HVAC System Of Amphitheater CFD Simulation, ANSYS Fluent Training

The functionality of the HVAC system and other building services is critical for all types of buildings, but especially for places with dense populations. In this study, the functioning of the HVAC system for a college amphitheater—which doubles as a conference hall—is examined under steady-state settings. Based on the reference paper “ HVAC system functionality simulation using ANSYS-Fluent”, the CFD study is conducted.

Figure 1: Longitudinal section of amphitheater

Simulation Process

The audience can accommodate roughly 100 persons, divided into 12 rows of seats. Every row is positioned one step higher than the one before it. The schematic of the amphitheater is given in Figure 1 (reference paper). The model is initially designed using the Design Modeler and then discretized with the structured grid. The mesh of the model was realized using ANSYS-Meshing, with refinements near the walls. The temperature of the conditioned air and the mass flow inlet are equivalent to the HVAC system’s airflow and serve as the boundary conditions at inlet sections. The treated air has a temperature of roughly 20 °C in the winter and 24 °C in the summer.

Figure 2: Structured grid of 2D model of amphitheater

Post-processing

The amphitheater’s HVAC simulation shows that the top levels have most of the air circulation. The air delivered from the HVAC inlets travels throughout these upper layers efficiently, according to the velocity contour, before returning to the bottom surfaces. The amphitheater’s temperature is kept comfortable thanks to this airflow system. However, the research reveals a temperature gradient, with the lower levels and the presenter’s area being substantially warmer than the top levels, which are usually where students are sat. The direct effect of the air inlets is responsible for the cooler environment in the higher parts, which keeps the amphitheater’s total thermal environment balanced while creating a comfortable ambiance for the audience.