3.3. Comparison between CFD simulations and wind tunnelmeasurements
Fig. 4a and b display the mean velocity vector field in the vertical
center plane obtained from PIV measurements and CFD simulations,
respectively. It is observed that the CFD simulations
correctly predict the most important flow features: the standing
vortex upstream of the building and the specific flow pattern inside
the building, which exhibits a strong downward directed flow near
the inlet opening followed by a strong upwards directed flow along
the downstream wall, which leads to an oblique upward directed
flow through the outlet opening. To provide a more quantitative
comparison the measured and computed streamwise wind speed
ratios U/Uref along (1) a horizontal line going through the middle of
the windward opening (Fig. 4c), and (2) along a diagonal line
(Fig. 4d), are presented [26]. The comparison indicates a good
agreement between the measurement data and the results from
the CFD simulations using the SST k-u turbulence model to provide
closure. It can be noticed that the simulations overestimate the
mean velocity around the opening, which was also pointed out by
Ramponi and Blocken [32] in their study of cross-ventilation with
symmetric window openings (both openings at same height). This
discrepancy can be explained by the fact that the PIV measurements
cannot provide accurate predictions in these regions due to
reflections and shading effects [39]. Despite these differences an
overall good agreement is observed