The internal thermal environment in airport terminals is affected by various factors like people density, mobility, staying, and transit time.

In addition, it is also affected by weather and so on. Airport terminals are among the major transportation hubs. These structures have distinct functional characteristics based on the footfall and usage of transiting visitors.

Detailed thermal comfort analysis for airport terminals using thermal simulations helps assess specific problems related to energy consumption.

The results are used to reduce energy operation without compromising comfort in airport terminals. It helps in relating possible conduct for perfecting inner environmental quality.

This blog post will focus on the benefits of thermal comfort analysis for airport terminals. It also provides insight into how expert CFD solutions improve the performance of HVAC systems in terminal buildings.

Importance of Thermal Comfort Analysis for Airport Terminals 

Airport terminals are exceptionally complex structures where the requirements of different population groups are accommodated.

The microclimatic conditions outside are anticipated to give a comfortable transiting environment for passengers. At the same time, it provides a comfortable working landscape for the small number of terminal staff.

Here are some reasons why thermal comfort analysis for airport terminals is indispensable:

1. Optimizing Energy Consumption of HVAC systems at the airport terminal

The annual energy consumption of airport terminals is usually higher than typical offices and commercial buildings.

 To create a comfortable indoor environment in transportation buildings such as airport terminals, the energy consumption of the HVAC system is a significant component of the complete analysis process.

That is why the thermal comfort analysis for airport terminals is associated with the energy consumption of HVAC systems.

The functional strategies of HVAC systems and energy savings can be maximized if inner thermal environmental parameters can be acclimated by expanding comfort zones during downtime and summer.

2. Presence of Diverse Functional Zones at Airport Terminals

Regulating thermal terrain parameters

Airport terminals correspond to several functional zones. The exertion situations of passengers vary in different functional zones.

Passengers in the departure zone seating areas are primarily sedentary, while those in the transit hall walk.

Thus, the inner thermal terrain parameters of the current outstations need to be regulated to suit the thermal comfort needs of passengers in different functional zones.

 A higher influx and mobility of passengers leads to varying dwell times in the same space.

Ensuring comfort regardless of the diversity of spaces

Passengers with differing times of dwell may bear different thermal surroundings. The diversity of spaces and the miscellaneous functions across the different terminal zones further contribute to thermal comfort conflicts.

Variations in apparel situations, exertion, time spent in the area, and overall prospects are screening factors for variations in thermal conditions between the two groups.

Understanding similar conflicts during CFD thermal comfort analysis for airport terminals can ameliorate comfort conditions while reducing the large quantities of energy consumed to exert terminal structures.

3. Enhances the Ambiance

CFD thermal comfort analysis for airport terminals also helps maintain and create a comfortable and breathable environment for the transiting passengers and the employed staff.

Problems Addressed During CFD Thermal Comfort Analysis for Airport Terminals

Here are a few problems that are resolved by CFD thermal comfort analysis for airport terminals:

1. Changing Thermal Demands of Passengers 

The CFD analysis evaluates passengers’ thermal comfort demands in the departure area during different seasons.

To add to the study’s accuracy, they also identify crunches in the current inner environmental parameters in outstations and give a reference for the design and operation of under-construction airport terminal systems.

Often, high situations of forbearance of thermal conditions are demonstrated. Alongside the wide adequacy temperature range, it reduces heating energy in downtime without compromising thermal comfort.

On the other hand, the demand for further cooling in summer highlights the need to estimate different field terminal designs to enable unresistant cooling strategies.

2. Changing Daylight Hours due to Seasonal Variation

 Passengers also demonstrate a strong preference for natural light. It comprises an additional energy-saving perspective through maximizing sun affluence.

CFD thermal comfort analysis for airport terminals also develops statistical analysis plans to ensure uniformity in data analysis and maintain the validity of results. The studies are usually conducted using two open- concluded questions.

Consequently, the engineers segregate the collected data regarding the terminal attributes inhabitants liked and disliked the most.

The data are then used to assess the perceived significance of the inner environmental conditions compared to typical enterprises in similar installations.

A Comprehensive Approach to Thermal Comfort Analysis for Airport Terminals 

Based on CFD thermal comfort analysis for airport terminals, different approaches to cooling energy savings can be considered that don’t compromise comfort.

For example, more effective lighting and outfit can reduce internal heat earnings in discrepancy. With respect to the lighting conditions, CFD analysis results frequently demonstrate that bright rather than dim conditions are preferred in all outstations.

Also, you should use a harmonious preference for further natural light even when it is supposed to be sufficient.

The Takeaway

A thorough CFD thermal comfort analysis for airport terminals is important for creating a breathable environment for the transiting passengers and the employed staff. In addition, it also aids in optimizing the energy consumption of the airport terminals.

Our engineers recommend the best thermal solutions by comparing the differences in thermal comfort demands of passengers in different functional zones during different seasons.

They assess the relationship between the thermal comfort demands of passengers and dwell time.

This is why Mechartés undertakes projects for performing CFD thermal comfort analysis for airport terminals.

Our experienced consultants are adept at performing CFD analysis of HVAC systems. They can accurately suggest possible solutions for optimizing the energy consumption of HVAC systems at airport terminals.

Contact our service advisors for more details.