CFD MODELING OF AIRFLOW FOR IMPROVING THERMAL COMFORT IN NATURALLY VENTILATED CLASSROOM WITHIN ABUJA

This study investigates airflow behavior required for thermal comfort in a naturally ventilated classroom in Abuja, Nigeria, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The classroom, located within Baze University, was simulated using Autodesk CFD to assess air velocity, temperature distribution, and Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) across three horizontal planes, 0.6 m, 1.1 m, and 1.7 m above floor level. These heights were selected based on ASHRAE Standard 55 guidelines to reflect comfort conditions at seated and standing levels. The results of the CFD revealed vertical temperature stratification, with cooler air concentrated at floor level and warmer air collected at ceiling level, particularly near externally exposed walls. Airflow patterns showed effective vertical ventilation but limited air mixing at the occupied zone due to furniture obstruction and high sill height. PMV values between 1.0 and 2.5 indicate that most occupants experienced slightly warm to warm conditions. The study highlights the performance gaps in current natural ventilation strategies and emphasizes the importance of passive cooling interventions. Overall, the findings support the use of CFD as a predictive tool and stress the need for climate-responsive design in educational buildings within tropical climates.