Internal Airflow of Atrium CFD Simulation

This project focuses on simulating passive ventilation in multi-story buildings, specifically examining the internal airflow dynamics of an atrium using ANSYS Fluent. The atrium, a common architectural feature in modern buildings, plays a crucial role in passive ventilation strategies.

Project Objectives:

Understand the principles of passive ventilation in multi-story buildings.
Analyze the role of atria in facilitating natural airflow.
Simulate and visualize airflow patterns within a multi-story atrium.
Evaluate the effectiveness of passive ventilation strategies in large, open spaces.
Project Outline:

Model a multi-story building with a central atrium using ANSYS geometry tools.

Define boundary conditions representing typical environmental parameters (e.g., external wind, solar radiation).

Set up material properties for air and building components.

Configure and run the CFD simulation in ANSYS Fluent.

Analyze results focusing on:

Vertical and horizontal air velocity patterns
Pressure differences between floors
Air exchange rates at different levels
Experiment with various atrium designs, including:

Different atrium heights and shapes
Varying sizes and positions of openings
Impact of internal heat sources (e.g., occupants, equipment)
Evaluate the effectiveness of the atrium in promoting natural ventilation throughout the building.

By completing this project, you will gain insights into the complex air dynamics within multi-story buildings and understand how architectural features like atria can be optimized for passive ventilation. This knowledge is crucial for designing energy-efficient, naturally ventilated buildings that maintain occupant comfort while reducing reliance on mechanical HVAC systems.