stairwell

The present work concerns the measurement and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of buoyancy-driven air flow through a stairwell that connects the two individual floors of a residential building. A series of experiments was performed in order to study the mas and heal transfer between the two floors. Air flow rates through this stairwell were measured using a single tracer gas decay technique. The analysis of results provided relations which can predict the mass and heat flow rate as a function of the inter-zonal average temperature difference.

The present paper deals with one of the most important mechanisms of inter-zone mass and energy transfer, namely the buoyancy-driven flows through stairwells that connect the floors of buildings. To further investigate these phenomena, experimental as well as theoretical studies have been carried out. A series of experiments have been performed in order to study the airflow through a typical stairwell that connects the two individual zones of a two-storey house. Airflow rates between the two zones were measured using a single tracer gas decay technique.

This paper is concerned with heat and mass transfer through two typical staircases, The firststaircase connects the two individual floors of a two-storey building, and the other connectsthe three individual floors of a three-storey building. A series of experiments have beenperformed in order to study the buoyancy driven flow between the floors. A single tracer gasdecay technique was adopted . Temperatures at various points on each floor were constantlymonitored and air velocity measurements were also provided at some specific locations.

The stack effect provides the driving force for vertical air movement within buildings. Its effects are especially pronounced in high rise developments, where the air leakage associated with elevators, stairs and service shafts can be a major concern. Stairwells and lift shafts themselves provide occupant access to those floors above or below ground level as well as providing routes for the movement of air. A knowledge therefore of the air movement characteristics if such shafts is vital in understanding the ventilation and leakage patterns in medium and high rise buildings.