Simulation of thermal coupling between a radiator and a room with zonal models.

Zonal models are a promising way to predict air movement, in a room with respect to comfort conditions and gradient of temperature, because they require extremely low computer time and may be therefore rather easily included in multizone air movement models. The main objective of this paper is to study the ability of the zonal models to predict the thermal behaviour of air in case of natural convection coupled with a radiator. First, we present simplified two zone and five zone models. With the support of the IEA Annex 20 (Air flow pattern within buildings) testcase, we compare the results of the models. Furthermore, a comparison is made with the results of Chen obtained with a Low Reynolds number k-E model. It appears that five zone model give indoor air temperature profiles consistent with Low Reynolds number k-E model. Concerning the convective heat fluxes, except for the two zone model, the values computed by the models are of the same order of magnitude with lower values for the Low Reynolds k-E number model.