CFD analysis of indoor air quality in office rooms equipped with desk fans

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of desk fans on inhaled air quality and cross-contamination vis-à-vis sitting occupants in an office space. The performance of the desk fans was evaluated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using a detailed geometry of a 3d-scanned thermal manikin. Mesh independence tests were performed to determine the association between the cells size and the simulation results. The skin temperature of the occupants was defined in the numerical model using the coupling of CFD and an advanced thermoregulation model. The performance evaluations were conducted in a room geometry equipped with displacement ventilation system (DV) under a combination of two room air temperatures (26 and 29°C) and two air change rates (10 and 12 h"1). The performance of the fan was determined by assessing the tracer gas concentrations moved by the fans towards the occupants. Results indicated that desk fans can worsen the inhaled air quality and increase the level of cross-contamination between the occupants.