A discussion on using computational fluid dynamics in building services engineering

The application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for studying indoor airflow induced by mechanical, ventilation and air-conditioning (MVAC) system and fires is discussed. The three key elements in a CFD model of the turbulence modelling, discretization of the conservation equations, and algorithms in solving the velocity-pressure linked equation are outlined. Practical examples on applying CFD are briefly outlined with more detailed discussions on two cases: the simulation of the thermal environment in an electric cable tunnel and the probable environment in a big old high-rise buildinsfire.Department of Building Services Engineerin