Enhancing Thermal Comfort Analysis and Optimization of HVAC Systems Using Open-Source Software

Resumo

Ventilation, cooling, and heating systems play a crucial role in providing thermal comfort within occu-
pied environments, influencing productivity, well-being, health, and energy consumption. This research focuses on

leveraging Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a tool for studying fluid flows and optimizing heating, ven-
tilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to achieve ideal room temperatures efficiently. Initially, a thermal

comfort study is conducted using the OpenFOAM software, aiming to compare and validate its algorithm against

a reference article that utilized proprietary software. By demonstrating the capabilities of OpenFOAM as an open-
source alternative, this research opens opportunities for analyzing HVAC systems using an accessible program,

facilitating the optimization of climatization strategies. Subsequently, an optimization analysis of ventilation sys-
tems is performed through a factorial design that involves altering the positions of air inlets and outlets, as well as

adjusting the insufflation velocity. The findings reveal that superior positions of air inlets lead to improved thermal
comfort results, as measured by the Air Diffusion Performance Index (ADPI). This research provides an insights
into optimizing the configuration of ventilation systems to enhance occupant’s thermal comfort. By utilizing CFD
simulations and exploring several parameters affecting thermal comfort, this research contributes to advancing
HVAC system optimization.