Hygrothermal simulation and risk evaluation - A literature review and assessment of the applicability of the Lattice Boltzmann Method to derive the influence of convection on moisture behaviour in building components

Abstract

Since the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) showed promising ways in describing fluid flow and convective phenomena, this literature review gives an overview of the application of LBM to date in the realm of hygrothermal simulations (HAM). Furthermore, ways to apply LBM to derive the influence of convection on moisture transport in building components are assessed. This is achieved by a literature review which is carried out for specific fields of application of LBM which are intertwined with topics of hygrothermal simulations (Natural convection, Porous media, Flow through channels). The introduction is accompanied by a condensed theoretical overview of the used LBM-scheme in most of the reviewed literature. It could be seen that, in regard to these topics, the majority of simulations is carried out 2-dimensionally using mostly the D2Q9 model with single relaxation times. The reviewed literature shows LBM as a validated tool, solidifying the choice of LBM for our purposes. No coupling of LBM to HAM-simulations to derive the influence of convection on moisture transport could be found. In conclusion, the deduction of parameters like the permeability is identified as a potent subfield for the coupling of LBM and HAM-simulations for further research.