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

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.