Luftstrompfads

Luftstrompfad (air flow path) denotes the route followed by air as it moves through a space, duct, or device. The path is determined by the velocity field, boundary surfaces, obstacles and sources or sinks, and may vary over time in unsteady flows. In fluid dynamics, Luftstrompfad is closely related to streamlines, pathlines and streaklines, which offer different ways to visualize air motion. In German, the word can appear in the genitive as Luftstrompfads.

In building services and HVAC engineering, Luftstrompfade are used to evaluate ventilation effectiveness, indoor air quality and thermal comfort. Designers aim to create flow paths that deliver adequate fresh air to occupants, promote mixing where needed, avoid short-circuiting of supply and return air, and minimize energy consumption. In safety applications, airflow paths influence smoke movement and the effectiveness of smoke control systems.

CFD simulations are commonly used to study Luftstrompfade. By solving for the velocity field, engineers can derive pathlines or streaklines to identify recirculation zones, stagnant regions, or insufficient air exchange. Experimental methods include tracer gas tests, particle image velocimetry (PIV) and hot-wire anemometry, which provide data to validate predicted flow paths.

Practical considerations include the geometry of the space, placement of diffusers and returns, pressure differences, and boundary conditions. A well-designed Luftstrompfad supports good indoor air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency, whereas poorly planned paths can lead to uneven temperatures, contaminants accumulation, or excessive fan power.