Indoor comfort simulation is a specialized engineering service provided by SAO, aiming to evaluate and verify thermal comfort and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) under actual operating conditions.
This service is particularly suitable for projects with high comfort requirements such as office buildings, hotels, commercial facilities, hospitals, and high-end developments, where occupant comfort and health are critical.
Objectives of the Comfort Simulation
Through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, SAO supports project stakeholders in:
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Evaluating thermal comfort within the occupied zone
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Assessing air temperature distribution, air velocity, and potential draft risk
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Verifying fresh air distribution and ventilation performance
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Identifying potential issues such as dead zones, short-circuiting, or uneven air distribution
The simulation helps confirm that the HVAC design is not only correct in calculation, but also appropriate for actual usage.
Applicable Standards
The simulation and evaluation are conducted based on the following principles:
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Full compliance with applicable Vietnamese standards and regulations (QCVN, TCVN)
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Where local standards are not specified in detail, international ASHRAE standards are referenced
Key standards applied include:
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ASHRAE Standard 55 – Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy
Evaluation of thermal comfort based on air temperature, air velocity, humidity, and PMV/PPD indices. -
ASHRAE Standard 62.1 – Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
Assessment of ventilation effectiveness, fresh air distribution, and indoor air quality control.
Role of CFD in Comfort Evaluation
CFD does not replace design standards, but serves as a technical verification tool to demonstrate compliance.
Using a single CFD model, SAO can simultaneously:
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Evaluate thermal comfort in accordance with ASHRAE 55
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Assess ventilation effectiveness in accordance with ASHRAE 62.1
The analysis focuses on the occupied zone, ensuring results accurately reflect actual occupant experience.
Value Delivered to the Project
SAO’s indoor comfort simulation service provides:
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Enhanced HVAC design quality
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Reduced operational risks after commissioning
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Improved transparency and credibility in technical documentation
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Compliance with the expectations of international consultants and developers