CFD Analysis on Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality Affected by Partitions in Air-Conditioned Building

Abstract

This paper presents a CFD analysis on thermal comfort and indoor air quality affected by partitions in an air-conditioned building. CFD experiments are carried out to simulate variables of indoor air before/after installation or removal of partitions. Accordingly, the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) is determined as an indicator of thermal comfort while the carbon dioxide concentration within an air-conditioned space is used for the assessment of indoor air quality. Some simulated results are validated by measurements with good agreement where a case study is conducted in an air-conditioned space of a library. With the proposed methodology, it can be recommended in a case study that the significant effects of partition on thermal comfort are observed where the area with neutral sensation and slightly-cool sensation reduces significantly. The occupants feel uncomfortably cold after installing partition. The carbon dioxide concentrations slightly increase in some areas but the average concentration remains acceptable according to ASHRAE standard. Without the reinforcement of the air-conditioning units, the installation of partition at the desired location is not encouraged regarding to occupant’s thermal comfort and indoor air quality.