The exact patterns of airflow occurring in and around a building, the distribution of heat, and even contaminants, can be modelled using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). These simulations are used at more detailed design stages to assess a wide range of issues; from micro-climate impact on pedestrian comfort and façade design, to the fine tuning of air distribution systems. Data from CFD analysis can also be feed into bulk airflow modelling to greatly improve the calculation of infiltration, inter-zonal air movement, passive ventilation strategies and energy conservation measures.
CFD analysis on a building’s external aerodynamic characteristics provides information on its pressure envelope and micro-climate which 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 the impact of system design and spatial layout on indoor air quality and thermal comfort. The distribution of heat and movement of air within spaces such as atria can be studied, determining the impact of the supply air location, flow rate and temperature, extract location 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, condensation risk and smoke movement.
The MicroFlo module within VE-Pro provides advanced CFD capabilities, which can be easily integrated with other Pro modules such as ApacheSim for thermal and energy analysis. When you're predicting complex airflow in and around buildings, you need a CFD package that's easy to use and gives great visual results - and you don't want to spend a long time entering data or setting up boundary conditions – this is what MicroFlo offers.
