Analysis of the air flow in a cold store by means of computational fluid dynamics

Airflow inside a cold store is investigated using computational fluid dynamics. The airflow model is based on the steady state incompressible, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The turbulence is taken into account using a k - epsilon model. The standard as well as the Renormalisation-Group (RNG) version of the k - epsilon model is investigated. The forced-circulation air cooler unit is modelled with an appropriate body force and resistance, corresponding to the characteristics of the fan and the tube-bank evaporator. The finite volume method of discretisation is used. The validation of the model has been performed by a comparison of the calculated time-averaged velocity magnitudes with the mean velocities measured by means of a hot-film type omni-directional velocity sensor. A relative error on the calculated air velocities of 26% was observed. The RNG k - epsilon model does not help to improve the prediction of the recirculation. Both a finer grid and enhanced turbulence models are needed to improve the predictions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.