Thermal Comfort and Airflow in Air-Conditioned Systems: Insights from Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulations

Jesi Pebralia; Yesi Aryanti; Lucky Zaehir Maulana; Tika Restianingsih; Marita Wulandari

doi:10.58524/ijhes.v4i2.768

Authors

Jesi Pebralia Department of Physics, Universitas Jambi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2777-8416
Yesi Aryanti Department of Physics, Universitas Jambi
Lucky Zaehir Maulana Department of Physics, Universitas Jambi http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3320-0298
Tika Restianingsih Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Science Tokyo
Marita Wulandari Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Universitas of Tsukuba

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58524/ijhes.v4i2.768

Keywords:

Airflow Air Temperature Air Velocity Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD)

Abstract

Air conditioning (AC) systems are vital for ensuring thermal comfort in enclosed spaces, particularly in tropical regions like Indonesia, where high temperatures and humidity can challenge human productivity and well-being. This study investigates airflow distribution patterns in air-conditioned rooms using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, specifically employing the SST k-ω turbulence model. Simulations were conducted in a 3.5 × 3.55 × 3 m closed room with varied inlet temperatures (289.15–297.15 K) and airflow velocities (2–4 m/s). Results indicate that for every 2 K increase in inlet temperature, the average room temperature rises by approximately 1.37 K. Additionally, a 0.5 m/s increment in airflow velocity leads to an average temperature increase of 0.16 K. The airflow was observed to form a dominant jet stream from the AC inlet, flowing diagonally toward the lower part of the room, creating a low-altitude recirculation zone. This phenomenon influences thermal mixing and occupant comfort significantly. Validation of the CFD model revealed its robustness, with an average temperature deviation of 328.15 K and an Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) score of 0.858. Furthermore, the study suggests optimizing AC placement and operation parameters to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining comfort. These findings provide actionable insights into airflow behavior in tropical environments, promoting better design practices for cooling systems, which are crucial for sustainable development and improved living conditions in tropical climates.

Author Biographies

Tika Restianingsih, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Science Tokyo

Department of Physics, Universitas Jambi, Indonesia
Marita Wulandari, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Universitas of Tsukuba

Department of Environmental Engineering, Institut Teknologi Kalimantan, Indonesia

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