Building integrated diffusers’ area ratio optimization

This paper presents an investigation into the effect of area ratio parameter of diffusers on its energy output through power coefficient C_p. This parameter has effect both on diffusers’ energy yield, besides diffuser’s size for architectural integration prospects. A systematic increase in diffusers area ratio is adopted following standardized diffuser profile presented by NACA 1244 aerofoil. A series of area ratios were investigated (i.e., 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.5, 3 and 3.5). Area ratio of 1.5 (i.e., outlet/inlet, 0.75 m/0.50 m) exhibited the highest power coefficient C_p of 4.2, in addition to achieving highest resulting velocity of 25.8 m/s under incident velocity of 16m/s. Considerable wind separation inside inner walls of diffusers occurred from area ratio 1.75 onwards, which impacted resulting velocities. Simulations performed with ANSYS CFD Academic to standalone diffusers. A series of incident velocities employed from 1 to 16 m/s that resulted in velocity increase by 120–156% respectively.