Thermal plumes above heat sources in rooms with a temperature stratification.

Information on thermal plume characteristics is essential for designing ventilation systems with displacement air supply. Empirical, analytical and computational fluid dynamics are the commonly used approaches to evaluate air temperatures, velocities and airflow rates in thermal plumes above different heat sources. However, only limited information is available on the behavior of thermal plumes in rooms with a temperature gradient along the room height. This paper presents the data results from the numerical simulation of thermal plumes above the heat sources of different sizes, shapes, location relative to the floor surface and the heat strength (e.g., seating and standing person, process equipment, cigarette, etc.). These studies were a part of the comprehensive research conducted by the international team and were sponsored by Philip Morris Management Corporation. As a result, a practical "Design Guide for Displacement Ventilation" was developed.