A methodology for micro-level building thermal analysis: combining CFD experimental Set-ups

Physical and computational simulations have been combined within a unique framework for the aim of establishing a methodology for micro-level building thermal analysis. Within this framework, each simulation mechanism overcomes the limitation of the other. The framework has been implemented by integrating an existing thermal chamber with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. A detailed description of the procedure for affecting the combined methodology is the focus of this paper. In addition, the thermal chamber and the CFD prototype model of the chamber have been described. Finally, the application and scope of this work as a methodology for investigating indoor thermal conditions is discussed and future work is outlined.