Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Residential hybrid ventilation: Airflow and heat transfer optimisation of a convector using computational fluid dynamics

  • Research Article
  • Indoor/Outdoor Airflow and Air Quality
  • Published:
Building Simulation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Hybrid ventilation systems suitable for residential applications are being developed to reduce the energy demand of the housing sector. This paper describes the development and validation of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a convector unit that is a component of an existing residential hybrid system. The system incorporates a wall-mounted convector unit that controls ventilation airflow rate and air temperature. Airflow is provided by natural driving forces; a mechanical exhaust fan is used at times of low natural driving forces. The CFD model was used to study the aerodynamics and heat transfer processes of the convector unit with the aim of optimising system performance. Based on the modelling results, alterations to the geometry of a set of louvre blades inside the convector unit are suggested. The new louvre geometry prevents the formation of an airflow separation zone inside the convector unit. This improvement reduces the energy requirements of the system by reducing the convector air resistance by 20% and by increasing the thermal effectiveness of its heat exchanger.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • ANSYS (2008). CFX v.11. ANSYS Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • ASHRAE (2004). ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals (SI.). Atlanta, USA: American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bower J (1995). Understanding Ventilation: How to Design, Select and Install Residential Ventilation Systems. Bloomington, USA: The Healthy House Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brager GS, Lehrer D (2013). Mixed Mode Database. Berkeley, USA: Center for the Built Environment (CBE), University of California. Available: http://cbesurvey.org/mixedmode/database.asp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brohus H, Frier C, Heiselberg P, Hendriksen OJ (2003). Measurements of hybrid ventilation performance in an office building. International Journal of Ventilation, 1(4): 77–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Darcy HPG (1856). Les fontaines publiques de la ville de Dijon: exposition et application des principes à suivre et des formules à employer dans les questions de distribution d’eau. Recherche. Paris, France: Victor Dalamont.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elmualim AA, Awbi HB, Fullford D, Wetterstad L (2003). Performance evaluation of a wall mounted convector for pre-heating naturally ventilated spaces. International Journal of Ventilation, 2(3): 213–224.

    Google Scholar 

  • Emmerich SJ (2006). Simulated performance of natural and hybrid ventilation systems in an office building. HVAC × R Research, 12: 975–1004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • European Commission (2014a). A policy framework for climate and energy in the period from 2020 to 2030. Brussels, Belgium: European Commission.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission (2014b). Eurostat. Available: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/eurostat/home.

    Google Scholar 

  • GB Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (2006). The UK Building Regulations: Approved Document F: Means of Ventilation (2006 ed.). London, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heiselberg P, Delsante A, Vik TA (2001). Hybrid Ventilation: State of the Art Review. IEA Annex 35: Hybrid Ventilation in New and Retrofitted Office Buildings.

    Google Scholar 

  • IKM (2008). IKM Website. Available: http://www.ikm.dk.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones WP, Launder BE (1972). The prediction of laminarization with a two-equation model of turbulence. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 15: 301–314.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jreijiry D, Husaunndee A, Inard C (2007). Numerical study of a hybrid ventilation system for single family houses. Solar Energy, 81: 227–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim M-H, Hwang J-H (2009). Performance prediction of a hybrid ventilation system in an apartment house. Energy and Buildings, 41: 579–586.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Niachou K, Hassid S, Santamouris M, Livada I (2008). Experimental performance investigation of natural, mechanical and hybrid ventilation in urban environment. Building and Environment, 43: 1373–1382.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Op’t Veld P (2004). RESHYVENT Cluster Project on Demand Controlled Hybrid Ventilation in Residential Buildings with Specific Emphasis on the Integration of Renewables: Final Report. Rotterdam: Cauberg-Huygen.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seppänen O, Fisk WJ (2002). Association of ventilation system type with sick building symptoms in office workers. Indoor Air, 12: 98–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sherman MH, Matson NE (1997). Residential ventilation and energy characteristics (LBNL-39036). ASHRAE Transactions, 103(1): 717–730.

    Google Scholar 

  • Speziale CG, Sarkar S, Gatski TB (1991). Modelling the pressure-strain correlation of turbulence: An invariant dynamical systems approach. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 227: 245–272.

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Sundell J, Levin H, Nazaroff WW, Cain WS, Fisk WJ, Grimsrud DT, Gyntelberg F, Li Y, Persily AK, Pickering AC, et al. (2011). Ventilation rates and health: Multidisciplinary review of the scientific literature. Indoor Air, 21: 191–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Szalai A (1972). The Use of Time—Daily Activities of Urban and Suburban Populations in 12 Countries. The Hague: Mounton and Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner WJN (2009). Investigation and Development of Hybrid Ventilation Wall Convector. School of Construction Management and Engineering. The University of Reading, Reading, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner WJN, Walker IS (2013). Using a ventilation controller to optimise residential passive ventilation for energy and indoor air quality. Building and Environment, 70: 20–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Heemst LV (2001). Hybrid Ventilation: An Integral Solution for Ventilation, Health and Energy. IEA Annex 35: Hybrid Ventilation in New and Retrofitted Office Buildings.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wetterstad L (2000). The vent convector—A simple draught free fresh air unit. In: Proceedings of 6th International Symposium on Ventilation for Contaminant Control, Progress in Modern Ventilation, Helsinki, Finland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yakhot V, Orszag SA (1986). Renormalization group analysis of turbulence. I. Basic theory. Journal of Scientific Computing, 1: 3–51.

    Article  MATH  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshino H, Liu J, Lee J, Wada J (2003). Performance analysis on hybrid ventilation system for residential buildings using a test house. Indoor Air, 13(Suppl. 6): 28–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Reading, Whitenights Campus, Reading, Berkshire, UK

    William J. N. Turner & Hazim B. Awbi

  2. Museum Building, College Green, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland

    William J. N. Turner

Authors
  1. William J. N. Turner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hazim B. Awbi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to William J. N. Turner.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Turner, W.J.N., Awbi, H.B. Residential hybrid ventilation: Airflow and heat transfer optimisation of a convector using computational fluid dynamics. Build. Simul. 8, 65–72 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-014-0192-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-014-0192-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation