Feasibility of Computational Fluid Dynamics for Analyzing Airflow Around Porous Fences

Abstract

This article presents using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to analyze the flow around porous fences. The feasibility of applying 2D and 3D models was assessed with respect to corresponding wind tunnel experiments. Comparisons between the flow structures on leeward of the fence as predicted by CFD models and the wind tunnel measurements were discussed. Velocity values for the two modeling approaches were in good agreement. However, there is a noticeable discrepancy in predicting the turbulence structure. Both 2Dand 3D model have demonstrated the capability to predict flow characteristics necessary for the design of porous fences. However, the selection between 2D and 3D model is dependent on, design stage, and the extent of accuracy required by the application. The presented CFD models are potentially applicable to heat transfer issues.

Acknowledgments

The authors also acknowledge the support from the Arctic University of Norway.

Notes on Contributors

Yizhong Xu received his PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Hertfordshire, UK. His research work covers a wide range of the topics related to civil engineering, composite materials, environmental technology and fluid dynamics. He has expertise in wind tunnel experiments and numerical simulations. He has published about 20 peer-reviewed journal papers and international conference proceedings. At present his is a researcher at Department of Building, Energy and Material Technology at UiT/the Arctic University of Norway, and is a member of the department research group (BEaM).

Rajnish K. Calay has a broad engineering background with Bachelors in Civil Engineering, India and masters and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Cranfield University, UK. She has 30 years of experience in academia and industry in UK and India. At present, she is professor in Energy Systems and research leader at the Department of Building, Energy and Material Technology at the Arctic University of Norway, UiT. Her research has a strong focus on investigating thermofluid problems related to buildings, automotive and aerospace applications and providing solutions for better energy efficiency and developing sustainable energy technologies. She has published about 100 peer-reviewed journal publications and international conference papers. Her research outputs cover essential topics related to sustainable built environment (energy saving, thermal comfort and heat transfer), HVAC flows, renewable energy technologies (such as wind energy, bio energy, fuel cell modeling and design). She is a member of Accreditation panel of and Energy Institute, UK, committee member BSI, UK, Editorial Board Member.

Mohamad Y. Mustafa is Professor at the Arctic University of Norway, UiT. He has Masters and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hertfordshire and Coventry University, UK. He has about 20 years of academic and research experience. His research interests are in sustainable energy, energy efficiency in buildings and HVAC applications. His research work resulted in over 70 scientific publications within different international journals and conferences. He has good research collaboration with industry and educational organizations in Norway and with various institutions outside Norway especially in UK, Finland, and China where he is a visiting professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering at Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China.