Using Large Eddy Simulation to predict fluid residence time in a test ventilated room

Abstract

We study the capability of Large Eddy Simulation (LES) to predict fluid residence time in a ventilated room. Validation is performed against an experiment where the inlet vent slot width matches that of the room. On a coarse grid, the Smagorinsky subgrid-scale model has a detrimental effect on flow statistics, whilst the WALE and Germano–Lilly models perform well. A refined grid produces close agreement with the reference data. A simulation with a narrow inlet slot demonstrates that the flow becomes three-dimensional, with pairs of spiral vortices forming in the room and altering the recirculation pattern when compared to the wide inlet slot configuration. The obtained LES statistics show improvements in the prediction of velocity field over conventional RANS modelling techniques. Fluid age probability density functions show that a wide range of residence time values around the mean value can be observed within the room. LES is capable of providing accurate predictions in a simplified ventilated room, and residence time probability density function distributions can be useful for the improvement of ventilation strategies.