Mixing characteristics in a ventilated room with non-isothermal ceiling air supply

A two-dimensional turbulence k-epsilon model is used to predict distributio n of air velocity, temperature and turbulence kinetic energy in an air-cond itioned room using ceiling air supply. Mixing characteristics of the airflo w are analyzed under different air supply velocities and temperatures. A mo dified Archimedes number is correlated with the parameters characterizing h eat transfer, ventilation system, and turbulence kinetic energy of room air flow. Significant correlations have been shown. It is found that the linea r ceiling air supply air-conditioning system with a high level return air p rovides excellent air mixing across a wide range of Archimedes numbers. The results are useful for air-conditioning design and thermal comfort study. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.