Numerical Analysis of Crawl Spaces Airflow

Abstract

Unlike Central Europe (specifically the Czech Republic), where crawl spaces are not very common, their use is traditional in Nordic countries. However, due to the microclimate within crawl spaces, summertime can be problematic. The relative humidity within a crawl space can reach values of up to 95% [1]. Various factors, including airflow, influence the microclimate of crawl spaces.

This paper focuses on simulating airflow and air age in a naturally ventilated soil space in the Czech Republic using OpenFOAM software. The study involves monitoring internal airflow, surface temperature of the crawl space floor and ceiling structure, as well as air humidity and temperature.