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PROJECT

3D Modeling and CFD Simulation of the Spark Lab Office

Date March 13, 2024
Designer Ahmad Jalil, Caleb Mueller
Lab Spark Lab
Contact sparklab@unbc.ca

Objectives & Constraints

  • Objective: Create a 3D model of the Spark Lab office space and perform HVAC and radiation thermal simulations for future floor planning.
  • Constraints: Model must accurately represent room geometry including pillars, electric heating, cabinets, and vents for reliable simulation results.

Materials & Tools

  • Software: Autodesk Fusion 360, SimScale CFD simulation software
  • Equipment: iPhone LIDAR sensor, tape measure

Phases of Development

01
I. Measurements
  • Large room dimensions were measured with an iPhone LIDAR sensor and smaller measurements were taken with a tape measurer.
02
II. Modeling
  • Modeling of the room and objects such as pillars, electric heating, and large cabinets was done in Fusion 360.
  • Vents were modeled as open holes in the wall to be used as flow inputs and pressure outputs in SimScale.
03
III. SimScale Convective Heat Transfer Simulation
  • The model was exported into SimScale and prepared for simulation by creating an internal flow volume.
  • The simulation was run with vent volumetric flow inlets and pressure outlets, and radiation inputs through the south facing windows.

Skills Developed

Component assembly in Fusion 360 CFD simulation of HVAC systems and solar radiation Room measurement using LIDAR

Support & Resources

  • Spark Lab
  • UNBC

Product Images

Fusion 360 CAD model of the Spark Lab office
Fusion 360 CAD model of the Spark Lab office
Internal flow volume with boundary conditions in SimScale
Internal flow volume of the office with boundary conditions in SimScale
CFD thermal simulation results
CFD simulation showing temperature distribution across the office