Formal calibration methodology for a CFD model of a naturally ventilated room

This paper describes a systematic methodology for the development of calibrated thermodynamic Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models for controlled environments in buildings utilising wireless sensor networks. The calibrated CFD model will be used to optimise the positions of the physical sensors for the management of energy efficient internal environments by building operators. This methodology could result in significant energy and economic savings and lead to more accurately controlled internal environments. For the simulation of an internal environment, a CFD model of one of the study rooms in the Nursing Library at the National University of Ireland in Galway, Ireland has been developed. Data obtained from an on-site weather station and wireless sensors provided boundary conditions for the CFD model. A well-positioned wireless sensor network collected real-time data at multiple locations within the indoor environment. The data were compared with CFD model results and a calibration procedure was developed. The presented research compares the model outputs and the measured data, and outlines the calibration procedures to date.