Computational Method for Early-Stage Design Optimization of Naturally Ventilated Terminals

Master thesis (2019)

Authors

Okan Fehmi Saban Fred Türkcan Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

P. Nourian Design Informatics - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
P.J.W. van den Engel Building Services - Architecture and the Built Environment (graduation committee member)
M.J. Tenpierik Building Physics - Architecture and the Built Environment (coach)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment, Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2019 Okan Fehmi Saban Fred Türkcan
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Published Date

30-08-2019

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the development of a computational model for early-stage design decision support of naturally ventilated terminal structures. The model is developed in a parametric Rhino Grasshopper environment paired with Python coding and CFD analyses through OpenFOAM. Optimization of air distribution parameters is performed with Galapagos evolutionary solver, while optimization of the subsequent geometry is done manually by means of the CFD results of the best-performing variant. Within the thesis a background study is made by means of an interview and literature review, after which analytic calculations and CFD studies are used to test various options and narrow down the domain of solutions for the case of the design of a naturally ventilated terminal structure. Finally, the method itself is developed and validated with a case study that is also used during the development of the model. The result of the thesis is a rapid computational model that allows for the integration of CFD studies into the early-stage design of naturally ventilated terminals with an optimization for the stated objective function. Secondly, the CFD results can be used to give an indication of a more optimal geometry of the hall. The final selection of geometry and the validation are left up to the user to perform afterwards.