Numerical and experimental investigation of unsteady natural convection in a non-uniformly heated vertical open-ended channel

摘要

Experimental and three-dimensional numerical investigations have been undertaken to improve the understanding of the flow and heat transfer phenomena in narrow, open-ended channels similar to those formed by the double skin fa ades with PV panels. Non-uniform heating configurations in which heat sources alternated with unheated zones on both walls were studied to simulate opaque PV arrays and glazed panes/windows of the building. Heat transfer and flow measurements were obtained for periodicity 1115 of the overall height of the heated and unheated zones with a heat input of 220 W/m(2). Large-eddy simulations were utilized to capture the flow behaviour, heat transfer rates and possible transition to turbulence.