Experimental investigation of natural ventilation in an office building.

The work presented in this paper was done in 1997 as a final thesis in mechanical engineering, supervised by TRANSSOLAR Energietechnik GmbH in cooperation with the Institute for Thermodynamics and Heat Technology (ITW), University of Stuttgart. The contents of the work is the investigation of natural ventilation through window openings (single sided and cross ventilation) in an existing office space. Both measurements and computer simulation have been conducted. As a result of the work the original ventilation system was modified by assembling high-level opening lights that are automatically controlled and driven by electric motors. Depending on indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, carbon dioxide concentration and wind speed the control system adjusts the required opening area. In addition the control system provides a timer to ventilate the office space during night time to cool down the thermal mass of the building.