Thermal simulation to ensure indoor comfort and air quality.
The calculation of thermal loads is extremely useful to specify the heating power to be installed, but it lacks the necessary capacities to validate that we really comply with the desired values of comfort and air quality.
To ensure the quality of internal comfort during the design phase, we require thermal simulation tools that allow us to analyze the internal temperature distribution, the effectiveness of the ventilation systems and the degree of occupant satisfaction based on international standards such as the ASHRAE 55 or ISO 7730 standards.
Due to the variation in air density with respect to its temperature, we observe how hot air tends to rise above cold air through the phenomenon of natural convection.
The detailed analysis of the internal temperature distribution allows locating those points that are too cold or hot and adapting the heat power distribution strategy to achieve a homogeneous temperature throughout the room.
Vertical stratification of temperatures
MPV (estimated average vote) : Measures the thermal sensation of the occupant based on the thermal balance with the interior. Being the value of 0 the ideal situation of thermal balance, a scale from -3 (cold) to 3 (hot) is established. Parameters such as air speed, humidity or level of physical activity also influence.
MPV Range: -1 <> 2
PPD (percentage of thermally dissatisfied occupants): Try to reflect the thermal situation of a group of occupants in the entire space. Thermal comfort is considered reached when at least 80% of the occupants are within the comfort range defined in MPV.
PPD Range: 5% – 25%
The effectiveness of ventilation is vital to avoid high concentrations of CO2 or dispersion of pollutants in closed spaces. We must ensure the fresh air renewal rate based on the occupants and the main activity to be carried out.
Fluid simulation allows us to predict the behavior of the air, locating stagnation zones and calculating values such as the average age of the air. Parameter that measures how long the air remains inside and that allows evaluating the quality of ventilation.
Worst ventilated area
Ensure indoor air quality naturally. By adapting the construction design to the environment, we can make use of natural ventilation to favor the recirculation of fresh air, without wasting energy in the process.
Using natural ventilation as a sustainable support for air conditioning systems, and which also ensures air recirculation, requires a thermo-fluid dynamic study. To adapt the design, both to natural convection phenomena, and to the distribution of external pressure and wind on the façade.
Streamlines
The thermal simulation of fluids allows us to validate the specified air conditioning equipment and the heat power distribution strategy, as well as the indoor air quality and the degree of occupant satisfaction. All this from the initial design phases and at the lowest possible cost.
At Symula, we put all our experience in thermal and fluid dynamic simulation at your fingertips to optimize the air conditioning strategy and construction design in the early stages of the project, in addition to justifying compliance with LEED, WELL and BREAM sustainability standards and certifications.
LEED Sustainability Certification
WELL Sustainability Certification
BREAM Sustainability Certification
We offer you all our experience to help you in consulting projects through the use of CFD simulation.
We can adapt and automate the simulation process around your case study. It has your own simulation application.
