Natural Ventilation

Natural Ventilation systems rely on natural driving forces, such as wind and temperature difference between a building and its environment, to drive the flow of fresh air through a building. Both work on the principle of air moving from a high pressure to a low pressure zone. Natural ventilation systems are usually integrated into building systems where there is some mechanical support; these are called mixed mode or hybrid ventilation buildings. The main benefit of some augmentation by mechanical systems is that there is less unpredictability with indoor environment conditions, though it will result in greater energy use. Types of Natural Ventilation Wind-driven Ventilation

Using natural air to ventilate a building is not only less expensive, but also less damaging to the environment thanks to the utilization of equipment that consumes a much lower amount of energy than mechanical systems. With a properly designed building, using natural wind could result in ventilation quality that is just as high as what could be achieved with a system that consumes more energy. When wind collides with a building, different pressures are observed from different sides of the building. The side that the wind is blowing into would have a higher air pressure than the opposite side; this would cause the air on the side with the higher pressure to flow to an area of lower pressure, which in this case would be the buildings interior. Another opening on the low pressure side would allow the interior air to circulate outwards to the side with the lower air pressure.

To improve the flow of air through a building, a wind catcher may be utilized at the buildings opening to better direct the incoming air. Wind catchers have been used to naturally ventilate buildings for the past few centuries, and are generally quite efficient in improving air circulation throughout the building. In a building as the wind blows towards the closed side of the building, it must flow around it, and as it passes the opening, drags the air from inside the building outwards as well. This is known as the Coanda effect, which is very commonly seen when the flow of a fluid is distorted as it flows past an object; the fluid is attracted to the surface of the object. In this manner, fresh air is constantly supplied throughout the building. It should be noted that many wind catchers can be controlled to open and close at different sides to suit the direction of the travelling wind. Equation below illustrates how to find the air flow rate for the wind driven ventilation system. Qwind = K*A*V Where, Qwind = Volumetric flow rate of air (m3/h) K = Coefficient of effectiveness A = Opening cross sectional area (m2) V = Outdoor wind speed (m/h) The coefficient of effectiveness is largely dependent on the angle at which the wind hits the building; for angles of 45 degrees, this figure is generally estimated to be around 0.4, while wind hitting the building at a perpendicular angle would result in a value of around 0.8 [11]. From this equation, it can be concluded that the only controllable factor is the cross sectional area of the opening. This can be adjusted during different months to optimize ventilation. For example, in the summer months where cool, fresh air is desired almost constantly, the area of the opening should be set higher. On the other hand, during the winter months, when the air in the interior is already cool, the opening area should be decreased such that only a necessary amount of ventilation for keeping the air clean and fresh is achieved. Controlling the opening cross sectional area could involve windows or covers. Advantages of Wind-driven Ventilation Relies on natural force (wind) When it works properly, it works to a very high magnitude. Suitable for most areas in the world, as wind is all over the planet. Relatively inexpensive Fewer emissions, as less energy is consumed.

Disadvantages of Wind-driven Ventilation Uncontrollable factors, such as speed and direction of wind can affect. Can bring polluted air into buildings. Strong winds would result in cooler temperatures that cannot be controlled.

Stack-driven Ventilation

Stack effect is based on the fact that warmer air rises as cooler air falls. This is due to differing densities; when air is heated, it becomes less dense, allowing it to rise, pushing cooler air downwards. Creating an upward air stream, this concept is very important in the stack-driven method of ventilation. In order for this method to work, the climate must be right, meaning the interior of the building should contain warmer air than the air outside. With openings at the lower levels and top of the building, the warm air inside would rise and leave the building through the openings at the top, while cooler air from outside would flow in through the openings near the bottom. A greater temperature difference would make this system very effective.

The stack effect in a two storey building

Equation below shows how to calculate the air flow rate in a stack-driven ventilation system.

where, Qs = Stack vent airflow rate (m3/s) A = Cross sectional area of opening, assuming inlet and outlet are equal (m2) Cd = Discharge coefficient of opening, approximately 0.65 g = Gravitational constant (9.81 m/s2) Hd = Height from midpoint of lower opening to neutral pressure line (m) Ti = Interior temperature (K) To = Outside temperature (K) Similarly to wind-driven ventilation, cross sectional area of the openings is the main control factor in the stack-driven ventilation system. The height at which the lower level opening is installed may also be changed by incorporating a sliding cover over a large opening, but this would not make a very significant difference to the flow rate of the air unless the opening was made overly large. Advantages of Stack-driven Ventilation Does not require wind; can work even when the surrounding air is completely still. Relies on natural force (pressure and temperature differences) More control with regards to where the openings in the building are. Uses almost no energy compared to conventional methods, saving money and the environment.

Disadvantages of Wind-driven Ventilation Cannot control exterior temperature Can bring polluted air into buildings

Design Considerations Because building design is crucial for natural ventilation to be effective, there are many considerations that must be taken into account when constructing a building that will be using natural ventilation. A few of these are listed below, Location Building Orientation Dimensions Opening (i.e. windows, doors, chimneys) placement, and ensuring these openings are not obstructed Wall placement Wind direction Depth under the ground the building is built at Thermal capacity

Materials and Methods of Construction Some of the materials and methods used to design proper natural ventilation systems in buildings are solar chimneys, wind towers, and summer ventilation control methods. Solar Chimney A solar chimney may be an effective solution where prevailing breezes are not dependable enough to rely on wind-induced ventilation and where keeping indoor temperature sufficiently above outdoor temperature to drive buoyant flow would be unacceptably warm. The chimney is isolated from the occupied space and can be heated as much as possible by the sun or other means. Air is simply exhausted out the top of the chimney creating suction at the bottom which is used to extract stale air.

Wind Towers Wind towers, often topped with fabric sails that direct wind into the building, are a common feature in historic Arabic architecture. The incoming air is often routed past a fountain to achieve evaporative cooling as well as ventilation. At night, the process is reversed and the wind tower acts as a chimney to vent room air. A modern variation called a "Cool Tower" puts evaporative cooling elements at the top of the tower to pressurize the supply air with cool, dense air.

Summer Ventilation In the summer, when the outside temperature is below the desired inside temperature, windows should be opened to maximize fresh air intake. Lots of airflow is needed to maintain the inside temperature at no more than 3-5 F above the outside temperature. During hot, calm days, air exchange rates will be very low and the tendency will be for inside temperatures to rise above the outside temperature. The use of fan-forced ventilation or thermal mass for radiant cooling may be important in controlling these maximum temperatures.