Applications of Computational Techniques to Assess Energy Efficiency, Air Quality and Comfort in Air-Conditioned Spaces

Abstract

This work is devoted to the investigation of the influence of the surgical operating theatre architecture design on the efficiency of the flow of air-conditioned supply to create sterile and comfort environment in the theatre. The present work is devoted to investigate the relation between airflow movement and air age and the operating room architecture. The present work made use of a well developed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model based on modified two-equation model k-e that has been further developed and refined to predict the air flow regimes, turbulence characteristics, air temperature, and relative humidity distributions in a surgical operating theatre. In the present work, 3DHVAC program, previously developed and modified, is utilized to predict the air characteristics in surgical operating theatres. The airflow velocity, turbulent kinetic energy will be used as indicators of the IAQ level performance of the present application. Actually, the central ceiling air supply perforated diffuser over the operating area, would provide a solution for the complex situation of healthcare application by providing acceptable IAQ level in the operating zone with enough energy efficiency. The work includes comparisons between various operating theatres air conditioning designs in view of flow pattern, thermal pattern, and water vapour map and air quality indices. Energy Efficiency in Air-conditioned operating theatres was found to depend on the theatre architecture design configurations and operating parameters. The room architecture design is one of the essential factors that strongly influence the HVAC airflow pattern and consequently the air quality and comfort inside the surgical operating theatres. The present work also introduces some recommendations for architectural designs to facilitate the development of optimum HVAC systems.