Development and validation of a zonal model — POMA

This paper reports the development of a simplified numerical model, Pressurized zOnal Model with Air-diffuser (POMA), which is able to predict the airflow pattern and thermal distributions within a room. POMA model is based on the conservation of mass and energy. Jet characteristic equations were introduced in the model to generalize its application to mechanically ventilated buildings. POMA's prediction was compared with the experimental results and with the prediction of another zonal model as well as a CFD model. Comparisons were made for both natural and force ventilation cases, and in the case of force ventilation the comparison was done for cross-ventilation and a linear ceiling jet. The good agreements between results of POMA model and those of a CFD model and experimental data demonstrated that POMA model was a practical tool for ventilation system design.