The discharge coefficient of a centre-pivot roof window

Accuracy in estimation of airflow through windows is the key parameter for modelling and designing of naturally ventilated buildings. The flow through windows is usually described by the orifice flow plate equation. This equation involves the discharge coefficient. In practice, often a constant value of discharge coefficient is used. The constant value of discharge coefficient leads to deceptive airflow estimation in the cases of centre-pivot roof windows. The object of this paper is to study and evaluate the discharge coefficient of the centre pivot roof window. Focus is given on unidirectional flows i.e. inflow and outflow. CFD techniques are used to predict the airflow through the modelled window. Analytical orifice flow equation is used to calculate the discharge coefficient. Results are compared with experimental results. It is concluded that the single value of the discharge coefficient leads to ambiguous estimation of airflow rates. The discharge coefficient decreases with increase in flap opening area. The discharge coefficient also depends upon the flow direction