A convenient coupled simulation method for thermal environment prediction in naturally ventilated buildings

摘要

As both CFD and building simulation have their own limitations in the thermal prediction of natural ventilation. External coupled simulation method between CFD (FLUENT) and building simulation (ESP-r) has been put forward for thermal environment prediction for naturally ventilated building design. The coupling mechanism and coupling program interface are introduced in the paper. Full CFD simulation and on site field measurements are done for the validation of the coupled simulation method. The results of coupled simulations show that the integration of CFD and building simulation can accurately and efficiently provide indoor thermal environment and can be used as a convenient tool for facade designs for naturally ventilated residential buildings.