Studying the features of air flow induced by a room ceiling-fan

Creating a breeze in a space is necessary to enhance convective heat transfer and accordingly body heat dissipation. In most tropical countries, ceiling fans are extensively used to create an indoor breeze, improve the space air distribution and, hence enhance the feeling of comfort. The fan speed, diameter, number of blades, blade angle, and location all play an important role in determining the induced flow pattern features in the space.Few previous studies have investigated fan induced flow and its characteristics under different geometric and operating conditions. In this study, an analytical as well as a computational model was used to predict the flow pattern induced by a ceiling fan into a selected space. The numerical and mathematical results were compared to published experimental data. The results showed that the flow pattern has different features as it leaves the fan and proceeds towards the floor. It has a divergence angle of almost 150°. Two correlations are introduced to help predicting the air velocity distribution due to using a ceiling fan.

► We modeled the flow pattern induced by a 3-blade ceiling fan that is extensively used in tropical countries.
► The study aims at showing the flow pattern to help locating furniture in the occupied zone.
► The induced flow-cone angle was determined.
► Two predicted correlations were introduced to help estimating velocity distribution in the fan rotating plane as well as downword of the fan.