Conceptual Reference Database for Building Envelope Research Prev
Next

Numerical determination of convection coefficients for internal surfaces in buildings dominated by thermally stratified flows

Gao, J., Zhang, X., Zhao, .N.
2008
Journal of Building Physics, Vol. 31, No. 3, 213-223
convection coefficient ? thermal stratification ? turbulence model ? CFD ? building.


Gao, J., Zhang, X., Zhao, .N., (2008), "Numerical determination of convection coefficients for internal surfaces in buildings dominated by thermally stratified flows", Journal of Building Physics, Vol. 31, No. 3, 213-223.
Abstract:
Convection coefficients for internal building surfaces, characterized by the air¡ªsurface temperature difference and local airflow, are crucial to a reliable building energy simulation and analysis based on the integrated modeling of heat and air flow in buildings, especially dominated by the thermally stratified flows, where the coefficients may vary significantly along each vertical wall. A turbulence model with a differential viscosity and dynamic turbulent Prandtl is proposed to predict the convective heat transfer for the case of thermally stratified flows in buildings. The local convection coefficients and then the bulk ones are numerically derived based on the law-of-the-wall method. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed in an experimental enclosure and the results of air temperature profiles in the space are compared with the experimental data. Good agreements of thermally stratified pattern between the CFD and experiments are obtained. Although some discrepancies in the bulk convection coefficients are observed when natural convection is dominating, little differences in the temperature profiles give much confidence. As a whole, the CFD method using the turbulence model suggested in this study exhibits its good ability to effectively predict the convection coefficients.

This publication in whole or part may be found online at: This link has not been checked.here.

Related Concepts


Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Gao, J.
  1. Modeling of Indoor Thermally Stratified Flows on the Basis of Eddy Viscosity/Diffusivity Model: State of the Art Review  
Zhang, X.
  1. Analysis of uncertainty and error for solar heat gain test facility
  2. Modeling of Indoor Thermally Stratified Flows on the Basis of Eddy Viscosity/Diffusivity Model: State of the Art Review
  3. Review of R&D progress and practical application of the solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) technologie
  4. Review of R&D progress and practical application of the solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) technologies,
  5. Spatial and temporal characteristics of heavy precipitation events over Canada  
Zhao, . N.
     



CRDBER, at CBS, BCEE, ENCS, Concordia,