Effects of Supply Parameters of Stratum Ventilation on Energy Utilization Efficiency and Indoor Thermal Comfort: A Computational Approach

Abstract

Stratum ventilation shows the significant potential on energy conservation and indoor thermal comfort under cooling applications. Yet, only limited researches focus on the thermal performance of stratum ventilation under heating condition. The heating and cooling operation characteristic of stratum ventilation is different due to the distinct airflow characteristics. Therefore, this paper investigated the parameters that affect energy utilization efficiency and indoor thermal comfort under heating condition served by stratum ventilation via CFD simulations approach. The supply air parameters included temperature, airflow rate, angle, and return air outlet positions. The evaluation indicators adopt ventilation effectiveness and effective draft temperature (EDT) for assessing the energy utilization efficiency and indoor thermal comfort served by stratum ventilation under heating condition. The results demonstrated that, under the heating mode of stratum ventilation, different effects on the thermal performance were made by the mentioned parameters. The ventilation effectiveness was higher when the air supply temperature is 26°C, airflow rate is 7 air change per hour (ACH), and the air supply angle is 45°. The EDT range of the occupied zone is closest to zero K when the air supply temperature is 28°C, airflow rate is 12 (ACH), and the air supply angle is 60°. The related conclusions obtained from this study provide the theoretical basis for the stratum ventilation design and promote its heating application.