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SIMULATION COMPARISON OF THE PLUME

RISE USING ANSYS CFD-CFX AND AERMOD
MODEL

Conference Paper June 2015

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 SIMULATION COMPARISON OF THE PLUME RISE USING ANSYS
CFD-CFX AND AERMOD MODEL
Oliver Maruntalu1, Gheorghe Lazaroiu, Dana Andreya Bondrea, Adrian Nicolae Stan
University Politehnica of Bucharest

ABSTRACT

Different types of models can be used to simulate the pollutants dispersion into the atmosphere.
This work presents a comparison between two dispersion models of pollutants in the atmosphere, from
stationary emission sources, namely AERMOD Model and ANSYS CFX. Air quality model can be an
adequate tool for future air quality prediction, also atmospheric observation supporting and emission
control strategies responders.

1. INTRODUCTION

Air Quality Modeling is an attempt to predict or simulate the ambient concentrations of

contaminants in the atmosphere. These models are used primarily as a quantitative tool to
correlate cause and effect of concentration levels found in an area. They are also used to support
laws and/or regulations designed to protect air quality. The models have been the subjects of
extensive evaluation to determine their performance under a variety of meteorological
conditions [1], [2]. Meteorology plays an important role in the dispersion of effluents. Various
meteorological factors affect the dispersion of emission into the atmosphere in a variety of
ways. One of the most important meteorological variables responsible for high ground level
concentrations is the height of convective boundary layer (or mixing height) [3], [4].

2. MARERIALS AND METHODS

2.1. AERMOD Model

The AERMOD Gaussian model is a steady-state plume model. In the stable boundary
layer, it assumes the concentration distribution to be Gaussian in both the vertical and
horizontal. In the convective boundary layer, the horizontal distribution is also assumed to be
Gaussian, but the vertical distribution is described with a bi-Gaussian probability density
function. The AERMOD incorporates current concepts about flow and dispersion in complex
terrain [5]. AERMOD is a steady-state plume model. In the stable boundary layer (SBL), it
assumes the concentration distribution to be Gaussian in both the vertical and horizontal. In the
convective boundary layer (CBL), the horizontal distribution is also assumed to be Gaussian,
but the vertical distribution is described with a bi-Gaussian probability density function (pdf)
[6], [7].
Using a relatively simple approach, AERMOD incorporates current concepts about flow
and dispersion in complex terrain. Where appropriate the plume is modeled as either impacting
and/or following the terrain. This approach has been designed to be physically realistic and

1
SplaiulIndependentei nr.319, 0743196458, [email protected]

57
simple to implement while avoiding the need to distinguish among simple, intermediate and
complex terrain, as required by other regulatory models. As a result, AERMOD removes the
need for defining complex terrain regimes. All terrain is handled in a consistent and continuous
manner while considering the dividing streamline concept in stably stratified conditions [8].
Gaussian plume models for predicting pollutants concentrations from point and are sources
can be described by the following equations [9]:
For point source:

= (1)
2 2

For area source:

1
= (2)
2 2
whereC is the downwind pollutants concentration, Qp the point source pollutants emission rate,
Qa the area source pollutant emission rate, z, y, the Pasquill-Gifford plume spread parameters
based on stability class, u the average wind speed at pollutant release height, H the effective
height above ground of emission source, V the vertical term used to describe vertical
distribution of the plume, x the upwind direction, and y the cross wind direction.

2.2.ANSYS CFX Model

ANSYS CFX software is able to solving complex and diverse three-dimensional fluid flow
problems. To describe the fundamental processes of momentum, mass transfer and heat, it used
the Navier-Stokes equations. The software contains a number of mathematical models that can
be used with Navier-Stokes equations to describe other chemical or physical processes, such
as combustion, turbulence or radiation. It uses a finite volume approach to convert partial
differential equations in a discrete system of algebraic equations by discretizing the
computational domain into finite elements. These equations lead to a solution with specified
domain boundary conditions. For a transient simulation, initial conditions are also required to
numerically close the equations. One of the most important features of CFX is that it uses a
coupled solution requiring less iteration to achieve convergence solution [10], [11].
The Navier-Stokes equations are as follows:
-Navier-Stokes equation (by function k) in the x direction

( ) ( ) ( )
+ + +
(3)

= + + + + +
2
+
3
- Navier-Stokes equation (by function k) in the y direction

58
 ( ) ( ) ( )
+ + +
(4)

= + + + + +
2
+
3
- Navier-Stokes equation (by function k) in the z direction

( ) ( ) ( )
+ + +
(5)

= + + + + +
2
+
3

3. RESULTS
3.1. ANSYS CFX simulation

For modeling the dispersion of the pollutants in the atmosphere by a chimney with ANSYS
CFX five steps are required. Table 1 present the simulation steps.

Table 1: ANSYS CFX simulation steps

Components Parameters
Geometry creation 3D geometry (CHP and obstacles)
Meshing Mesh shape and size
Pre-processing domain Fluid properties
Turbulence model
Pre-processing atmosphere boundary Fluid compositions
Wind direction and velocity profile
Temperature profile
Turbulence profile

Pre-processing CHP chimney boundary Fluid composition

Gases evacuation velocity
Gases temperature
Turbulence
Pre-processing ground boundary Influence
Surface

In Figure 1 and Figure 2 are presented the evolution of the plume in post-processing step.
The five steps for modeling the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere are: creating the
geometry, meshing, pre-processing, solving and post-processing. To configure the simulation
only the first three steps are considered. In post-processing can simulate rise of the plume,
vectors contour, velocity and pressure distribution gradient, volume rendering, and there is
virtually no limit to the post-processing possibilities in ANSYS CFD-Post. For a continuous
view of the evolution and rise of the plume can export the simulation by creating a video using

59
the animation function, where can set up the animation speed by increasing or decreasing the
number of frames. To a better view is recommended to set the animation speed to a larger
number of frames.

Figure 1: Evolution of the plume- view 1

Figure 2: Evolution of plume- view 2

60
 3.2. AERMOD Simulation

The module AERMET uses meteorological data and surface characteristics to calculate
boundary layer parameters such as mixing height and friction velocity, needed by AERMOD.
Data must be representative of the meteorology in the modeling domain irrespective of whether
it is on-site or off-site data. The modeling may be performed using the usual x-y coordinate
system or the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system. A typical x-y coordinate system
is not based on a geographic standard. Figure 3 represents the simulation of the plume.

Figure 3: Evolution of pollutants dispersion

4. CONCLUSION

The AERMOD model is the most used model to modeling the pollutants in the
atmosphere, is easy to use and the system requirements are not very high. ANSYS CFD-CFX
is complex software and to a better simulation result and a quick computing time is
recommended to use a performing system.

Acknowledgment

The work has been funded by the Sectoral Operational Programme Human Resources
Development 2007-2013 of the Ministry of European Funds through the Financial Agreement
POSDRU/159/1.5/S/134398.

References

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Source Region for Different Stability Classes", Env. Monitoring and Assessment, pp 1-14, 1994.
[2] A. Kumar, J. Luo and G. Bennett, "Statistical Evaluation of Lower Flammability Distance (LFD) using
Four Hazardous Release Models", Process Safety Progress, 12 (1), pp 1-11, 1993.
[3] LZROIU Gh., Impactul CTE asupra mediului, Editura POLITEHNICA PRESS, ISBN 973-8449-79-0,
355 pg., Bucureti, 2005.
[4] M. Roscia, D. Zaninelli, Gh.LAZAROIU, FUZZY LOGIC APPLIED FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN
MODELS, Journal of Environmental Protectionand Ecology, ISSN 1311-5065, Vol.12, No. 4A, pp. 2225-
2235, 2011, AccessionNumber: WOS: 0003032274500025.

61
 [5] Valentina Busini, Laura Capelli, Selena Sironi, Giuseppe Nano, Andrea N. Rossi, Simone Bonati,
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[7] Willis, G. E. and J. W. Deardorff, 1981: A laboratory study of dispersion in the middle of the convectively
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[8] Snyder, W. H., R. S. Thompson, R. E. Eskridge, R. E. Lawson, I. P. Castro, J. T. Lee, J. C. R. Hunt, and Y.
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[9] Wang L., Parker D.B., Parnell C.B., Lacey R.E., Shaw B.W., 2006, Comparison of CALPUFF and ISCST3
models for predicting downwind odor and source emission rates, Atmos Environ, 40, 4663-4669.
[10] ANSYS CFX-Solver Theory Guide, ANSYS Ltd., 2006.
[11] N. Ashgriz, J. Mostaghimi, An introduction to computational fluid dynamics, in: J. Saleh (Ed.), Fluid Flow
Handbook, McGraw-Hill Professional, 2002, pp.24.124.52.

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