tackled using the fundamental equations of fluid dynamics. The set of numerical
methods applied in order to solve those equations are called Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD). This technique provides a numerical solution from an energy
balance of a controlled volume, which in comparison with other methods and
expensive technologies allows an efficient study of the environment conditions
(Rico-Garcia et al. 2008). CFD considers the values of the independent variables
as primary unknowns in a finite number of places inside the domain, and then a set
of algebraic equations are derived from the fundamental equations applied to the
domain and can be solved by pre-established algorithms.
The study of complex biosystems, in which there are several physical, chemical, and biological interacting processes and phenomena, has been favored by the
development of computer simulation tools during the last decade and with the
increase in computational processing power it is possible to develop numerical
models such as more accurate simulations for transport phenomena and energy
exchange (Norton et al. 2007). As a consequence, these studies have led to
improvements in the design of buildings and equipment such as greenhouses,
broilers facilities, stables, and bio-digesters.
According to Boulard et al. (2002), CFD is a branch of fluid mechanics that use
numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyze problems involving fluids
flow. Therefore, it is possible with the use of computers to perform millions of
calculations to simulate the interaction of liquids and gases with surfaces defined
by the boundary conditions. In recent studies of modeling of airflow, CFD has
deepened to test its effectiveness in relationships of climatic factors (Bournet and
Boulard 2010). Computational parametric studies on greenhouse structures can
help in the identification of design factors that affect greenhouse ventilation under
specific climatic conditions (Rico-García et al. 2011).
In the past years, many studies have used CFD to investigate the climate
conditions inside buildings. CFD has been able to increase the degree of realism by
taking into account climatic conditions and simulation of biological processes,
considering temperature, humidity, CO 2 , and solar radiation, among others in 3D
models. The results have been able to improve our understanding of the phenomenon of ventilation. Therefore, this chapter discusses significant recent studies
to understand how the use of CFD has evolved.
12.2 Fundamental CFD Equations
CFD is based on the governing fluid dynamics equations (continuity, momentum,
and energy). The equations obtained directly from the volume or fixed element in
space is known as ‘‘conservative form.’’ The equations obtained directly from the
volume or movement with the fluid element are called ‘‘non-conservative form’’
(Anderson 1995).
342
G. De la Torre-Gea et al.
methods applied in order to solve those equations are called Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD). This technique provides a numerical solution from an energy
balance of a controlled volume, which in comparison with other methods and
expensive technologies allows an efficient study of the environment conditions
(Rico-Garcia et al. 2008). CFD considers the values of the independent variables
as primary unknowns in a finite number of places inside the domain, and then a set
of algebraic equations are derived from the fundamental equations applied to the
domain and can be solved by pre-established algorithms.
The study of complex biosystems, in which there are several physical, chemical, and biological interacting processes and phenomena, has been favored by the
development of computer simulation tools during the last decade and with the
increase in computational processing power it is possible to develop numerical
models such as more accurate simulations for transport phenomena and energy
exchange (Norton et al. 2007). As a consequence, these studies have led to
improvements in the design of buildings and equipment such as greenhouses,
broilers facilities, stables, and bio-digesters.
According to Boulard et al. (2002), CFD is a branch of fluid mechanics that use
numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyze problems involving fluids
flow. Therefore, it is possible with the use of computers to perform millions of
calculations to simulate the interaction of liquids and gases with surfaces defined
by the boundary conditions. In recent studies of modeling of airflow, CFD has
deepened to test its effectiveness in relationships of climatic factors (Bournet and
Boulard 2010). Computational parametric studies on greenhouse structures can
help in the identification of design factors that affect greenhouse ventilation under
specific climatic conditions (Rico-García et al. 2011).
In the past years, many studies have used CFD to investigate the climate
conditions inside buildings. CFD has been able to increase the degree of realism by
taking into account climatic conditions and simulation of biological processes,
considering temperature, humidity, CO 2 , and solar radiation, among others in 3D
models. The results have been able to improve our understanding of the phenomenon of ventilation. Therefore, this chapter discusses significant recent studies
to understand how the use of CFD has evolved.
12.2 Fundamental CFD Equations
CFD is based on the governing fluid dynamics equations (continuity, momentum,
and energy). The equations obtained directly from the volume or fixed element in
space is known as ‘‘conservative form.’’ The equations obtained directly from the
volume or movement with the fluid element are called ‘‘non-conservative form’’
(Anderson 1995).
342
G. De la Torre-Gea et al.