CFD simulations to analyse the thermal conditions in an installation shaft with electrical distribution box

As part of this project, a detailed analysis of the thermal conditions inside vertical installation shafts in which electrical distribution boxes are housed is being carried out. Due to the heat sensitivity of electronic components, the temperature development in these shafts plays a decisive role. Insufficient heat dissipation could lead to functional impairment of the electrical installations. The aim of the project is to determine the expected air temperatures inside the shafts using numerical flow simulation (CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics). The analysis should show whether natural heat dissipation is sufficient or whether additional, cost-intensive ventilation measures are required to ensure a safe operating environment. A three-dimensional CFD simulation is used for the calculation, which takes into account thermal effects such as convection and heat radiation. The modelling is carried out using a shaft situation that is representative of the construction project. As the shafts are separated airtight floor by floor for fire protection reasons, a single storey can be simulated using symmetry and periodic boundary conditions. In addition, neighbouring components such as walls and ceilings are taken into account in order to realistically depict cross-conduction effects. A detailed 3D spatial model of the shaft is created to carry out the simulation. The grid is generated with high resolution to ensure precise numerical calculation. This ensures that the simulation results can be interpreted with a high degree of accuracy and that well-founded decisions can be made about possible ventilation measures.