Multi-stage optimization of local environmental quality by comprehensive computer simulated person as a sensor for HVAC control

Abstract

Recently, we developed a comprehensive computer simulated person (CSP) based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique that integrates a computational human body model and respiratory tract model for indoor air quality assessment. Here, we focus on the application of this CSP as an air quality and thermal comfort sensor in an indoor environment, and report the numerical procedure for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control by using this CSP as the objective function for indoor environmental optimization. We conducted sensitivity analyses in a simple model room with a standing CSP. The analyses of flow, temperature, humidity, and contaminant transfers were coupled with CFD-CSP scheme. Human thermal comfort was evaluated by thermoregulatory analysis and inhalation exposure risk, which was represented by the concentration of contaminants in the inhaled air in the respiratory tract, and was precisely analyzed as a feedback parameter for HVAC control. Compared with the conventional HVAC control method using a point value in a room as the representative value, the HVAC control method integrated with CSP analysis showed potential for precise indoor environmental quality control for local zones around the human body.