NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION ON THERMAL AND FLUID DYNAMIC BEHAVIORS OF AIR CONDITIONING IN AIRCRAFT CABIN

The thermo-hygrometric comfort in the environments is strictly connected with thermo fluid dynamic fields inside them. Jet position and inlet air velocity could origin uncomfortable air distribution and temperature level. In order to avoid this, a preliminary study to determine the best jet position and air velocity is necessary. In this study the transient thermo and fluid dynamic field are analyzed for an executive aircraft. The aim of this study is the numerical visualization of the thermo and fluid dynamic fields in the cabin, with the target to optimize the thermohygrometric comfort of the passengers. The main focus is on the velocity and temperature fields, because the proper pressure level is guaranteed by the pressurization system. The analysis is performed on a cabin section, considering seats influence. An average conductance and heat transfer coefficient are considered for the skin, in order to properly simulate the heat exchange with external environment. A k-ε model is used to take into account the turbulence effect, due to the cabin configuration and air velocity. The results are presented in form of velocity and temperature fields; moreover, air temperature and velocity profiles are shown at different positions, in order to well evaluate the comfort conditions in the examined aircraft section.