Thermal effects on the dispersion of a gaseous contaminant in a naturally-ventilated room

Gobeau N., Kelsey A., Saunders C J. , Sinai Y.
computational fluid dynamics, thermal gradient, modelling, natural ventilation
Year:
2004
Bibliographic info:
RoomVent 2004, 9th international conference in University of Coimbra - Portugal, 5-8th september 2004, pp 6, 7 Fig., 1 Tab., 2 Ref.

The influence of thermal effects on the dispersion of a gas in a naturally-ventilated room is investigated using CFD in conjunction with measurements. The gas dispersion inside the room, with and without thermal effects, is characterised by a statistical analysis of the CFD-predicted gas concentrations at a large number of points across the room with a view to quantifying the thermal effects. It is concluded that even small temperature differences can lead to significantly different cross flow behaviour and rates of gas concentration decay at the relatively low air change rate considered. It is found that for the same ventilation rate, the presence of temperature stratification in the room can lead to a higher level of exposure to a gas contaminant in the lower parts of the room. Keywords: Thermal effects, dispersion, CFD, natural ventilation

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