Toward an accurate CFD modeling of a realistic supply ventilation terminal: Sensitivity analysis of computational and physical parameters

Air distribution in a ventilated room is significantly affected by the performance of a supply ventilation terminal (SVT), such as widely used ceiling-mounted perforated diffusers. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is commonly used to investigate the performance of a SVT. However, computational parameters, including the computational domain, boundary condition, and turbulence model, can impact the accuracy of the results. Additionally, the performance of a SVT can be affected by physical parameters, including the gap distance, baffle angle, and porous media characteristics, however, the extent to which air distribution near the SVT is affected remains unclear. Therefore, the goal of this study is to systematically investigate the impact of these computational and physical parameters. A realistic SVT with four baffles and a perforated diffuser was used in this study. First, velocity profiles were measured at 64 locations in the near zone for three different air change rates (1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 h⁻¹), and the CFD results were validated with the experimental data. Next, a sensitivity analysis of computational parameters was performed; the results provided recommendations on the accurate CFD modeling of air distribution in the near zone. Finally, the validated CFD setup was used to study the impact of physical parameters; the results indicated that the presence of a gap distance and the opening size of the perforated face-plate have a significant impact on air distribution in the near zone. This study provides researchers and practitioners with guidance on the accurate CFD modeling and performance optimization of a SVT.