Effect of Forced Convection on Temperature Distribution and Velocity Profile in a Rectangular Enclosure with Varying Fan Speed

Abstract

Forced convection in a three dimensional rectangular enclosure was considered with heaters placed on the opposite wall on the y-z planes, two windows on the adjacent opposite walls on x-z planes  and one fan centrally fixed at the top (ceiling) x-y plane. The fan was set to rotate, the speed was varied. Results showed that temperature increases with increase in room depth. As the fan speed increases, temperature increases with increase in room depth at a lower rate. However the rate of increase in temperature is higher with increase in the room's depth. At any particular room depth, temperature is higher at lower Reynolds number and lower at high Reynolds number. Temperatures within the room are generally lower when the fan speed is increased. With respect to velocity profile, velocity of air within the room decreases with decrease in rooms' depth. The rate at which velocity decreases is higher at lower Reynolds number. As the fan speed decreases the rate at which velocity decreases lowers. Results also indicate that velocity is lower directly beneath the fan. The lowest velocity is registered when Reynolds number is high and highest at low Reynolds number.