Abstract
Three dimensional mixed convection in an ice rink heated by radiant heaters was simulated numerically using the standard k-epsilon model with wall functions. This large building was first modelled under steady state conditions by considering or not surface-to-surface radiation between the internal surfaces and with the radiant heaters ON or OFF. After those four basic scenarios the transient behaviour was modelled by considering that the radiant heaters are thermostatically controlled. Results indicate the usefulness of the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) technique as a powerful tool which provides a detailed description of the flow and temperature fields as well as the heat fluxes into the ice. The most important results are:
The agreement between calculated values and some measured values is fairly good.
The velocity and temperature distributions are definitely three-dimensional.
In a large part of the ice rink the air is essentially stagnant and significant air velocities can only be found above the spectator stands and near the ceiling above the ice; analogously, significant turbulent kinetic energy is found only in these same regions.
The radiant heat flux into the ice is significantly higher than the convective one.
When the radiant heaters are turned ON the temperatures of the inside surfaces of the building envelope and of the air increase; as a result, the heat flux reaching the ice increases significantly.