Large compressors release substantial amounts of heat to their surroundings. In an enclosed compressor hall, the ventilation system must remove this heat while preventing excessively high local air and equipment temperatures.
FlowMotion used CFD to analyse the three-dimensional airflow and temperature distribution in the hall. The model included the compressors, relevant heat sources, ventilation openings and the supply and extract air systems.
The calculations made visible how cooling air was distributed around the equipment and where warm air accumulated or recirculated. Natural convection caused by temperature-dependent density differences was included because buoyancy can have a significant influence on the airflow in large industrial spaces.
By comparing different ventilation configurations, the position and capacity of supply and extract openings could be assessed in relation to the resulting local temperatures and airflow patterns.
The simulations provided the information required to improve heat removal from the hall and use the available ventilation capacity more effectively.
