Measurement and modeling of airflow around buildings

• Main Author: Lim, Tianshun
• Other Authors: Miao Jianmin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Fluid mechanics
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/60030
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study uses steady RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes) equation in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) Ansys Fluent software to analyse the airflow around buildings. It will address wind flow patterns based on pedestrian level and neighbourhood scale. The aims are to investigate how building geometry, height and configuration affect the flow around the buildings, natural ventilation potential and thermal comfort. Input variables such as wind direction and velocity will be closely matched to data in Singapore. Guidelines and validation of the building model were taken and conducted by comparing the wind flow patterns with respect to other studies. The standard k-ɛ model is applied as a canopy model and standard wall functions are being adopted. The effects and observations of the different factors will be presented in the results and discussion section. Lastly, an optimum building geometry and configuration will be proposed from this study through a comparison of the natural ventilation potential and pedestrian level thermal comfort in terms of wind speed greater than 1m/s with a constant plot ratio. The outcome would be applicable to HDB in helping them to come up with better designed buildings in terms of variation in geometry, height and configuration which would reduce energy consumption. Further research such as the spacing between the buildings can be carried out to offer a more complete study of wind comfort which involves flow around buildings. A study on wind comfort is also a critical process in getting approval for a building permit.