Wind-driven Ventilation

The aim of this study is to check the accuracy of a nodal model to predict correctly the flow fields involved inside a building by wind-induced pressure. The model is confronted to experimental tests involving a one-storey dwelling of 84 m² at a reduced scale of 1/10 placed in a wind tunnel facility. Different configurations are tested considering openings of different sizes for outside openings as well as for internal doors. For each configuration, various wind incidences are studied.

An isothermal CFD study was made of a building perpendicular to the wind direction. The building was modelled with a closed façade, and consecutively with one and multiple openings. The sensitivity was investigated for different turbulence models, meshes and near wall treatments, both in 2D and 3D. A large sensitivity was found to the modelling options with regard to the predicted wind pressure coefficients (Cp) distribution, but less with regard to the predicted flow rate through the openings.

Recently, the hybrid air-conditioning system that used natural ventilation together with a mechanical air-conditioning was proposed. Hybrid air conditioning system is expected to be saving energy and maintain keep indoor thermal environment comfort.