Efficient coupling of multizone and CFD indoor flow models through proper orthogonal decomposition

This paper describes a novel approach for efficiently coupling computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and lumped-parameter flow network zonal (FNZ) models in order to predict the flow and contaminant distribution in a nonuniform open space (NOS) connected to one or more suites of well-mixed offices through corridor openings. The NOS represents a room where the spatial gradients of velocity or concentration are of practical significance. Such coupling is required for near-real-time flow control and/or contaminant dispersion and containment applications. To achieve optimal coupling, the order of the CFD solutions is reduced through proper orthogonal decomposition. Such decomposition is used to predict, in near real time and with high fidelity, the flow and contaminant fields in the NOS, given the flow and concentration conditions at the interface between the FNZ and NOS. The model capabilities are demonstrated for a single NOS connected to one suite of offices.