The work described in this paper formed part of the European UrbVent project on urban ventilation.Measurements of wind speed, wind direction, and air temperature were made at four different heights, inside a pedestrian street canyon in the centre of Athens, Greece, and at the top of the canyon. In addition, infrared radiation on the canyon faades was measured. Experimental data were collected at intervals of 30 seconds. The dimensions of the canyon were: height/width=2.3, length/height=50/23=2.2 with an orientation of 12 degrees from North.
The need for reduced energy consumption has led to an overall decrease of air infiltration rates in buildings. particularly in dwellings. Unfortunately. this has given rise to a significant number of problems involving condensation. with resulting damage to the structure and contents of affected buildings. Various means of condensation control are available. The use of a passive ventilation system to achieve this aim has several attractions. not the least of which is that the occupants of houses fitted with such a system need little. if any, knowledge of the principles involved.
General principles of air movement around buildings are stated, indicating where windy areas are likely to occur. Case studies are then described in detail, and lessons to be learnt from these are summarised. Descriptions of wind tunnel measurements around simple model buildings are followed by accounts of the use of meteorological wind data and of the effects of wind on people. A method of predicting wind conditions around a building is developed. Some notes on wind tunnel investigations are given.
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