Review of airflow and transport analysis in building using CFD and network model

Abstract

This paper reviews computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and simulation of a network model of airflow and transport scenarios, as well as their coupled simulation. The network model is a tool to describe the whole and macroscopic characteristics of airflow transport in buildings, where airflow is modeled as a network of one-dimensional flow elements. The flow network model can be solved with comparatively less computational cost; however, all the airflows between nodes should be modeled as one-dimensional. The airflows and their transports in a room are not one-dimensional but three-dimensional. CFD is a convenient tool for analyzing such three-dimensional flows and transports. The equations are non-linear, and their solutions are usually obtained numerically. The CFD analysis requires considerable computation resources and computational time. To analyze the whole and macroscopic characteristics of airflows and their transports in buildings including the space distribution features in a certain room, the two simulations should be carried out simultaneously. In this work, the author reviews the conduction of CFD in a room, network simulation in a whole building, and simulation of their coupling. Further, the author's previous works pertaining to this subject are explained.

High Resolution Spatio-Temporal Model for Room-Level Airborne Pandemic Spread

“…Several CFD-based models and simulators have been developed for indoor context [57][58][59]. Hiyama and Kato [57] developed a 3D CFD model for close space with airflow in whole building settings.…”

“…Several CFD-based models and simulators have been developed for indoor context [57][58][59]. Hiyama and Kato [57] developed a 3D CFD model for close space with airflow in whole building settings. The authors integrated the outcomes of the CFD simulation with building energy simulations to achieve a more accurate time-series analysis of building energy consumption compared to conventional energy simulations [57].…”

Development of Building CFD Model Design Process Based on BIM

“…Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) enables various simulations related to the fluid flows of complex building shapes. Therefore, CFD is emerging as an effective tool for evaluating ventilation, energy performance, design, and stability in the field of architecture [2,3]. CFD enables the analysis of various shapes and environmental conditions through numerical analysis, so it is more productive than traditional analysis methods [4].…”

Improvement of Grid Independence Test for Computational Fluid Dynamics Model of Building Based on Grid Resolution

“…As a useful tool for complementing experiment and theoretical methods, CFD has a higher productivity and efficiency than conventional analysis methods and provides more various and more accurate results [1]. Owing to these advantages, CFD is being used in various research fields in the building environment, including ventilation, thermal environment, pollutant dispersion, and wind paths in cities [2,3]. To predict the actual phenomena using CFD, a grid design that divides the target space into a finite number of grids is needed first [4].…”