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Thermal Comfort Analysis – Mosque Building KSA

Project Name

Mosque Building KSA

Location

Riyadh, KSA

Scope of Work

Thermal Comfort Analysis for 4,000 Sq.m Prayer Hall with 25m Height

Objective

To evaluate and optimize the thermal comfort within the large-volume prayer hall of the Mosque Building KSA, accommodating fluctuating occupancy levels while ensuring energy-efficient air distribution and maintaining aesthetic and structural integrity.

Project Overview

The Mosque Building KSA features a majestic prayer hall spanning 4,000 square meters with a ceiling height of 25 meters. This architectural scale poses challenges in maintaining thermal comfort, especially during peak usage periods.

Our scope was to conduct a detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis to assess and enhance the indoor environment, focusing on air distribution effectiveness, occupant comfort, and HVAC system performance.

Key Design Features

Jet Nozzles at Boundary Walls

Strategically placed jet nozzles at the perimeter walls were used to provide targeted air throw across the large hall. These nozzles facilitate high-velocity air supply that mixes with the indoor air effectively, ensuring thermal comfort without disturbing the prayer environment. The CFD analysis focused on throw distance, temperature distribution, and air velocity profiles at occupant level.

Column Cooling System

An innovative column-integrated cooling design was employed, where both the floor and the vertical columns are thermally connected to deliver low-temperature air. This hybrid cooling approach ensures localized comfort without overloading the central HVAC system. The floor-column connection allows cool air to ascend gently, reducing thermal stratification in the occupied zone.

Thermal Comfort Indices

Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied (PPD) based on ASHRAE 55.

Temperature Distribution

Across various vertical zones from 0 to 2 m occupant level and up to ceiling height.

Velocity Profiles

Ensured gentle air movement in the occupied zone (< 0.2 m/s) while ensuring complete coverage.

Air Distribution Effectiveness

Evaluated by comparing different supply air configurations.

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge	Solution
Large space with high ceilings	Use of high-throw jet nozzles for deep penetration of cooled air
Stratification due to thermal layering	Column and floor cooling to distribute cool air evenly and prevent temperature gradients
Aesthetic and structural constraints	Integration of systems within architectural elements (columns and wall boundaries) without intrusive ductwork

Outcome

The CFD simulation and analysis enabled

Uniform temperature distribution across the prayer area

Minimized hot zones and cold drafts

Energy-efficient cooling strategy with optimal nozzle placement

Enhanced comfort perception during both low and high occupancy conditions

Conclusion

The thermal comfort analysis for Mosque Building KSA demonstrates the critical role of CFD simulation in designing effective HVAC solutions for large-volume spaces. The integration of jet nozzles and an innovative column cooling system achieved a balance between occupant comfort, architectural integrity, and energy efficiency, setting a benchmark for mosque and large hall cooling designs in the region.