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Dimensional Analysis and Sub-scaling of Building Thermal Airflow Dynamics Based on Simple Analytical Models

Title:

Dimensional Analysis and Sub-scaling of Building Thermal Airflow Dynamics Based on Simple Analytical Models

Zhang, Xin (2019) Dimensional Analysis and Sub-scaling of Building Thermal Airflow Dynamics Based on Simple Analytical Models. Masters thesis, Concordia University.

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Abstract

Sub-scale model experiments are widely used in the design of natural/hybrid ventilation systems and the thermal mass of buildings to calibrate and validate simulation models, collect data, and guide preliminary designs. Defining a scaling law to relate a sub-scale model experiment to a full-size building is a good method to determine fabrication design and operation strategy. As a result, many previous studies have focused on airflow similarity between a sub-scale model and a full-size building in a steady state using dimensional analysis. These studies, however, lack integrated consideration of both airflow and heat transfer in a transient-state model. The purpose of this thesis is to build an analytical model for dimensional analysis in a simplified model and to define dimensionless numbers to consider integrated similarity. The thesis also discusses whether those dimensionless numbers can be applied to a complicated high-rise building. Both sub-scale and full-size simulation models are calibrated and validated using results of sub-scale model experiments. Subsequently, dimensionless results from both the sub-scale and full-size models are compared to verify the dimensionless numbers derived from the analytical model. Finally, counterpart results for a full-size model are calculated by the scaling law from sub-scale experiments for thermal mass application.

Divisions:Concordia University > Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science > Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Concordia University > Research Units > Centre for Zero Energy Building Studies
Item Type:Thesis (Masters)
Authors:Zhang, Xin
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:M.A. Sc.
Program:Building Engineering
Date:6 March 2019
Thesis Supervisor(s):Wang, Liangzhu
Keywords:Sub-scale Model, 3D-Printing, Dimensional Analysis, Thermal Airflow
ID Code:985077
Deposited By: XIN ZHANG
Deposited On:17 Jun 2019 19:00
Last Modified:17 Jun 2019 19:00

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