cooling for human comfort.

We created a 3D virtual model of the air-conditioning system, which allowed for a

comprehensive simulation, enabling a detailed analysis of the thermal comfort provided by each
unit. The step-by-step procedures followed during the simulation process ensured accuracy and
reliability in the obtained results.

The variance in thermal comfort observed between the two air conditioners can be attributed
to the difference in their cooling capacities. The 1.5 HP, more powerful air conditioner was better
suited to maintaining a comfortable environment for human in this model. This finding is crucial
for users prioritizing optimal cooling performance for their living or working spaces.

The simulation approach proved effective in providing insights into the performance of the air-
conditioning system, allowing for a virtual exploration of various scenarios. This methodology can
be valuable for manufacturers, designers, and users alike in understanding and optimizing the
thermal comfort aspects of air-conditioning systems.

In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of selecting an air conditioner with an
appropriate cooling capacity based on the size and requirements of the space to be cooled. The 1.5
HP air conditioner, with its average cooling effect, stands out as a more suitable choice for
achieving comfortable indoor temperatures.

Based on the results obtained, users must assess their cooling needs and choose an air-
conditioner with a capacity that aligns with the size of their living or working space. Further
research and simulations could also explore other factors influencing thermal comfort, such as
airflow patterns, temperature distribution, and humidity control, to provide a more comprehensive
understanding of air-conditioning system performance.
VII. REFERENCES

55-2020, A. S. (n.d). STANDARD 55 – THERMAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR HUMAN

OCCUPANCY. Retrieved from ASHRAE : https://www.ashrae.org/technical-
resources/bookstore/standard-55-thermal-environmental-conditions-for-human-occupancy

Guenther, S. (2023, December 12). What Is PMV? What Is PPD? The Basics of Thermal Comfort.
Retrieved from Simscale: https://www.simscale.com/blog/what-is-pmv-ppd/

Science, A. t. (n.d). What Is a Heat Transfer Coefficient? Retrieved from All the Science:
https://www.allthescience.org/what-is-a-heat-transfer-coefficient.htm