Study of Indoor Temperature and Comfort Index Effect by Air

-conditioning System
J ia-Twu Lee, Wu-Chou Yu
*

Department of Environmental Science and Engineering,
National Pingtung University of Science and Technology
E-mail:leejia@mail.npust.edu.tw
Keywords: Air conditioner, CFD, Comfort index
Abstract. Climatic conditions influence the indoor climate in Taiwan. According to research, a person
spends 90% of his or her life indoors , so the indoor environment significantly affects human health,
comfort, and working efficiency.
In this study, Computer Fluid Dynamics software (CFD) was used to simulate changes in indoor
air temperature . The wind speed was set to 0.1~0.3 m / s, and the air-conditioning temperature was
set to 22~27 . The results of the simulation are that when one air -conditioning unit is used, the
middle of the interior space and the area close to the door are muggy, and the area near the
air-conditioning outlet is comfortable, perhaps because of the humidity and the dew point
temperature . The results of the simulation of two air-conditioning units indicate that they
significant reduce the temperature throughout the interior space. Each 1 increase temperature, the
simulation results reveal is caused by air-conditioning has a considerable impact
1. Introduction
Since a person typically spends 90% of his or her lifetime indoors, interior climatic conditions and the
indoor environment affect human comfort, health, and working efficiency. Subjective feelings of
comfort vary with temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, metabolic rate, the amount of clothing
and the mean radiation temperature. Research in Taiwan [1] has shown that ambient temperature
has the greatest impact on human feelings of thermal comfort. In this study , commercial
computational fluid dynamics software (Computational Fluid Dynamics, CFD) is used to do this
research of comfort index at different conditions of indoor temperature.
2. Literature review
2.1 Thermal comfort index
Over the past few decades, researchers have developed several indicators to measure thermal
comfort. Most of them depend on only two factors, such as temperature and humidity.
2.2 Thermal comfort and energy
If comfort is the control target, the main goal is to maintain fixed conditions. Health survey that was
performed by Japan Commission, the energy is not a method, what is relationship between energy
saving and changes in conditions, including temperature and humidity [2].
Locations of air intake and exhaust ports greatly affect indoor air distribution. The efficiency of the
air-conditioning system also has a significant impact. Therefore, understanding the relationship
between the locations of the intake and exhaust ports and thermal comfort will provide a useful
2012 Asia Pacific Conference on Environmental Science and Technology
Advances in Biomedical Engineering, Vol.6
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reference for the design of air-conditioning systems, and reduce the amount of energy to maintain a
fixed level of comfort and support health
3. Materials and methods
This study used commercial software package Fluent 6.3 to simulate the results
3.1 Governing equations
To calculate the temporal and spatial variations of the flow rate, pressure, concentration and other
parameters in the flow field , and to derive the control flow equations, including the transport
equation, continuity equation, momentum equation and energy equation, the conservation of mass,
momentum and energy and other simple physical principles are applied.
The Navier-Stokes equations can be written as
0
0t
() +
0
0x

(u
I
) =
0
0x

() + S (1)
: density
t: time
ui: a change in direction i
: the dependent variable (Dependent Variable)
: Dissipation factor (Diffusion Coefficient)
S: source term (Source Term)
The governing equations specify conservation of mass (Continuity), conservation of momentum in
three directions (Momentum), conservation of energy (Energy) and composition (Species) six
transmission equation, described as follows:
Conservation of mass equation:

0p
0t
+
0
0x

(u
I
) = u (2)
The conservation of mass equation has the general form for both compressible and incompressible
flows. The source term can be any user-defined (User-Defined) source term.
(
0
0x

(u
I
)) +
0
0x

(u
I
u
j
) = -
0P
0x

+
01
u
0x
]
+ g
I
+ F
I
(3)
Where p is the static pressure (Static Pressure), is the stress tensor (Stress Tensor), g_i and F_i are i
the direction of gravity and external forces.
Energy conservation equation:

0
0t
(E) +
0
0x

|u
I
(E + p)] =
0
0x

jk
cII
0T
0x

- h
j
}
j
+ u
j
(
Ij
)
cII
j
[ + S (4)
One k_eff type equivalent thermal conductivity (k_eff = k + kt, kt is the turbulent thermal
conductivity, depending on the turbulence model to be defined), Jj is the diffusion flux of component
j. The right hand side of the first three equations describe, respectively, heat conduction, diffusion and
viscous dissipation components caused by energy transfer. S includes a chemical reaction heat or
radiant heat, and other user-defined volume heat source term.
Composition formula:
.
0
0t
(Y
I
) +
0
0x
]
(u
j
Y
I
) = -
0]
]
0x
]
+ R
I
+ s (5)
Ji denotes component i of the diffusion flux (Diffusion Flux); Ri is rate of the chemical reaction
of the component i species , defined by for the user-defined source term.
The data substituted into the governing equation.The flow field simplify some basic
assumptions. the assumptions made in this study are as follows.
(A) The Fluid flow to control body is Newtonian.
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(B) Fluid is not compressible.
(C) Flow field is in the steady-state.
(D) Fluid properties, including viscosity, density and diffusion coefficient, are constant.
(E) Only concentrations of two or more conducting fluids in a mixture change: the fluids do not
undergo a chemical reaction.
3.2 Boundary conditions and initial conditions set
(1) Boundary conditions for air inlet (Velocity Inlet)
Inlet air velocity is constant (0.1 m / s, 0.2 m / s, 0.3 m / s), and inlet air temperature of 22 , 23
, 24 , 25 , 26 or27 .
(2) Bounday conditions fo outlet (Outflow)
(3) wall boundary conditions (Wall)
For a viscous fluid, non-slip adhesion conditions apply, and the fluid velocity at the wall equals .
The given wall temperature is 30 . The sun radiation was set at 37 .
Set the boundary conditions
The inlet system is one air-conditioner and two air conditioner
Computational domain: 9 m 3 m 3
Air temperature :22,23,24,25,26,27
Pressure is fixed in outside
Radiating wall temperature: 37 ; that on the other side : 30 ;
Number of cells in interior grid: 8100081000
The remaining object are non-slip.
4 Results and Discussion
4.1 Evaluation of indoor thermal comfort index
Henderson and Rengarajan [3] pointed that the indoor thermal comfort index is an important
reference for the design of air-conditioning. Their results reveal that maintaining an isothermal
environment can save energy and more comfortable. Funakoshi and Matsuo developed a PMV
index-based controlled air-conditioning system. This system uses the average radiation temperature,
humidity and temperature to calculate the temperature at which the system should be set.
Liu and He [4] proposed a jet-based model to calculate the thermal comfort index, and suggested
that the thermal comfort index was easier to calculate the result. Awbi et al. [7] used the k-
turbulence model to simulate the indoor flow field, and used the indoor PMV index of personal
comfort. In this study , the same analysis of the limited space as carried out by other authors is
performed . The location of the air intake and the exhaust ports of affect indoor comfort. These
locations greatly affect the indoor air distribution and efficiency of the air-conditioning
system.[5,6,10,11]
According to a study[9] , by the Central Weather Bureau, the formula for distinguishing among six
stage. Based on actual measurement a formula is calculated from an equation Eq. (6) . In table 1 ,
22 ~ 24 is the "comfort "level, 25 ~ 27 is the" hot "level.
THI = T-0.55 (1 - (EXP ((17.269 Td) / (Td +237.3) - (17.269 T) / (T +237.3)))
(T-14) ....... ............. (6)
THI: Comfort ()
T: Temperature ()
Td: Dew point temperature ()
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4.2 One air-conditioner
Figure 2 presents a graphical representation of indoor temperature distribution with one
air-conditioner) for a wind speed of 0.1 m / s at 22 to 24 . The mouth of the air-conditioned
room has been reduced to between 23 and 25 . Since the indoor space is very long, the wind
speed falls through the space . Figure 1 shows the results of the simulation when the air conditioning
was set to a temperature of 23 , the room temperature was not significantly improved by air
conditioner . When the simulated speed of air velocity was increased to 0.3m / s, and the air
temperature was set to 22 , the conditioned air flowed into the interior space to form a uniform
condition. The simulation results reveal that changes in wind speed affect the temperature distribution
throughout the space, as presented in Fig. 3.
4.3 System with two air-conditioners
Graphical plots the temperature of the interior with two air-conditioners Split air conditioners are
used in most interior spaces. They are modern and easy to install and save energy. This section
presents a simulation of the temperature of an indoor space with two air-conditioners. As the number
of available anallog field instruments is limited, only changes of the temperature field are studied by
the simulation .
The variability of wind speed, temperature, of the air-conditioning and the number of locations of
the air-conditioners are simulated. The simulation results (Fig. 4) reveal that when the wind speed is
set to 0.1m / s, and the air temperature is 22 , the temperature of the air near the mouth is 23 ~ 25 ;
the entrance temperature is 26 ; the temperature at the window is 27 . When two air-conditioners
are used , the room temperature exactly declined . Owing to the solar radiation, the windows and the
interior space temperature do not reach the same temperature.
4.4 Measuring actual interior temperature and humidity
In an experiment, a hand-held wet thermometer (Tes-1365) is to measure temperature and humidity
directly. The air-conditioner is a (Carrier , U.SA) (42BR22A) 21000BTU / h split air-conditioner with
an adjustable temperature and speed. Figure 6 presents measured temperature near the entrance of
the air conditioner (A), the middle of the room (B) and the gate (C). The measured temperatures are
22 ~ 27 ; and the wind speed is set at 0.2m / s. The temperatures are measured once every 5
minutes. Figure 6 reveals that the measured temperature is lower than the set temperature by
approximately 0.5 . The indoor temperature distribution is decreased by distance. Because the
door is away from the air-conditioning unit, so the measured average temperature exceeds the set
temperature by approximately 0.5 .
The measurements were made near the air conditioner outlet , the middle of the room . The
actual measurement humidity at wind speed of 0.2m / s, is measured once every 5 minutes. The data
reveals that the average humidity is approximately 50%, and exhibits no significant trend,
presumably because the measurements are made in a confined space. The humidity factor has not
caused did not cause too much interference .
4.5 Velocity and pressure contours
4.5.1 One air-conditioner
Figure 7 presents the velocity and pressure contours . Figure (7-a) reveals that after air is blown
through the air port, which is reflected in an increased air velocity, . Figure (7-b) reveals that the
static pressure distribution is in the interior space . Figure (7-c) plots the dynamic pressure at the
interior space ; it reveals a significant change because high and low pressure by distance. Between
the dynamic pressure velocity moves toward the X axis direction.
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4.5.2 System with two air-conditioners
Figure 8 presents the velocity and pressure contours at two air-conditioners . Figure (8-a) reveals that
after air blows through the air port, which is in the front of room, the simulated speed of air is still the
highest , but the flow rate associated with two air-conditioners is twice flow rate . The flow rate
subject to interference diffusion. The velocity within the interior space is distributed more
uniformly one air contitioner . Figure (8-b) presents the static pressure contour in the interior space.
Figure (8-c) shows plots the dynamic pressure contour at the interior space . The dynamic pressure
changes significantly and the impact of high and low pressure changes on room temperature.
5. Conclusion
Wind speed and temperature is importantly affecting comfort. Human comfort tempetature is at 22 ~
24 . The air near the entrance of air conditioner is comfortable, when the set temperature is high . A
high wind speed and temperature are associated with significant convection and conduction. The
entire range of temperature increases indoor comfort relative to outside .
When the wind speed is set to 0.1m / s, with two air-conditioners, the overall temperature fell
greatly . A higher wind speed and temperature output of air and greater convection and conduction,
the room entire range of temperature increases indoor comfort, and the uniformity of the temperature
distribution. Conservation and reduction of carbon emissions and appropriate for temperature and
the appropriate export configuration can reduce wasteage of resources.
References
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Master's thesis, National Taiwan Institute of Electronics, Taipei, 2001.
[2] Wen Lin Guan , The application of genetic algorithms in intelligent systems of space thermal
comfort studies, Master's thesis, National Cheng Kung University, Department of Industrial
Design, Tainan,2006
[3] Henderson, HI Jr., Rengarajan, K., "The Impact of Comfort Control on Air Conditioner Energy
Use in Humid Climated", ASHRAE Transactions: Research :423-430, 1992.
[4] Liu, S. and He X., "A Distribution-Parameter Comfort Control in Air Conditioning systems",
Proceedings of the American Control Conference, 3:3454-3458,1994
[5] Lin Junyi, Low-density residential community of outdoor thermal environment of the study - to
Taichung seven homes, for example, Master's thesis, Chaoyang University of Technology,
Architecture and Urban Design Institute, Taichung.
[6] 4.He Zhilong, Average household indoor air pollution emissions from the simulated mine
scattered, Master's thesis, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology,
Environmental Engineering and Science Institute, Pingtung, 2010.
[7] Awbi, HB, "Application of Computional Fluid Dynamics in Room Ventilation", Building and
Environm, ental, Vol.24 (1) :73-84, 1989
[8] Fanger, P., Thermal comfort, McGraw-Hill book company, 1972.
[9] Central Weather Bureau, Comfort Index,
http://www.cwb.gov.tw/V6/education/announce/PDFfile/observe2.pdf,, 2010.
[10] Zhong Yong, Chen Yougang, Ye Wenyu , "Operating Environment Room Indoor Pollutant
Dispersion Model Theory and Experimental Study", Occupational Safety and Health Research
Quarterly, Vol. 3 Issue :19-36,1995
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[11] Chenyou Gang, Ye Wenyu Lin Shou sausage, "Indoor Air into the Exhaust Port Configuration of
Thermal Comfort", Occupational Safety and Health Research Quarterly, Vol. 6 Issue 2 :87-102,
1998
Table 1 Calculation of indoor thermal comfort index


Figure 1 Simulated interior diagram (a)one air conditioner, (b) two air conidition system






Figure 2 Air conditioner, wind of 0.1m / s, temperature contour(a) 22 ,(b) 23 ,(c) 24 o






(b)
a
(c) (a)
b
96








Figure 3 Air conditioner wind of 0.3 m / s, temperature contour(a) 22 ,(b) 23 ,(c) 24 o






Figure 4 Air conditioner wind of 0.1m / s, temperature contour(a) 22 ,(b) 23 ,(c) 24 o





Figure 5 Air conditioner wind of 0.3m / s, temperature contour(a) 22 ,(b) 23 ,(c) 24

Figure 6 Actual measure temperature. (a)outlet(b) middle(c) door
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Figure 7 Interior space of velocity and pressure contour (one air conditioner), (a) velocity ; (b) static pressure ; (c)
dynamic pressure











Figure 8 Interior space of velocity and pressure contour (two air conditioner), (a) velocity ; (b) static pressure ; (c)
dynamic pressure
98