The prediction of air temperature variations in naturally ventilated rooms with convective heating

Abstract

A large proportion of heated rooms depend primarily on natural convection for the distribution of heat within the occupied zone. A method of predicting air temperature variations with height is presented. Using the heat and mass flow rates of the driving convection plume, along with the corresponding parameters of downward flowing air streams at cool surfaces, an estimation of the maximum (upper) temperature and the minimum (lower) temperature can be made. Points of entry of incoming air can be taken into account. It is shown that there are clear advantages of employing over-sized well controlled radiators.