Numerical modelling of air pollutant dispersion in complex urban areas: Investigation of city parts from downtowns Hanover and Frankfurt

Abstract

Hazardous gas dispersion within a complex urban environment in 1:1 scaled geometry of German cities, Hanover and Frankfurt, is predicted using an advanced turbulence model. The investigation involves a large group of real buildings with a high level of details. For this purpose, Computer Aided Design (CAD) of two configurations are cleaned, then fine grids meshed in. Weather conditions are introduced using power law velocity profiles at inlets boundary. The investigation focused on the effects of release locations and material properties of the contaminants (e.g., densities) on the convection/diffusion of pollutants within complex urban area. Two geometries demonstrating different topologies and boundaries conditions are investigated. Pollutants are introduced into the computational domain through chimney and/or pipe leakages in various locations. Simulations are carried out using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) turbulence model and species transport for the pollutants. The weather conditions are accounted for using a logarithmic velocity profile at inlets. CH4 and CO2 distributions, as well as turbulence quantities and velocity profiles, show important influences on the dispersion behavior of the hazardous gas.