Numerical simulation on supply air of high sidewall grille with retrofitted energy recovery ventilator system for thermal comfort in the tropics

Energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is capable of being integrated into buildings to cut down energy usage for ventilation. However, retrofitting an ERV system into existing occupiable space with mixed ventilation presents drawback to the supply air considering the existing air distribution equipment on the ceiling is limiting the options for ventilation supply. The indoor airflow conditions from supply air of high sidewall grille with obstruction imposed by retrofitted ERV system were investigated for thermal comfort. Three cases of discharged angles of 0 degrees horizontal blades, 45 degrees upward blades and 45 degrees downward blades at high sidewall grille in a studied classroom with tropical outdoor conditions were analyzed numerically. The investigation revealed that the obstruction imposed by ceiling-mounted supply duct in the ERV system can decrease comfort due to improper air mixing into the occupied zone. The results provided useful insight and practical implementation to ensure acceptable thermal comfort for the occupants in retrofitting an ERV in the context of mixed ventilation, which represents the most common design for air distribution in most existing buildings.