Optimal Air Conditioner Placement Using a Simple Thermal Environment Analysis Method for Continuous Large Spaces with Predominant Advection

Abstract

The number of houses with large, continuous spaces has increased recently. With improvements in insulation performance, it has become possible to efficiently air condition such spaces using a single air conditioner. However, the air conditioning efficiency depends on the placement of the air conditioner. The only way to determine the optimal placement of such air conditioners is to conduct an experiment or use computational fluid dynamic analysis. However, because the analysis is performed over a limited period, it is difficult to consider non-stationarity effects without using an energy simulation. Therefore, in this study, energy simulations and computational fluid dynamics analyses were coupled to develop a thermal environment analysis method that considers non-stationarity effects, and various air conditioner arrangements were investigated to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. The accuracy verification results generally followed the experimental results. A case study was conducted using the calculated boundary conditions, and the results showed that the placement of two air conditioners in the target experimental house could provide sufficient air conditioning during both winter and summer. Our results suggest that this method can be used to conduct preliminary studies if the necessary data are available during design or if an experimental house is used.

Energy simulation and CFD coupled analysis for the optimal operation of combined convection and radiant air conditioning considering dehumidification

“…Coupled ES-CFD analyses were systematized and summarized by Zhai et al [ 18 , 19 ], and have since been further developed because ES and CFD are complementary [ 20 ]. Large-space transient analysis methods that enable sophisticated coupled ES-CFD calculations have been developed [ 21 ]. However, while power consumption calculations for residential heat pumps are often simplified, a coupled ES-CFD analysis for calculating power consumption in offices is still needed [ 22 ].…”

Experimental Investigation of the Heat Transfer Characteristics of Plate Heat Exchangers Using LiBr/Water as Working Fluid

“…Various problems with respect to refrigeration and cooling systems have been identified in light of their potential environmental impact. Research on refrigeration and cooling systems is therefore essential because they directly affect the ability to maintain a pleasant living environment as well as industrial manufacturing in modern society [1]. R-12 and R-22, which are freon-based refrigerants, have traditionally been used in refrigeration systems, while nowadays the use of natural refrigerants, such as R717 and R744, as well as low-global warming potential (GWP) alternative refrigerants such as R1234yf and R1234ze, is encouraged.…”