Airflow Pattern Generated by Three Air Diffusers: Experimental and Visual Analysis

The correct description of air diffusers plays a crucial role in the CFD predictions of the airflow pattern into a room. The numerical simulation of air distribution in an indoor space is challenging because of the complicated airflow pattern generated. Many authors have developed simplified geometry methods that approximate the diffusers to simplified openings where the discharge velocities and directions should be determined. An experimental study has been carried out in order to take velocity measurements of the airflow pattern generated by three different air diffusers: displacement, mixing and a low impulse diffuser. Smoke visualization has been developed to determine the direction of the flow and observe the developed region of the jets. Many conclusions can be drawn regarding the symmetry or unexpected asymmetry of the different airflow patterns, the impact of room conditions or developed regions of the jets. The experimental data obtained are crucial to validate CFD simulations with these diffusers in indoor spaces.