Fluid Dynamics Investigation Research Articles

Enhancing Mixing Characteristics of MgCl2 Solution within Atomization Nozzles: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of Structural Parameter

Enhancing Mixing Characteristics of MgCl2 Solution within Atomization Nozzles: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of Structural Parameter

Studying and analysis of deformation and stresses in horizontal-axis wind turbine using fluid-structure interaction method

Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) studies have become an important tool in the development of wind turbine blades as well as for analyzing and optimizing Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT). The most essential elements for estimating the turbine blade strength to withstand extreme wind loads and aerodynamic performance are the blade deformation and the associated stresses. This study aims to compare the strength and analyze the deformation behavior of two models of HAWT blades. A three-dimensional model was created and loaded into a Finite Element (FE) model for analysis. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) investigation was coupled with the structural model using one-way FSI. In this article, the effect of the aerodynamics on the blade surface of a small HAWT has been studied numerically and experimentally. The airfoil used for the blade profile is S826 airfoil. To provide an appropriate displacement for static measurements, the blade in the experimental investigation is made of thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU). It is noted that the current experimental findings verify the simulation results, and a comparison between the simulations and the experimental findings reveals a reasonable agreement. The numerical simulations are also implemented on a HAWT epoxy E-glass unidirectional (EEGUD) material. It can be concluded from this study that the blade deformation and stress on the blades are related to the wind speed. The deformation along the span length exhibits nonlinear variation that gradually increases from the blade root and reaches its maximum at the blade tip position. The tip deflection and equivalent stress were found to increase with an increase in wind speed. The dynamic analysis at different tip speed ratios shows the highest deformation at λ = 4, for wind speed of 20 m/s.

The role of flow field dynamics in enhancing volatile organic compound conversion in a surface dielectric barrier discharge system

Abstract This study investigates the correlation between flow fields induced by a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) system and its application for the volatile organic compound (VOC) gas conversion process. As a benchmark molecule, the conversion of n-butane is monitored using flame ionization detectors, while the flow field is analysed using planar particle image velocimetry. Two individual setups are developed to facilitate both conversion measurement and investigation of induced fluid dynamics. Varying the gap distance between two SDBD electrode plates for three different n-butane mole fractions reveals local peaks in relative conversion around gap distances of 16 mm to 22 mm, indicating additional spatially dependent effects. The lowest n-butane mole fractions exhibit the highest relative conversion, while the highest n-butane mole fraction conversion yields the greatest number of converted molecules per unit time. Despite maintaining constant energy density, the relative conversion exhibits a gradual decrease with increasing distances. The results of the induced flow fields reveal distinct vortex structures at the top and bottom electrodes, which evolve in size and shape as the gap distances increase. These vortices exhibit gas velocity magnitudes approximately seven times higher than the applied external gas flow velocity. Vorticity and turbulent kinetic energy analyses provide insights into these structures' characteristics and their impact on gas mixing. A comparison of line profiles through the centre of the vortices shows peaks in the middle gap region for the same gap distances, correlating with the observed peaks in conversion. These findings demonstrate a correlation between induced flow dynamics and the gas conversion process, bridging plasma actuator studies with the domain of chemical plasma gas conversion.

Computational fluid dynamics investigation of pesticide spraying by agricultural drones

Precise control over pesticide spraying by agricultural drones requires fundamental research of multiphase flow, heat and mass transfer of liquid droplets in downwash flow. In this study, water was used as a carrier agent in pesticide formulations, in which the liquid droplets exhibit a Newtonian fluid behavior. A general computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that characterizes propeller motion coupled with droplet evaporation and deposition was developed. The downwash flow generated by the propeller rotation was simulated using a multiple reference frame method along with the SST-k-ω turbulence model. Spraying of liquid droplets was simulated using a discrete phase model. The flow model validation was conducted by comparing the simulated velocities with experimental data, and the spray model validation was completed by a comparison of droplet depositions from CFD predictions and experiments. The results indicated that the droplet deposition fluctuates with an increase of propeller speed, and that both temperature and relative humidity affect the droplet deposition. In addition, the relation between the number of particles and the impact velocity was identified quantitatively, impact velocity with respect to particle diameter was predicted, and the effects of surface inclination, surface roughness, and crosswind speed on droplet deposition were analyzed. Moreover, an in-depth discussion about the intrinsic relation between downwash flow and droplet spraying was conducted.

Spray characteristics of steam-assisted oil atomization in Y-jet nozzles

Twin-fluid atomizers, valued for handling viscous fluids and high operating loads, are extensively used in combustion processes and oil refineries. In the latter scenario, internal mixing nozzles are employed in fluid catalytic cracking units for oil dispersion using steam as the dispersing medium. While steam-assisted atomization studies often focus on flue gas analysis, the associated steam/oil internal mixing process and the spray droplet dynamics lack proper investigation. Accordingly, this work explores the Y-jet nozzle performance for oil atomization using steam, aiming to determine favorable conditions for obtaining a stable spray with fine droplet distribution. This analysis is accomplished by characterizing the mixing chamber pressure, investigating the spray boundary instabilities using high-speed images, and exploring the spray droplet size using the shadowgraphy technique. Work relevance relies on performing experiments at industrially representative conditions, characterized by the similarity of important dimensionless numbers. Additionally, the nozzle design is optimized by varying key geometric parameters. The nozzle geometry and the operating condition impact on the steam-assisted atomization performance and spray behavior constitutes the main findings of this work. The outcomes highlight the relevance of the fluid dynamics investigation for optimized nozzle performance, involving a balance between spray stability and fine droplet distribution generation.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Investigation of NREL Phase VI Wind Turbine Performance Using Various Turbulence Models

This study presents a detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) investigation into the aerodynamic performance of the NREL Phase VI wind turbine, focusing on torque and power generation under different turbulence models. The primary objective was to analyse the effect of various turbulence models and their responses in wind turbine torque generation. Furthermore, it also investigates the distance effect on wind velocity deficit. The research utilizes 2D and 3D simulations of the S809 airfoil and the full rotor, examining the predictive capabilities of the k-epsilon, k-omega, and k-omega SST turbulence models. The study incorporates both experimental validation and wake analysis using the Gaussian wake model to assess wind velocity deficits. Simulations were conducted for a wind speed range of (6–10 m/s), with results indicating that the k-epsilon model provided the closest match to experimental data, particularly at higher wind speeds within the targeted range. Even though k-epsilon results had better agreement when validated with experimental data, theoretically k-omega (SST) should perform better as it combines k-epsilon and k-omega advantages in predicting the flow regardless of its farness from the wall. However, in simulations using the k-omega (SST), the separation of flow and the shear stress transients were only visible at wind speeds of 10 m/s or higher. Wake effects, on the other hand, were found to cause significant velocity deficits behind the turbine, following an exponential decay pattern. The findings offer valuable insights into improving wind turbine performance through turbulence model selection and wake impact analysis, providing practical guidelines for future wind energy optimizations.

Electrolyte Gradients and Capacity Drop in Large Flow Battery Tanks: From Experiments to Fluid-Dynamic Investigations

A study of the effects of electrolyte flow inside the tanks on electrical performance of an industrial-size Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) is presented. The concentration of electrolytes feeding the stacks of VRFBs is crucial in determining the device voltage and overall power performance. Usually, the assumption of perfect mixing in the tanks is assumed, but the hydraulic behavior of large VRFB can deviate significantly from this assumption depending on the electrolyte flow rate, stochiometric factor and geometry of the tanks. In this study, the State of Charge (SoC) measurements have been analyzed, starting from the signal produced by an Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) cell. An experimental campaign has been conducted during charge/discharge roundtrip cycles at different current levels and constant stoichiometric factor. Building on the delay in the voltage response of the battery, a fluid-dynamic model was developed to study how the hydraulic behavior of electrolytes inside tanks influences the electrolyte concentration and, consequently, the SoC of the electrolyte that feeds the stack and the electrical time response of the battery. The model indicated that a stratification of charged electrolyte is responsible for this delay resulting in an initial voltage plateau. A different hydraulic behavior was found in each tank and in each charge/discharge phase. These results highlight the tank role in the industrial-scale VRFB performance. References Sanchez-Diez, E. Ventosa, M. Guarnieri, A. Trovò, C. Flox, R. Marcilla, F. Soavi, P. Mazur, E. Aranzabe, R. Ferret, “Redox flow batteries: status and perspective towards sustainable stationary energy storage”, J. Power Sources, 481, (2021) 228804.Kurilovich, A. Trovò, M. Pugach, K. J. Stevenson, M. Guarnieri. Prospect of Modeling Industrial Scale Flow Batteries – from Experimental Data to Accurate Overpotential Identification, Renew. Sust. Energ. Rev. 167, (2022) 112559.Trovò, V. Di Noto, J. E. Mengou, C. Gambaro, M. Guarnieri. Fast Response of kW-Class Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries, IEEE Trans. Sustain. Energy 12, (2021) 2413–2422.Trovò, M. Rugna, N. Poli, M. Guarnieri. Prospects for industrial vanadium flow batteries, Ceram. Int., 49 (14), (2023) 24487-24498.Maggiolo, A. Trovò, M. Guarnieri, “Reactant Flow in Flow Batteries”, in L. Cabeza (ed.), Encyclopedia of Energy Storage, vol. 4, pp. 231-242. Oxford: Elsevier. March 2022.A. Prieto-Díaz, S. E. Ibáñez, M. Vera. Fluid dynamics of mixing in the tanks of small vanadium redox flow batteries: Insights from order-of-magnitude estimates and transient two-dimensional simulations, Int. J. Heat Mass Transf. 216, (2023) 124567.Trovò, N. Poli, M. Guarnieri. New strategies for the evaluation of Vanadium Flow Batteries: testing prototypes, Cur. Opin. Chem. Eng. 37, (2022) 100853. Figure 1

Computational Fluid Dynamic Investigation of Local Flow-Field Conditions in Lab Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells to Identify Degradation Stressors and Performance Enhancers

The use of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells as an alternative to internal combustion engines can significantly contribute to the decarbonization of the transport sector, especially for heavy-duty applications. However, degradation is still an issue for this type of component, affecting their durability and performance. In this scenario, a detailed analysis of the anodic and cathodic distributors’ flow-field geometry may help to identify some local stressors that trigger the degradation mechanism, such as local hot spots and reactants not having a uniform distribution. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methodology is able to provide a volumetric description of a PEM fuel cell so it can be a useful tool to better understand the physical phenomena that govern the component operations. In this work, the open-source simulation library openFuelCell2 is adopted for a detailed analysis of two different PEM fuel cells characterized by standard distributor geometries, namely a parallel channel geometry and a serpentine configuration. The library, based on the OpenFOAM code, has been extended with a novel implementation accounting for the catalytic activity reduction due to the platinum oxide (PtOx) formation occurring under certain particular conditions. The adopted methodology is firstly validated resorting to experimental data acquired for the two different fuel cell configurations. The analysis highlights that the PtOx formation leads to a reduction in the fuel cell performance reaching up to 60–80% when operating at high voltages. Then, the effect of the distributor geometries on the component performance is investigated by resorting to in-plane and through-plane physical quantity distribution, such as reactant concentration, pressure or velocity fields. While the parallel flow channel configuration shows some diffusion losses under the rib, the serpentine channel geometry configuration can achieve some local performance peaks thanks to the convective flow in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) driven by local pressure gradients. Furthermore, the local enhancement in terms of higher current density under the rib is associated with an effective heat removal due to the high thermal capacity of the bipolar plate, avoiding the generation of local hot spots.

Robust data-driven segmentation of pulsatile cerebral vessels using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) captures rich physiological and neuronal information that can offer insights into neurofluid dynamics, vascular health, and waste clearance function. The availability of cerebral vessel segmentation could facilitate fluid dynamics research in fMRI. However, without magnetic resonance angiography scans, cerebral vessel segmentation is challenging and time-consuming. This study leverages cardiac-induced pulsatile fMRI signal to develop a data-driven, automatic segmentation of large cerebral arteries and the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). The method was validated in a local dataset by comparing it to ground truth cerebral artery and SSS segmentations. Using the Human Connectome Project (HCP) aging dataset, the method's reproducibility was tested on 422 participants aged 36 to 100 years, each with four repeated fMRI scans. The method demonstrated high reproducibility, with an intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.7 in both cerebral artery and SSS segmentation volumes. This study demonstrates that the large cerebral arteries and SSS can be reproducibly and automatically segmented in fMRI datasets, facilitating the investigation of fluid dynamics in these regions.

Direct numerical simulation of flow in a membrane channel under oscillating inlet conditions

Effects of inflow oscillation in feed channels of spiral wound membranes are investigated. Pulsation has previously been used as a membrane cleaning method in Reverse Osmosis (RO) and other membrane desalination processes. However, there is still a gap in the fundamental fluid dynamics study of pulsation and fouling mitigation. Three-dimensional, transient, high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics investigation using Direct Numerical Simulation has been performed on a geometry of 9 × 3 feed square space elements at Reynolds number of 350 based on inlet velocity. Sinusoidal-wave and step function pulsations are simulated at three frequencies (1, 4, 8 Hz). Five levels of permeate velocity are investigated, from 0.2 % to 0 % (impermeable). Pulsating inflow produces a fully-unstable flow regime. Flow streamlines show no large recirculation regions, unlike for the steady inflow, and flow structures show higher levels of instabilities with a larger range of scales, resulting in smaller stagnation regions near the surfaces. Consequently, the area of low shear decreases and its distribution is limited to the spacer filament crossings instead of the permeate walls. These findings show that inflow oscillation for a membrane channel creates flow conditions that could be beneficial for reducing fouling propensity in RO and other membrane processes with similar feed channel geometry.

Analytical Analysis of the Bladeless Rotor Turbine Design for Enhanced Performance

The growing desire for clean and efficient energy solutions has fueled considerable advances in turbine technology. This study proposed a conceptual approach to enhancing the performance of bladeless turbines using an analytical technique, and the analytical solutions bear a resemblance to the experimental setup for a fluid dynamics investigation of a rotor for real-flow effects. The Navier-Stokes equations for fluid flow in cylindrical coordinates were simplified to two-dimensional flow by ignoring axial direction and velocity, and direct integration was used in conjunction with series expansion solutions. The experiment data were used to verify the rotor's fluid dynamics analytical solutions. The model's result was compared to previously calculated solutions of the fluid dynamics of a disc rotor in a bladeless turbine. The disc turbine models were used to predict radial velocity, tangential velocity, pressure gradient, volumetric flow rate, rotor torque, shear stress on the inner and outer disc walls, and rotor efficiency. The model was validated using experimental data with an efficiency of 23.9%, the theoretical solution model was 34%, and the analytical efficiency was 24.3%. The efficiency comparison of the analytical solutions model to the theoretical solutions model revealed a substantial difference, however, the correlation between computed theoretical and analytical results is significant. Previous studies used computed solutions for models, but current analytical solutions outperformed them. The model's output will be valuable to engineers building the disc turbine. It demonstrates a strong link between the analytical and experimental research of the bladeless turbine.

Investigation of Fluid Dynamics in Various Aircraft Wing Tank Designs Using 1D and CFD Simulations

Investigation of Fluid Dynamics in Various Aircraft Wing Tank Designs Using 1D and CFD Simulations

Hydrodynamic performance of pitching foils with two leading-edge protuberances

Inspired by the tubercles on humpback whales, the ‘tubercle-effect’ first identified by (Fish and Battle, 1995; Fish and Lauder, 2006) had been studied extensively to understand their influence on overall efficiency for airfoils and wings. Pitching and/or heaving motion of foils produces net thrust inspired from fin-based locomotion of aquatic animals, and is often being proposed as a greener means of propulsion having reduced acoustic signature. With this aim in mind, the present work investigates the effect of using tubercles on pitching motion of foils. The hydrodynamic characteristics of finite aspect ratio pitching foils having leading-edge modifications in the form of two protuberances are investigated using experiments. The thrust and efficiency with and without protuberances are investigated for pure pitching motions at reduced frequencies (1.8 – 3.2) and pitching amplitudes (7.5°- 20°) for Reynolds number 2 × 104. The experimental results are compared with inviscid linear theory calculations which over-predict the mean thrust, while the amplitude of the lift force and its variation with reduced frequency is similar. The performance improvements in terms of thrust and efficiency for the modified design are restricted to ≥15° pitching amplitudes at higher reduced frequencies. The wake vorticity patterns obtained using Computational Fluid Dynamics investigations show the influence of the leading-edge vortex, which gets modified when the protuberances are used. The transition from 2S wake to 2P wake with the increase in the amplitude of oscillation is captured. The reversal of von Kármán Vortex Street with the pitching frequency and thus the transition from drag to thrust generation is observed for both the baseline and modified foil designs. The results indicate that protuberances over the leading-edge of hydrofoils can influence the hydrodynamics during pitching motion and can be effectively employed for performance tailoring based on the geometry and motion characteristics. The simplified setup used here is also meant to serve as a basis towards future research including verification and validation work for numerical solvers.

Efficiency Improvement of Darrieus Wind Turbine Using Oscillating Gurney Flap

In this work, a new model of Darrieus wind turbines with an oscillating gurney flap (OGF) is proposed. A detailed 2D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) investigation is carried out using ANSYS-Fluent 22.0 to assess the turbine performance. The OGF can alter its position between the upper and lower blade surfaces during the turbine rotation. Equations related to the combined motion are implemented through a user-defined function (UDF). The proposed model is validated where a good coincidence is achieved. The overset dynamic mesh method is used. It was found that a judicious synchronization of OGF and turbine blades creates beneficial vortex interactions, which correct the pressure distribution and lead to an overall improvement in the lift force. The magnitude of the improvement is highly dependent on the OGF length and the phase motion φ. The average torque coefficient Cm for the controlled case increased by more than 19% in comparison with the nominal case.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of the Spacing of the Aerodynamic Characteristics for Multiple Wingsails on Ships

Wind energy, as an inexhaustible energy source, has become a focal point in the development of new energy for ships. Sail-assisted technology, which leverages wind power, has been successfully applied to ship propulsion. The propulsion performance of sail-assisted ships is affected by the interference characteristics among multiple wingsails. To investigate interference characteristics, an arrangement scheme involving two-element wingsails and considering the relative wind direction angle was established. To obtain the inter-stage interference characteristics of wingsails, the Reynolds average N-S equation was used in the numerical simulation conducted under steady operating conditions. The results indicate that, at the relative wind angles of 30°, 90°, and 120°, the minimum horizontal spacing in a single row arrangement scheme is 1.5c. However, at relative wind angles of 90° and 120°, inter-stage interference may induce stall conditions in the wingsails. In a double-row arrangement scheme, the wake of the upstream wingsail interferes with the flow of the downstream sail at relative wind angles of 90°. An optimal propulsion performance is achieved with a horizontal spacing of 4c and a longitudinal spacing of 10c. Moreover, the interference performance of the two-element wingsails can be enhanced through a horizontal offset arrangement. This study provides a reference for the arrangement of wingsails on ships.

Dynamics and Chaos of Convective Fluid Flow

In this paper, a mathematical model of fluid flows in a convective thermal system is developed, and a five-dimensional dynamical system is developed for the investigation of the convective fluid dynamics. The analytical solutions of periodic motions to chaos of the convective fluid flows are developed for steady-state vortex flows, and the corresponding stability and bifurcations of periodic motions in the five-dimensional dynamical system are studied. The harmonic frequency-amplitude characteristics for periodic flows are obtained, which provide energy distribution in the parameter space. Analytical homoclinic orbits for the convective fluid flow systems are developed for the asymptotic convection through the infinite-many homoclinic orbits in the five-dimensional dynamical system. The dynamics of fluid flows in the convective thermal systems are revealed, and one can use such methodology to predict atmospheric and oceanic phenomena through thermal convections.

Dynamic simulation of non-Newtonian boundary layer flow: An enhanced exponential time integrator approach with spatially and temporally variable heat sources

Abstract Scientific inquiry into effective numerical methods for modelling complex physical processes has led to the investigation of fluid dynamics, mainly when non-Newtonian properties and complex heat sources are involved. This paper presents an enhanced exponential time integrator approach to dynamically simulate non-Newtonian boundary layer flow with spatially and temporally varying heat sources. We propose an explicit scheme with second-order accuracy in time, demonstrated to be stable through Fourier series analysis, for solving time-dependent partial differential equations (PDEs). Utilizing this scheme, we construct and solve dimensionless PDEs representing the flow of Williamson fluid under the influence of space- and temperature-dependent heat sources. The scheme discretizes the continuity equation of incompressible fluid and Navier–Stokes, energy, and concentration equations using the central difference in space. Our analysis illuminates how factors affect velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles. Specifically, we observe a rise in temperature profile with enhanced coefficients of space and temperature terms in the heat source. Non-Newtonian behaviours and geographical/temporal variations in heat sources are critical factors influencing overall dynamics. The novelty of our work lies in developing an explicit exponential integrator approach, offering stability and second-order accuracy, for solving time-dependent PDEs in non-Newtonian boundary layer flow with variable heat sources. Our results provide valuable quantitative insights for understanding and controlling complex fluid dynamics phenomena. By addressing these challenges, our study advances numerical techniques for modelling real-world systems with implications for various engineering and scientific applications.

Enhancing CO2 capture efficiency: Computational fluid dynamics investigation of gas-liquid vortex reactor configurations for process intensification

This study employs non-thermal Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to explore the efficacy of a gas–liquid vortex reactor (GLVR) for intensifying CO2 capture. The investigation concentrates on the multiphase flow and mass transfer behavior in diverse GLVR experimental units. Employing a multiphase Euler-Euler CFD model integrated with a Population Balance Model (CFD-PBM), a mass transfer model, and reaction kinetics, allows us to accurately simulate the reactive absorption of CO2 into aqueous Monoethanolamine (MEA). Experiments are conducted using a 30 wt% MEA solution for CO2 absorption, serving the purpose of model validation. This comprehensive approach enables a simulation of complex dynamics within the GLVR, emphasizing bubble breakage, coalescence, and reactive mass transfer processes. Examining bubble size distribution, pressure drop, CO2 absorption efficiency, and energy input systematically across various reactor geometries and operational conditions, our findings demonstrate that an optimized GLVR configuration significantly enhances CO2 absorption compared to the original design. Furthermore, the optimized GLVR outperforms state-of-the-art process intensification equipment in terms of CO2 absorption rate per unit reactor volume and energy efficiency.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of Hydrodynamic Forces and Moments Acting on Stern Rudder Plane Configurations of a Submarine

This study presents the predicted hydrodynamic characteristics of different rudder plane configurations on the stern of a full-scale submarine in deep water, which are obtained using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes method in Ansys Fluent Solver. First, the results obtained for the X-rudder plane configuration are verified according to previous numerical and experimental results in order to assess the accuracy of the simulation procedure. The X-rudder plane, Y-rudder plane, and Cross-rudder plane configurations in deep water with deflection angles ranging from −21 degrees to +21 degrees are then simulated. Next, the hydrodynamic forces and moments of the Cross-plane, X-plane, and Y-plane rudder configurations obtained through simulation are analyzed using Taylor’s expansion to estimate the hydrodynamic coefficients. The obtained results demonstrate that the X-force of the X-plane rudder configuration is larger than the corresponding forces acting on the Cross-plane rudder and Y-plane rudder configurations. Meanwhile, the Y-force and Z-force of the X-plane rudder configuration are significantly greater than the corresponding forces of the left configurations. The same tendency can be seen in the moment of the X-plane rudder about the y- and z-axes. However, the roll moment induced by the Y-plane and Cross-plane rudder configurations is significantly larger than that under the X-plane rudder configuration.

3D CFD simulation of room air temperature and velocity with ceiling fan and exhaust fan and the resulting thermal comfort

The integration of energy-efficient solutions remains an essential hurdle in the pursuit of sustainable and comfortable indoor settings. As building energy consumption continues to climb, there is an urgent need to implement methods that reduce environmental effects, and at the same time, maintain adequate thermal comfort for occupant well-being and productivity. Ceiling fans, a standard fixture in many indoor settings, have gained popularity for their ability to provide better air movement and temperature adjustment while using substantially less energy than standard HVAC systems. This work presents a 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) investigation of thermal comfort that can be achieved with a ceiling fan and an exhaust fan. A 3D fan zone model available in ANSYS Fluent was used to model the ceiling fan, considering the ceiling fan as a solid disc. Numerical methodology has been validated by verifying the transient simulation results against the experimental data available in the literature. The work analyzes thermal comfort parameters - temperature and velocity - in a room with a typical ceiling fan or an exhaust fan available in India. The room temperature and velocity distribution are presented for different times of a day in summer for a warm and humid climatic zone in India. The results show that the thermal comfort obtained with the exhaust fan is better than that with the ceiling fan for the evening, night, and early morning.