Scale model and analytical methods to improve natural ventilation of an office Article

Lepage, MF, Irwin, PA. (1990). Scale model and analytical methods to improve natural ventilation of an office . Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 36(PART 1), 469-479. 10.1016/0167-6105(90)90330-F

cited authors

  • Lepage, MF; Irwin, PA

abstract

  • A technique is described for predicting the performance of natural ventilation in buildings. Inputs into the analysis include the size and location of openings in the building (e.g. operable windows), details of partitioning within the building and meteorological data for the site. In determining the forces that drive air flow through the building, both wind pressure and stack effect are considered. Wind effects are determined by measuring exterior wind pressures on a scale model in a boundary layer wind tunnel. Stack effect is evaluated mathematically. The results consist of average flow rates through the building and the build-up of heat inside for a range of wind conditions. Combining these results with long-term wind and temperature data, the performance of the natural ventilation system is evaluated for the climate at the site. A case study is presented in which four roof vent designs were compared. The study confirmed that ventilation rates would reach their maximum for winds perpendicular to the long axis of the building, and their minimum for winds parallel to the long axis. © 1990.

authors

publication date

  • January 1, 1990

published in

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 469

end page

  • 479

volume

  • 36

issue

  • PART 1