Removal of Contaminants by Induced Air Flow Inside Structures

Abstract

Abstract The present paper discusses the continuous removal of contaminants from enclosed spaces by means of induced air flow. The air flow is caused by natural convection in a heated horizontal or vertical duct. The heating of the duct can be achieved by absorption of solar irradiation or any other means. As a result, a steady air flow can be induced inside the duct and the enclosed space, as has been shown by the authors for a small scale laboratory model. Three dimensional numerical simulations are performed for various kinds of real-size structures, including one-story detached buildings and underground enclosed spaces. The k-epsilon turbulence model is used in the simulations. The results yield detailed flow field inside the enclosures at various configurations of the openings. Rate of air change is calculated both for the whole enclosure and for the layers above the floor where the contaminants tend to accumulate. Optimal design of the systems is discussed.