Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) if used proficiently, can be an extremely powerful tool in aiding optimal environmental conditions within new developments/ expansion of existing facilities or remedial studies. Windtech Consultants have significant experience in most effectively harnessing the power of CFD for the above applications in the most accurate and cost-effective means. Windtech has utilised CFD as an analysis tool for a vast array of environmental studies to help maximise design performance and efficiency.
Although Windtech undertakes rigorous quality checks and has access to a computational capacity of 3,000 cores it recognises both the strengths and the limitations of CFD and is able to supplement the CFD modelling with some physical modelling to enhance accuracy. In the study of mean wind speeds for pedestrian comfort Windtech’s CFD model studies have been able to produce results within 10% of the predicted results from physical modelling.
Fig.1 – Outdoor Pedestrian Wind Ground Level Streamlines to aid Design Concepts.
Fig.1 – Outdoor Wind Massing Streamlines to aid Design Concepts and aerodynamic efficiency.
Fig.2 – Masterplan CFD has been used for preliminary assessment of Outdoor Pedestrian Wind Comfort (Pedestrian Level Wind Speed Contours)
CFD may also be used during the preliminary design process, in order to help guide the design of the built form.
Throughout the design process of a development, small design changes are generally inevitable as the built form is iterated constantly in order to attain the best design solution. In gauging how, these design changes may affect the various performance parameters of a development, CFD poses a viable solution to test a development’s performance throughout the iterative design process, providing cost-effective guidance with extremely quick turn-around times. CFD can even be used as a preliminary assessment tool for cases involving outdoor highly turbulent urban environments, until the design is frozen at which time physical modelling in the form of wind tunnel testing may be appropriate to confirm preliminary findings.
Fig.3 – Indoor HVAC Diffuser Inlet Velocity Streamlines
Fig.4 – Indoor HVAC Under-Floor System CFD Mesh
Windtech Consultants utilises the latest in CFD technology to provide our clients with the most cost and time-effective CFD solutions for a wide variety of studies. These analyses include:
- Pedestrian Wind Environment
- Outdoor/Indoor Occupant Thermal Comfort
- Pollution Dispersion Studies
- Air Quality Studies
- Wind Entry and Natural Ventilation Assessment
- Wind Driven Rain/Snow/Sand
- Wind-Driven Water Spray (Fountains/Water Features)
- Complete HVAC Assessment & Design
- Car Park Ventilation Assessment
- Thermal Stack/Reverse Thermal Stack Assessment
- Solar Thermal Reflectivity Assessment
Fig.5 – 3D CFD Indoor CAD Model with Wind Entry and Doors Boundary conditions Coloured
Fig.6 – Indoor Flows of Cigarette Smoke Generated from the Smoking Area in a Casino. The influence of the stack effect, external pressures at openings, heat loads within the building and mechanical system as well as the thermal properties of the external and internal building fabric.
Fig.7 – Indoor Environment Occupied Level Air Velocity Distribution from HVAC System
Fig.8 – 3D CFD Outdoor Wind Model with Solar and Glazing Conditions applied
Fig.9 – Outdoor Pedestrian Wind Ground Level Contour
Fig.10 – Outdoor Wind Environment Surface Pressure Contours
Fig.11 – Outdoor Wind Environment PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) Ground Level contour with Solar and Glazing Conditions applied
For more information, or to discuss how CFD may be beneficial to your current/future projects, please contact reception: reception@windtechglobal.com
