NUMERICAL-SIMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF THE AERODYNAMICS FLOW FIELD INSIDE FUME CUPBOARDS

This paper presents numerical predictions of the aerodynamic flow field inside two-dimensional fume cupboards. Several flow configurations are predicted and particular attention was devoted to the ambient flow entrainment into the fume cupboard for different front window openings, and different conditions of the exhaust system. Depending on the aerodynamic flow configuration negative entrainment may occur at the front window and too much sucking may not always improve the performance of the fume cupboard. The employed numerical algorithm allows the optimization of the operating flow condition in a two-dimensional fume cupboard and the use of computer programmes for future development of fume cupboards is stressed.