What CFD HVAC Simulation is and its purpose in HVAC and building design:
- Noura Salem
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
In many HVAC projects, problems like poor airflow, hot or cold spots, insufficient fresh air supply, smoke buildup in fire scenarios, or even uncomfortable indoor temperatures often show up after the system is installed and running , when fixing them becomes expensive and time-consuming.
That’s where CFD HVAC Simulation (Computational Fluid Dynamics) comes in.
CFD is an advanced simulation tool that allows us to visualize and analyze the movement of fluids — such as air, smoke, or gases — through buildings, ventilation systems, and even inside pipes, all before the system is physically built. By running these simulations early in the design phase, CFD detect and fix issues before they become costly on-site problems , ensuring more reliable, efficient, and safe HVAC systems from day one.---------------------
Key CFD HVAC Simulation offered:
· Data center airflow and cooling optimization.
· Car park ventilation and CO/CO₂ concentration analysis.
· Chiller plant and cooling tower performance simulation.
· Rotor wash effects from helicopters on helipads and surrounding structures.
· Thermal comfort analysis
· Airflow dynamics in football stadiums
· Smoke movement and toxic gas modeling in fire scenarios
· Atrium and large-space smoke evacuation
· And much more !--------------------------------
Industries Served:
Our CFD services support a wide range of industries, including:
Healthcare facilities Commercial and residential buildings Car parks and underground garages Data centers Industrial plants and mechanical rooms Stadiums and large venues Helipads and aviation facilities Hotels and atriums Water treatment and piping systems Cooling systems
Benefits:
Precise system design: CFD allows engineers to visualize airflow, temperature, and pressure distributions in detail, leading to smarter, data-driven design decisions.
Improved energy efficiency: By simulating various system configurations before implementation, we can optimize performance and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Early problem detection: CFD helps identify design flaws such as dead zones, short-circuiting airflow, overheating, or poor ventilation — before installation begins.
Enhanced safety and compliance: From smoke control to CO/CO₂ buildup, CFD ensures systems meet safety standards and perform effectively in both normal and emergency scenarios.
Cost and time savings: Solving issues virtually reduces costly post-installation fixes and minimizes delays during construction and commissioning.-------------------------------------------------------------
Software Used
At SANA Engineering, we utilize Ansys, one of the most trusted and advanced CFD tools in the industry. As licensed users of Ansys software, our team is equipped to perform high-precision simulations for airflow, heat transfer, and smoke movement. This enables us to deliver reliable, data-driven solutions for optimizing thermal performance and ventilation efficiency across a wide range of environments — from data centers and hospitals to car parks and complex mechanical spaces.--------------------------------------------------------
Example Applications & Case Studies
Riyadh Metro – Chiller Performance Optimization
SANA Engineering performed CFD simulations for three metro stations (3F1, 3F2, and 3E5) to assess air-cooled chiller performance under Riyadh’s extreme heat. The analysis focused on detecting hot air recirculation, evaluating surface temperatures, and optimizing airflow around condenser units. Results confirmed safe operating conditions and improved thermal separation, helping ensure efficient and reliable HVAC performance across the Riyadh Metro system. Al-Yamamah Hospital – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. SANA Engineering performed a CFD analysis for the atrium smoke management system at Al-Yamamah Hospital. The goal was to verify system performance under worst-case fire scenarios. Using Ansys Fluent, the simulation confirmed compliance with Saudi and international fire codes, ensuring safe air velocity, temperature, CO levels, and visibility. The study supported design enhancements, including a 30% airflow increase for added safety.

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