Thermal Environment Analysis of a Scientific Laboratory using Computational Fluid Dynamics

University staff and students typically spend most of their time indoors. This paper evaluates the thermal environment of an air-conditioned scientific laboratory in a tertiary educational institution in Malaysia using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This computational technique has been used in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:MATEC web of conferences 2019, Vol.266, p.2004
Main Authors: Kwong, Qi Jie, Yang, Jim Yexin, Ling, Oliver Hoon Leh, Abdullah, Jamalunlaili
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerodynamics
Air conditioners
Air temperature
Boundary conditions
Computational fluid dynamics
Computer simulation
Desks
Energy conservation
Facilities management
Fluid dynamics
Indoor environments
Laboratories
Mathematical models
Thermal comfort
Thermal environments
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Summary:University staff and students typically spend most of their time indoors. This paper evaluates the thermal environment of an air-conditioned scientific laboratory in a tertiary educational institution in Malaysia using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This computational technique has been used in analysing the indoor environments and has been found to be useful in aiding facilities management. A pilot survey was conducted to collect the required information such as indoor parameters and boundary conditions for the setting up of a CFD model of the laboratory. The model was then simulated based on the data obtained from field observations. Results indicate that the laboratory users sitting at different rows and work desks would experience different thermal sensations. The mean air temperature was below the recommended comfort zone specified in the local energy standard, but the air velocities were generally within the acceptable range. Based on the calculated predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD) indices, most of the users would be thermally uncomfortable, and a warmer environment was preferred. Recommendations were made to regulate the inlet air temperature of the laboratory to improve thermal comfort of laboratory users and for energy saving purposes.
ISSN:2261-236X
2274-7214
2261-236X
DOI:10.1051/matecconf/201926602004