Computational fluid dynamics analysis of airflow in an idle passenger car cabin

Abstract

Sunny conditions create the heating to the car body and rise in its average internal temperature resulting discomfort to the driver and passengers. It was observed that inside temperature of the car cabin rises up to 600C - 700C in summer during parking conditions. Consequently, it may be fatal to the life of a child, left inside the car due to some reason as reported in various news resources. In the present investigation, air circulation and temperature distribution in car cabin was studied to address the problem of heating and ventilation in the car cabin. The possible design criteria were instigated for geometrical consideration as an inlet vent was considered below the front windshield and outlet vent at below rear windshield. In another design concern, two outlet-vent were considered; one below and above the rear windshield. It was observed that air circulation in the rear compartment was more effective in comparison to the front compartment improving the overall air circulation with increase in inlet velocity. Also an increase in the uniformity of internal temperature distribution was observed with the increase of incoming airstream velocity. The temperature difference marginally improved for modified design conditions. The accumulated heat in the car cabin can be reduced appreciably with the provision of vents in the compartment.