Numerical and experimental investigation of inlet velocity influence on airflow characteristics for indoor thermal comfort

Abstract

Indoor thermal comfort has met with continuous and rising interest due to its impact on human health and work productivity. Indeed, various factors can influence both airflow characteristics and thermal comfort in indoor environments. This study comprehensively investigates the impact of input velocity on indoor airflow characteristics and thermal comfort. A numerical model was developed, and an experimental setup was implemented, with the numerical results verified through a meticulous comparison with test data—specifically, air velocity and datas obtained from a cabin test occupied by a human body. To ensure the precision of the simulations, turbulence and grid independence analyses were consistently integrated into the numerical model optimization process. Additionally, numerous numerical simulations were conducted to scrutinize the effects of inlet velocity. The analysis reveals that airflow characteristics within the cabin test are predominantly influenced by the input velocity. Furthermore, comparative analysis demonstrates the input velocity direct impact on thermal comfort index. Specifically, the maximum expected PD% value for V=1 m.s-1 increases significantly, by 1.6, 2.2, and 2.63 times, respectively, compared to cases V=0.5, 0.33 and 0.25 m.s-1. In summary, this study illuminates the substantial inlet velocity effects emphasizing critical importance of precise modeling and control for shaping optimal indoor environment.