The exact patterns of airflow occurring in and around a building, the distribution of heat, and even contaminants, can be modeled using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
CFD simulations create a ‘virtual wind tunnel’ of the building and its surroundings. IES consulting can work with you throughout the design process to create and use these simulations to assess a wide range of design issues; from micro-climate impact on pedestrian comfort and façade design to the fine tuning of air distribution systems.
CFD analysis on a building’s external aerodynamic characteristics provides information on its pressure envelope and micro-climate. This is commonly used in the assessment of issues such as pedestrian comfort, façade design, positioning of air intakes and exhausts, and the distribution of contaminants throughout a site and its surroundings.
Internal CFD simulations can be used to assess impacts on indoor air quality and thermal comfort based on consideration of system design and spatial layout. The distribution of heat and movement of air within both simple and complex spaces such as atria can be assessed, covering impacts of the supply air sources, returns and other dynamics within the space. This can be used to fine-tune air distribution systems (both mechanical and passive) and examine specific design issues such as downdraughts, stack effect and smoke movement.
Data from CFD analysis can also be feed into bulk airflow modeling to greatly improve the calculation of infiltration and inter-zonal air movement.
