Modelling of the Indoor Environment – Particle Dispersion and Deposition

Abstract A three-dimensional drift-flux model for particle movements in turbulent airflows in buildings is presented. The interaction between the carrier air and the particles has been treated as a one-way coupling, assuming the effect of particles on air turbulence is negligible due to low solid loadings and comparatively small particle settling velocities. Turbulence effects are modelled with a standard κ-ɛ model. Wall functions are applied at near-wall grid points. Aerosol measurements carried out under turbulent room flow conditions are used to validate the numerical calculations. Several particle size distributions are considered in the simulations. The model is then applied to mixed flow conditions in a room, as well as to homogeneous air supply conditions around a human body. The flow fields and particle distributions are analysed. Close to a standing person, the particle distribution pattern from a downstream point source is strongly dependent on the ventilation air supply rate. This has been confirmed by experiments reported in the literature.

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