Air flow pattern and temperature field simulation in a large glazed space

Air velocity and air temperature are, in large glazed spaces, very heterogeneous and time dependant. Indoor and outdoor thermal conditions, localized solar radiation effects and ventilation systems are the conditions for mixed convection situations which produce, in large enclosures, significant velocity and temperature gradients. In this paper we describe the numerical techniques and processes that enable us to take these three types of conditions into account. By investigating the specific geometry of a covered street and the thermal and sun conditions of an average sunny winter day in Nantes, we show how different inlet and outlet situations and minor geometrical adjustments modify the temperature field and flow pattern. Variations of temperature fields are significant. It would seem, therefore, that such a simultaneous numerical analysis of the effects of these three types of physical parameters might constitute, after further developments, a starting point from which to provide powerful and useful tools for the design of large glazed spaces.