Building design utilizing natural ventilation based on CFD and ventilation network analysis and its performance evaluation by field measurement

The innovation of computational simulations at the design stage can provide a more accurate prediction of building characteristics. Presenting information about practical cases is essential to validate the usefulness of computed predictions. This paper focuses on the coupling of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and flow network model simulations, and their validation by means of field measurements. An energy-saving building was designed and built. In the building, natural ventilation is utilized incorporating unique and challenging concepts. The ventilation route was intended to run from the outer faades to the courtyard faades regardless of which direction the wind was blowing. In advance, the performance of this natural ventilation was examined using CFD and flow network model analysis. As a result, the wind-pressure coefficient distribution for the whole building and the ventilation characteristics were obtained. After construction of the building, field measurements were performed to investigate the actual ventilation properties. It was verified that the aim of the building design was sufficiently realized.