CFD-Based Parametric Analysis on the Performance of Personalized Partition Air Distribution Systems

The partition air distribution systems evaluated in this study allow occupants to control the system mode (on/off) and the supply air velocity and direction with similar flexibility as occupants in automobiles. To find optimal specifications for the partition air distribution systems that are able to achieve comfortable micro-environment, a CFD modeling tool was used to simulate the airflow and thermal performance of the partition air distribution systems in a typical office space. By analyzing the distribution characteristics of indoor air temperature, air velocity and thermal comfort index, the study assessed the performance of the partition air distribution systems with different operating parameters. The simulation results were analyzed and evaluated to assess both occupant’s thermal comfort and system energy consumption. The study shows that space cooling energy can be reduced while maintaining acceptable indoor thermal comfort level using a partition air distribution system with a higher supply air temperature.