Radisson Blu
Glasgow
Two CFD studies. One building. Measurable results on energy performance and thermal comfort.
A complete CFD diagnosis
on a single building
This project combined two independent CFD studies at the same hotel — one addressing external aerodynamics around rooftop heat pumps, the other tackling internal thermal discomfort in the restaurant atrium. Together, they illustrate the breadth of insight CFD simulation can deliver.
Study 01
Aerodynamic analysis of 10 rooftop heat pump units (Carrier) to optimise placement and maximise COP under real wind and recirculation conditions.
Study 02
Internal CFD simulation of the glazed atrium to diagnose recurrent cold draught complaints from restaurant guests and test corrective solutions.
Challenge
Manufacturer performance curves assume ideal conditions. Field reality — wind exposure, thermal recirculation, unit spacing — systematically degrades performance.
Approach
Full 3D CFD modelling of both environments. Results validated against field measurements where available. Solutions compared virtually before any works.
How much COP are you leaving on the table?
Wind-driven recirculation between units silently erodes performance — before a single operation day.
The hotel planned to install 10 Carrier heat pump modules on the rooftop. Standard commissioning relies on manufacturer datasheets — which don't account for dominant wind direction, thermal recirculation loops between closely spaced units, or the effect of suboptimal module orientation.
We ran a full 3D CFD simulation of the rooftop under realistic wind conditions, mapping recirculation patterns and quantifying COP deviation for each configuration tested.
"6.4 percentage points of COP recovered on Group 1 — same installation, same budget, before a single day of operation."
3D aerodynamic modelling
Full geometric reconstruction of the rooftop environment, including parapet walls, unit housings and surrounding urban context. Wind rose data from Glasgow integrated as boundary conditions.
Recirculation mapping
Identification of hot air recirculation loops between units under prevailing wind conditions. Quantification of inlet temperature rise and resulting COP impact for each module.
Configuration optimisation
Systematic comparison of alternative unit orientations and spacing. Derivation of manufacturer-realistic performance curves corrected for actual site conditions.
Guest complaints resolved before any works
Cold draught at restaurant level — a recurring issue with a hidden cause, solved virtually.
Restaurant guests were regularly reporting cold discomfort at table level. Rather than commission works on a hypothesis, the hotel opted for a CFD diagnosis first.
Our simulation of the full atrium volume revealed a downward thermosiphon effect: air cooled by the large glazed surfaces descended along the facade and spread across the restaurant floor at occupant level.
Root cause identified: Cold air descending from glazing via thermosiphon effect, spreading laterally at floor level.
Validated against field data: Simulation results matched on-site temperature measurements.
Two solutions tested virtually: Configurations compared using PMV/PPD comfort indices before any works.
Decision supported by data: Facility management received a clear, evidence-based recommendation.
"CFD simulation doesn't replace remediation works. It does better: it tells you which ones to do, and why — before you spend a single euro on site."
Two problems. One methodology. Measurable answers.
Whether optimising energy infrastructure or resolving occupant comfort issues, CFD simulation turns unknowns into data-backed decisions.
Radisson Blu
Glasgow
Two CFD studies. One building. Measurable results on energy performance and thermal comfort.
A complete CFD diagnosis
on a single building
This project combined two independent CFD studies at the same hotel — one addressing external aerodynamics around rooftop heat pumps, the other tackling internal thermal discomfort in the restaurant atrium. Together, they illustrate the breadth of insight CFD simulation can deliver.
Study 01
Aerodynamic analysis of 10 rooftop heat pump units (Carrier) to optimise placement and maximise COP under real wind and recirculation conditions.
Study 02
Internal CFD simulation of the glazed atrium to diagnose recurrent cold draught complaints from restaurant guests and test corrective solutions.
Challenge
Manufacturer performance curves assume ideal conditions. Field reality — wind exposure, thermal recirculation, unit spacing — systematically degrades performance.
Approach
Full 3D CFD modelling of both environments. Results validated against field measurements where available. Solutions compared virtually before any works.
How much COP are you leaving on the table?
Wind-driven recirculation between units silently erodes performance — before a single operation day.
The hotel planned to install 10 Carrier heat pump modules on the rooftop. Standard commissioning relies on manufacturer datasheets — which don't account for dominant wind direction, thermal recirculation loops between closely spaced units, or the effect of suboptimal module orientation.
We ran a full 3D CFD simulation of the rooftop under realistic wind conditions, mapping recirculation patterns and quantifying COP deviation for each configuration tested.
"6.4 percentage points of COP recovered on Group 1 — same installation, same budget, before a single day of operation."
3D aerodynamic modelling
Full geometric reconstruction of the rooftop environment, including parapet walls, unit housings and surrounding urban context. Wind rose data from Glasgow integrated as boundary conditions.
Recirculation mapping
Identification of hot air recirculation loops between units under prevailing wind conditions. Quantification of inlet temperature rise and resulting COP impact for each module.
Configuration optimisation
Systematic comparison of alternative unit orientations and spacing. Derivation of manufacturer-realistic performance curves corrected for actual site conditions.
Guest complaints resolved before any works
Cold draught at restaurant level — a recurring issue with a hidden cause, solved virtually.
Restaurant guests were regularly reporting cold discomfort at table level. Rather than commission works on a hypothesis, the hotel opted for a CFD diagnosis first.
Our simulation of the full atrium volume revealed a downward thermosiphon effect: air cooled by the large glazed surfaces descended along the facade and spread across the restaurant floor at occupant level.
Root cause identified: Cold air descending from glazing via thermosiphon effect, spreading laterally at floor level.
Validated against field data: Simulation results matched on-site temperature measurements.
Two solutions tested virtually: Configurations compared using PMV/PPD comfort indices before any works.
Decision supported by data: Facility management received a clear, evidence-based recommendation.
"CFD simulation doesn't replace remediation works. It does better: it tells you which ones to do, and why — before you spend a single euro on site."
Two problems. One methodology. Measurable answers.
Whether optimising energy infrastructure or resolving occupant comfort issues, CFD simulation turns unknowns into data-backed decisions.