Prediction and Evaluation of Dynamic Variations of the Thermal Environment in an Air-Conditioned Room Using Collaborative Simulation Method

Lin He,Shunan Zhao,Xin Wu,Junlong Xie,Shanshan Cai,Guowen Xu

doi:10.3390/en14175378

Abstract

In this study, a collaborative simulation method is proposed to predict dynamic variations of the thermal environment in an air-conditioned room. The room thermal environment was predicted and analyzed by varying the structural and control parameters of the air conditioner considering the dynamic coupling effect. Connections and regularities were established between the applicable parameters and evaluation indices of the thermal environment. The simulation results demonstrated the interactions among the system structural parameters, control parameters, and the thermal environment. Within a certain parameter range, the evaporator structure exhibited a significant effect on temperature uniformity and vertical air temperature difference, followed by predicted mean vote (PMV) and draught rate (DR). The associated evaluation indices were sensitive to fin spacing, tube spacing, and tube outer diameter, in the same order, which were structural parameters of the evaporator. The effect of the air supply angle on the vertical air temperature difference was evident; however, its influence on the PMV, DR, and temperature uniformity did not indicate consistent variations.

Highlights

This study aims to simulate the behaviors of the air conditioners with different structure and control parameters when they are in the thermal environment/comfort test
It should be noted that including human occupants by organizing them in a series test may give different results, this study aims to simulate the behaviors of the air conditioners when they are in a thermal environment/comfort test
The collaborative simulation method can represent the interactions among the structural parameters, control parameters, and room thermal environment

Summary

Introduction

The evaluation indices of the thermal comfort include temperature fluctuation, temperature uniformity, predicted mean vote (PMV), draught rate (DR), etc. Such indices are closely associated with the dynamic procedure of the air conditioning system and its associated effects on the temperature and velocity fields in the room. To predict the dynamic procedure and evaluate associated indices of the thermal environment of an air-conditioned room, the models of the air conditioning system and room need to collaborate. Such prediction and evaluation methods can help improve the testing efficiency and provide a theoretical reference for designing parameters and optimizing air conditioners [10]

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Methods

Results

Conclusion