A Virtual Reality Enabling Parameterization of CFD Simulations for Non-Empty Room Layout Design

Abstract

In this paper, a new approach of establishing the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) - Virtual Reality (VR) design interface is described. Near optimal configuration of all the parameters affecting the contaminant removal is the most important factor that determines the effectiveness of the cleanliness of the indoor air. The main limitation encountered in applying VR to CFD aided design is due to complex and time consuming setup and computation steps of a CFD analysis. Consequently a CFD computation of the airflow pattern is done separately with a traditional CFD solver and then the data is imported in VR. This makes it infeasible to use CFD/VR to analyze a large number of layout design alternatives. A novel method for overcoming this problem has been conceptualized by using a VR preprocessing step. A mathematical expression of the dependence of the contaminant removal effectiveness on room parameters has been developed based on the experimental result. In this way, the selected set of preferred solutions is selected among the enormous number of possible alternatives. The restricted set of room layouts is further investigated by VR analysis of the CFD simulation. This provides insight for an effective positioning of all parameters for room air cleanliness. This two step CFD/VR aided design technique allows overcoming the problems that affect the integration of CFD and VR technique in design of contaminant-free environments. The methodology is well suited for the design of special indoor environments such as tuberculosis hospital facilities, clean rooms and certain electronic, pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing facility rooms with special contamination control requirements.