Computational fluid mechanics study for improving boiler room ventilation

This study examines the performance of a ventilation system in a natural gas-powered boiler room of a healthcare facility. Three different models (Model-1, Model-2, and Model-3) were developed and analyzed in terms of airflow, pressure distribution, temperature gradient, and turbulence kinetic energy (TKE). Materials and Methods involved Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to assess air movement and heat transfer, alongside pipe diameter and pressure loss calculations based on natural gas regulations. Findings indicated that Model-1 exhibited unstable airflow circulation, Model-2 improved turbulence control with additional air inlets but still displayed irregularities in ceiling areas, while Model-3 achieved the most balanced airflow with optimized exhaust positioning. As a result, Model-3 demonstrated the best overall performance; however, further optimization of air inlet and exhaust locations is necessary. Evaluations based on natural gas regulations confirmed that Model-3 provides the most energy-efficient configuration.