CFD Modelling – A Holistic Approach to Corridor Overheating

Communal residential corridor spaces are particularly prone to the risk of overheating. The main contributor is heat gains incurred from community heating pipework that runs through the ceiling void. Computational Fluid Dynamic Modelling (CFD Modelling) enables the assessment of complex ventilation systems by mapping the airflow, temperature and air pressure distribution within the space, thus:

• indicating the project specific ventilation strategy is fit for purpose, relevant to the building geometry and client needs;
• improving existing designs by optimising the position of ventilation supply and extracts to eliminate warm spots and short circuiting of air and indicating temperature/air quality sensor locations – critical to the operation of systems; and
• ensuring required air quality levels are achieved by performing age of air calculations.

Our recent work on large residential schemes with corridors, that rely on ventilation strategies like staircase and smoke shaft ventilation, has enabled us to assess the effectiveness of the system using advanced CFD Modelling. Undertaking such analysis provided a tailored assessment to challenging ventilation requirements.

Our expert team has a depth of knowledge in building physics and computer simulation resulting in a holistic approach to corridor overheating which includes:

• Dynamic Thermal Modelling  combined with expert knowledge of community heating  that allows us to effectively propose integrated mitigation measures;
• Computational Fluid Dynamics Modelling (CFD Modelling) analysis adding value to the assessment of natural and mechanical ventilation system effectiveness to ensure thermal comfort.

CFD analysis at early design stages allows for system and performance optimisation cutting down on build and operational costs while ensuring optimal build quality and occupant satisfaction.