Mixing characteristics in a ventilated room with non-isothermal ceiling air supply

Abstract

A two-dimensional turbulence k-ε model is used to predict distribution of air velocity, temperature and turbulence kinetic energy in an air-conditioned room using ceiling air supply. Mixing characteristics of the airflow are analyzed under different air supply velocities and temperatures. A modified Archimedes number is correlated with the parameters characterizing heat transfer, ventilation system, and turbulence kinetic energy of room air flow. Significant correlations have been shown. It is found that the linear ceiling air supply air-conditioning system with a high level return air provides excellent air mixing across a wide range of Archimedes numbers. The results are useful for air-conditioning design and thermal comfort study.