TC 4.10 Published Content

How To Verify, Validate, and Report Indoors Environmental Modeling CFD (RP-1133)

Qingyan Chen, Ph.D., Member, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Engineers need the tools to effectively and reliably perform indoor environmental modeling using CFD by defining the steps necessary to verify, validate, and report CFD analyses of indoor environmental applications. These steps need detailed illustrative examples of how they can be applied to representative problems. Currently, there is not such a reference available, hence CFD modeling being performed in ASHRAE funded projects or in the industry may be inconsistent in terms of the level, which CFD analyses are verified, validated, and reported. The results of this project will be integrated into the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook as part of the new chapter entitled "Indoor Environmental Calculations." The objective of this research project is to provide guidance to engineers on how to verify, validate and report the results of CFD analyses which model indoor environmental conditions and illustrate the process on relevant examples.

Effects of Environmental Conditions on the Sorption of VOCs on Building Materials Part 2: Model Evaluation (RP-1097) , (4578)

Jinsong Zhang, Member, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN; Jianshun Zhang, Ph.D., Member, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY; Qingyan Chen, Ph.D., Member, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Sorption data obtained by using small environmental chambers under different environmental conditions have been used to evaluate the linear Langmuir model and the diffusion model for VOC sorption by different building materials. The two models were evaluated by the goodness of model curve-fitting to the experimental data according to the ASTM recommended statistical indices; and by the ability in predicting the desorption period based on the data from the adsorption period. The linear Langmuir model appeared to be suitable for the painted drywall and ceiling tile while the diffusion model seems more suitable for carpet.

A Critical Review on Studies of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Sorption by Building Materials (RP-1097) , (4508)

Sponsor: TC 4.10 Indoor Environmental Modeling; TC 2.3 Gaseous Air Contaminants and Gas Contaminant Removal Equipment
Jinsong Zhang, Student Member, Select Energy Services Inc., Natick, MA; Jianshun Zhang, Ph.D., Member, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY; Qingyan Chen, Ph.D., Member, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA; Xudong Yang, Ph.D., Member, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
This paper analyzes the pros and cons of existing sorption models, as well as experimental methods. In addition, it summarizes existing sorption data in order to better understand the phenomenon of VOC sorption on building materials and to direct future research.

A Method of Test to Obtain Diffuser Data for CFD Modeling of Room Airflow (RP-1009) , (4467)

Jelena Srebric, Member, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA; Qingyan Chen, Member, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
This study demonstrated how to use two simplified methods, the box and momentum methods, to simulate complex diffusers in room airflow modeling by computational fluid dynamics. The two methods require additional flow information that is not available from product catalogues of diffuser manufacturers. This information includes the distribution of discharge air velocity, box size, and flow direction. This research developed a method of test on how to obtain the additional information with minimal effort under the ASHRAE Standard 70-1991.

Interaction of Room Air Motion and the Human Body in Confined Spaces (RP-978)

Byron W. Jones, Kansas State University
This research is needed to develop models of air motion in confined spaces. These models will in turn be used for the design of diffusers, for determining air inlet and exhaust locations, and for studying air quality and contaminant transport in confined/high density environments. Aircraft manufacturers and operators (airlines) are in particular need of this information. Use will not be limited to this particular group, however, as it will also be of use in any application where there are high occupant densities in confined spaces. The objective of this research project is to check the allowable air speed limits to avoid draft prescribed in the standard 55-1992 when people are inside the summer comfort zone, investigate whether stated preferences for higher air velocities found in recent ASHRAE field studies can be verified when people are exposed to such higher velocities under controlled conditions, and verify whether combinations of elevated temperatures and air velocities, as described in Figure 3 of Standard 55-92, are subjectively acceptable. Also, compare comfort responses to such combinations with those achieved with low velocity and moderate temperatures within the Standard 55-1992's summer comfort zone.

A Validation Study of Multizone Air Flow and Contaminant Migration Simulation Programs as Applied to Tall Buildings (RP-903)

Rebecca D. Upham, Member, Grumman/Butkus Associates, Evanston, IL; Grenville K. Yuill, Ph.D., Fellow, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Omaha, NE; William P. Bahnfleth, Ph.D., P.E., Member, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Measurements and Computations of Room Airflow with Displacement Ventilation (RP-949) (TC5.3) , (4265)

Yuan Xiaoxiong, Ph.D., Applied Materials, Inc., Santa Clara, CA; Qingyan (Yan) Chen, Ph.D., Member, Leon Glicksman, Ph.D., Member, Yongqing Hu and Xudong Yang, Student Member, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Models for Prediction of Temperature Difference and Ventilation Effectiveness with Displacement Ventilation (RP-949) (TC 5.3) , (4266)

Yuan Xiaoxiong, Ph.D., Applied Materials, Inc., Santa Clara, CA; Qingyan (Yan) Chen, Ph.D., Member and Leon Glicksman, Ph.D., Member, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Validation of a Zero-Equation Turbulence Model for Complex Indoor Airflow Simulation (RP-927) , (4312)

Sponsor: TC 06.04 In-Space Convection Heating; TC 04.10 Indoor Environmental Modeling
Jelena Srebric, Student Member, Qingyan Chen, Ph.D., Member and Leon R. Glicksman, Ph.D., Member, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
The design of the indoor environment requires a tool that can quickly predict the three dimensional distributions of air velocity, temperature, and contaminant concentrations in the room on a personal computer. The investigation has tested a zero-equation turbulence model for the prediction of the indoor environment in an office with displacement ventilation, with a heater and infiltration, and with forced convection and a partition wall. The computed air velocity and temperature distributions agree well with the measured data.

Last updated April 15, 2003