Simulating natural ventilation : coupling thermal and ventilation model

Ventilation determines the indoor air quality and has a profound effect on the energy consumption and thermal (summer) comfort of buildings. Simulation of natural ventilation leads to the prediction and evaluation of these performances.Coupling ventilation network and thermal simulation models is necessary to simulate natural ventilation as the mass and energy balance are physically linked in a naturally ventilated building. Several ways of coupling exist, each having its own possibilities and difficulties. An example of sequentially coupling the thermal model Capsol and the ventilation network simulation software AIOLOS is discussed.