Solving the Coupled Aerodynamic and Thermal Problem for Modeling the Air Distribution Devices with Perforated Plates

• Main Authors: Serhii Khovanskyi, Ivan Pavlenko, Jan Pitel, Jana Mizakova, Marek Ochowiak, Irina Grechka
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-09-01
• Series: Energies
• Subjects: aerodynamics; heat transfer; mass transfer; numerical simulation; multi-factor factorial experiment; hydraulic losses; velocity field
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/12/18/3488

The article is focused on the comprehensive analysis of the aerodynamics of air distribution devices with the combined heat and mass exchange, with the aim to improve the following hydro- and thermodynamic parameters of ventilation systems: flow rate, air velocity, hydraulic losses, and temperature. The inadequacy of the previously obtained characteristics has confirmed the need for more rational designs of air distribution systems. Consequently, the use of perforated plates was proposed to increase hydraulic losses for reducing the average velocity and ensuring a uniform distribution of the velocity field on the outlet of the device. The effectiveness of one of the five possible designs usage is confirmed by the results of numerical simulation. The coefficient of hydraulic losses decreased by 2.5−3.0 times, as well as the uniformity of the outlet velocity field for the air flow being provided. Based on the three-factor factorial experiment, the linear mathematical model was obtained for determining the dependence of the average velocity on the flow rate, plate’s area, and diameter of holes. This model was significantly improved using the multiparameter quasi-linear regression analysis. As a result, the nonlinear mathematical models were obtained, allowing the analytical determination of the hydraulic losses and average velocity of the air flow. Additionally, the dependencies for determining the relative error of measuring the average velocity were obtained.