Plume's convector modeling for object-oriented thermal building simulationsoftware SPARK.

In this paper, a zonal model used to predict air movement and temperature d istribution in a room is presented. This model is based on a rough partitio ning of the room: it is an intermediate approach between one-node models (t hat consider a homogeneous temperature in each room) and CFD models. Flow r ates are calculated in respect to the pressure distribution in low velocity domains and specific laws describe plumes and jets. The airflow model is c oupled with a building envelope model. They are implemented in an object-or iented environment called SPARK. The modularity of SPARK allows the creatio n of very flexible tools, and its strict syntax permits having the simulati ons automatically generated. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales E lsevier SAS.