Windcatcher CFD Simulation

This project focuses on simulating and analyzing the performance of a windcatcher, an ancient yet innovative passive ventilation system, using ANSYS Fluent. Windcatchers, also known as wind towers or badgirs, are architectural elements designed to capture and direct wind into buildings, providing natural ventilation and cooling.

Project Objectives:

Understand the principles of windcatcher operation in passive ventilation systems.
Analyze the airflow patterns and ventilation effectiveness of a windcatcher design.
Simulate the impact of external wind conditions on internal air circulation.
Evaluate the cooling potential of windcatchers in different climatic conditions.
Project Outline:

Model a basic windcatcher structure integrated into a building.

Include the windcatcher tower, internal partitions, and connected indoor space.
Define boundary conditions to represent various environmental scenarios:

Different wind speeds and directions
Ambient temperature variations
Solar radiation effects (if applicable)
Set up material properties for air, building components, and the windcatcher structure.

Configure and run the CFD simulation in ANSYS Fluent:

Use appropriate turbulence models for accurate airflow prediction
Consider transient simulations to capture time-dependent phenomena
Analyze simulation results, focusing on:

Air velocity patterns within the windcatcher and connected spaces
Pressure distributions and gradients
Air exchange rates and ventilation effectiveness
Potential cooling effect in the occupied space
Conduct parametric studies to optimize windcatcher performance:

Vary windcatcher height, cross-sectional area, and shape
Experiment with different internal partition designs
Assess the impact of surrounding buildings or obstacles on performance
Evaluate the windcatcher’s effectiveness in various climatic conditions and compare it to other passive ventilation strategies.

Visualize the results using ANSYS post-processing tools to create informative graphics and animations of airflow patterns.

By completing this project, you will gain a deep understanding of how windcatchers function as passive ventilation systems and how they can be optimized for different environmental conditions. This knowledge is valuable for designing sustainable, energy-efficient buildings that leverage natural ventilation techniques. The CFD simulation skills acquired will be applicable to a wide range of HVAC and architectural design challenges.