Optimization of Thermal Environment in Cruise Ship Atriums Using CFD Simulation and Air Distribution Strategies

Di Li, Ji Zeng (), Yichao Bai, Xinqiao Zhang, Haoyun Gu, Nan Lu, Dawei Qiang and Ke Wang
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Di Li: College of Ocean Science & Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, 1550 Haigang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201306, China
Ji Zeng: College of Ocean Science & Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, 1550 Haigang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201306, China
Yichao Bai: Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., 3001 Zhouhai Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200137, China
Xinqiao Zhang: CSSC Cruise Technology Development Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200137, China
Haoyun Gu: College of Ocean Science & Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, 1550 Haigang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201306, China
Nan Lu: College of Ocean Science & Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, 1550 Haigang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201306, China
Dawei Qiang: College of Ocean Science & Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, 1550 Haigang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201306, China
Ke Wang: College of Ocean Science & Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, 1550 Haigang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201306, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-21

Abstract: As large common areas, cruise ship atriums affect passenger comfort and HVAC efficiency. Due to their complexity and high occupancy, maintaining a suitable thermal environment is difficult. Experimental measurements, thermal load analysis, and CFD simulation are used to assess and improve the atrium’s summer thermal climate. Experimental data supported the use of the RNG k - ε turbulence model to forecast airflow and temperature. To meet the cooling demand of 28,784 W, a supply air volume of 10,742 m 3 /h was required. Various air-supply methods were evaluated for temperature distribution, airflow velocity, PMV, and air age. Larger diffusers and better air dispersion increased temperature homogeneity, air age, and comfort. Redistributing airflow to corridors reduced localized overheating but raised core temperatures, whereas adding diffusers without boosting supply volume caused interference. The configuration with larger diffuser areas and equilibrated airflow maintained a temperature of 21–23 ° C , a PMV of −0.1 to 0.1, an air velocity of 0–0.3 m / s , and an average air age of 350 s. The findings provide theoretical and engineering guidance for energy-efficient HVAC systems in cruise ship atriums and other large public spaces.

Keywords: cruise ship atrium; thermal environment; thermal comfort; CFD simulation; air distribution optimization; HVAC (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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