Wind Tower CFD Simulation

This project focuses on a comprehensive CFD simulation of a 2-D wind tower using ANSYS Fluent, with a particular emphasis on implementing and understanding the Boussinesq model. The wind tower, a traditional passive cooling system, will be analyzed to explore its natural ventilation characteristics and cooling performance.

Project Objectives:

Simulate the airflow and temperature distribution in a 2-D wind tower model using ANSYS Fluent.
Implement and understand the Boussinesq approximation for buoyancy-driven flows.
Analyze the effectiveness of the wind tower in creating natural ventilation and cooling.
Gain proficiency in setting up and running CFD simulations for passive cooling systems.
Training Outline:

Introduction to wind tower principles and the importance of the Boussinesq model in CFD simulations.
Setting up the 2-D wind tower geometry in ANSYS Fluent.
Implementing the Boussinesq approximation for density variations in the fluid model.
Defining boundary conditions specific to wind tower simulations, including inlet, outlet, and wall conditions.
Configuring appropriate turbulence models for natural ventilation flows.
Setting up solution methods and convergence criteria for buoyancy-driven flow simulations.
Running steady-state simulations to capture the wind tower’s performance.
Post-processing and analyzing results, focusing on:
Airflow patterns and velocity distributions
Temperature stratification within the wind tower and connected space
Pressure differences driving the natural ventilation
Evaluating the cooling effectiveness of the wind tower using the simulation results.
Visualizing the results using various ANSYS Fluent post-processing tools.
Key Focus Areas:

Boussinesq Model: Understanding its principles, implementation in Fluent, and its role in simulating buoyancy-driven flows accurately.
Natural Ventilation: Analyzing how temperature differences and wind effects create airflow through the wind tower.
Thermal Stratification: Examining temperature gradients within the simulated space.
Flow Characteristics: Studying the development of air currents, potential vortices, and flow separation within the wind tower structure.
Cooling Performance: Assessing the wind tower’s ability to reduce air temperature and promote air circulation.
By completing this project, participants will gain valuable skills in using ANSYS Fluent for simulating passive cooling systems, with a strong focus on the application of the Boussinesq model. They will develop a deep understanding of how to set up, run, and interpret CFD simulations for buoyancy-driven flows in architectural elements. This knowledge is crucial for analyzing and optimizing passive cooling strategies in building design, particularly in hot climates where traditional cooling methods like wind towers are relevant. The project will enhance participants’ ability to use CFD as a tool for sustainable building design and analysis of natural ventilation systems.