CFD Analysis

Stage 1 - Unit Placement

The integrated model ties together the upstream and downstream models and is designed to investigate whether the output of the upstream system has any significance for the downstream model.
Modelling highlighted that the non-uniform nature of the air entering the diffuser is of very little importance in the conditions experienced in the room.
It also highlighted that the modifications made during Stage 3, significantly improved the systems performance.

Used to determine where the best possible locations would be for undisturbed air flow to the person. (Desk, Monitor mounted, Flexible arm, Floor)

From this analysis monitor mounted was selected to be the best option as it provided a direct flow path and improved aesthetic capabilities.

The four concepts provided from the pugh's design matrices were evaluated at this point.
Main conclusion that could be drawn was that obstructing the flow in any way would dramatically reduce the air velocity in the room and minimise jetting.
For these reasons we chose to proceed with a layer design, as we felt it would both allow adequate obstruction of the air (to reduce the jetting potential) while maintaining a degree of control of the direction of the airflow (by adjusting the blade angles).

This model was used in-order to determine how the flow of airactually moves around the person.
From the analysis, it could be seen that some of the flow was being wasted by being sent to the roof, rather than the person. Subsequently the diffuser head was re-designed to remove this effect.

This model analysed how the air travelled through the flexible ducting, the effect of the heating elements and any temperature losses.
It was found that the differences in air temperature at the outlet of the heater unit would suitably decrease as the flow continued, and at the outlet would be approximately equal.
Also, it was noted that the heating of the air caused a slight increase in the flow velocity.