Global Defence Solutions (Nowra, New South Wales, Australia)
Global Defence Solutions required thermal analysis of interconnected modular tents arranged into spine and branch segments, with each branch configured with air conditioned/ducted tents. The interconnecting spine and branch segments formed a single climate-controlled volume which was subjected to roof solar radiant heat, external ambient air convective heat and ducted ambient air, with heat removed via recirculating cooled (air conditioned) air and air leakage (along the roof eaves of the ducted tents). Preliminary heat transfer calculations and thermal fluid flow analysis determined the total heat loading requirement for each tent layout considering peak solar radiant heat loads and ambient air conditions. Steady state/transient thermal fluid flow CFD analysis was required to determined air conditioning unit locations and additional venting requirements to achieve a target uniform indoor temperature environment considering steady state and transient heat loading.
What we did:
- Performed preliminary steady state/transient heat transfer calculations for deployable infrastructure configuration applying a lumped capacitor approach (to total internal tent volume) and considering peak roof solar radiant heat input, external ambient air convective heat input (via insulated tent roof/walls), ducted ambient air flow heat inputs and leakage air flow heat output
- Determined total air conditioning unit heat loading requirements (for steady state/transient heat loading) and reviewed proposed air conditioning unit/ducting configuration (i.e. number, positioning).
- Performed steady state/transient thermal fluid flow CFD analysis for deployable infrastructure configuration considering spine and branch segments and applying roof solar radiant heat flux and external convective heat transfer coefficient/ambient air temperature boundary conditions.
- Verified air conditioning unit steady state/transient heat loading requirements, characterised internal volume temperature distribution/air flow patterns and included additional (or relocated) air conditioning units/ducting as required to achieve target uniform indoor temperature requirements.
Outcome:
Avesta Consulting confirmed minimum air conditioning unit requirements for the proposed tent layouts to maintain acceptable internal temperatures and to attain air velocities/turbulence intensities within acceptable human comfort levels.
