Curved Plate Optimization on Thermal Comfort for Aircraft Ventilation Buffer Chambers

Human comfort dictates stricter temperature and velocity requirements in the passenger cabin and flight deck. Uneven or excessively high airflow from the ventilation control system may cause discomfort to passengers due to strong drafts. In this study, a parametric CFD model, augmented with a genetic algorithm, is developed to optimize the temperature and velocity within aircraft ventilation buffer chambers, incorporating the shape and size of a novel curved ventilation plate. This endeavour aims to enhance airflow uniformity from the ventilation control system vents, thereby improving passenger comfort within the cabin. Results demonstrate that outlet airflow uniformity has been significantly enhanced through automated optimization design, providing a more adaptable solution for designing airflow comfort in aircraft.