CFD in buildings

CFD stands for computational fluid dynamics (and heat transfer). As per this technique, the governing differential equations of a flow system or thermal system are known in the form of Navier–Stokes equations, thermal energy equation and species equation with an appropriate equation of state. In the past few years, CFD has been playing an increasingly important role in building design, following its continuing development for over a quarter of a century. The information provided by CFD can be used to analyse the impact of building exhausts to the environment, to predict smoke and fire risks in buildings, to quantify indoor environment quality, and to design natural ventilation systems. CFD stands for computational fluid dynamics (and heat transfer). As per this technique, the governing differential equations of a flow system or thermal system are known in the form of Navier–Stokes equations, thermal energy equation and species equation with an appropriate equation of state. In the past few years, CFD has been playing an increasingly important role in building design, following its continuing development for over a quarter of a century. The information provided by CFD can be used to analyse the impact of building exhausts to the environment, to predict smoke and fire risks in buildings, to quantify indoor environment quality, and to design natural ventilation systems. Recently CFD finds very wide application in different areas of science and engineering; some examples are: Previously, most building-related issues such as ventilation analysis, wind loading, wind environment etc. were examined using wind tunnel tests, but today all these tests can be done effectively with CFD. CFD can resolve all of the above-mentioned issues in a relatively short time period, and it is more economical as well as being a stronger approach than the older one (experimental). Currently, Computational Fluid Dynamics is used as a sophisticated airflow modeling method and can be used to predict airflow, heat transfer and contaminant transportation in and around buildings. CFD plays an important role in building design, designing a thermally-conformable, healthy and energy-efficient building. CFD can examine the effectiveness and efficiency of various heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems by easily changing the type and location of different components, supply air conditions and system control schedules. Furthermore, CFD helps in developing passive heating/cooling/ventilation strategies (e.g. natural ventilation) by modelling and optimizing building site-plans and indoor layouts. Globally, the building sector is the source of approximately 40% of total energy consumption. In the present era, there is a huge gap in energy consumption and energy production. As the building sector makes up a huge amount of the total consumption, it is essential to investigate the optimum configuration for buildings to reduce the buildings' energy usage. In order to achieve this, CFD can play an important role. Building performance simulation (BPS) and CFD programs are important building design tools which are used for the evaluation of building performance, including thermal comfort, indoor air quality mechanical system efficiency and energy consumption.