Formal calibration methodology for CFD model development to support the operation of energy efficient buildings

Abstract

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a robust tool for modelling interactions within and between fluids and solids. CFD can help understand and predict phenomena that are difficult to test experimentally leading to cleaner, healthier, and better controlled internal environments. In this research a CFD model of the internal environment of an office space will be developed. The CFD model will then be calibrated using real data taken from a well-positioned wireless sensor network and weather station. The work focuses on developing systematically calibrated CFD models for controlled environments that include clean rooms, health environments, pharmaceutical storage rooms and information and communication technology locations, utilising wireless sensor networks. The calibrated CFD model will be used to optimise the positions of the physical sensors for the control of energy efficient internal environments by building operators. This could result in significant energy and economic savings and lead to more accurately controlled internal environments.