Natural cross-ventilation configurations: Comparison using different evaluation parameters

• Published in: Journal of Building Engineering 2024-12, Vol.98, p.111130, Article 111130
• Main Authors: Díaz-Calderón, S.F., Castillo, J.A., Huelsz, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age of air; CFD simulation; Indoor air quality; Indoor airflow distribution; Natural ventilation
• ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.111130

The purpose of this research is to compare different natural cross-ventilation (NCV) configurations in a generic isolated building using various evaluation parameters. NCV is relevant for indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort in buildings. Validated computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations are employed. The NCV configurations are categorized into axial and corner, and four heights of windows (bottom, middle, top, and upward) were considered. Two kinds of evaluation parameters are employed: those that consider the indoor airflow distribution (IAD) and those that do not. Among the first group, a new parameter is proposed. It is found that the performance of each configuration improves by increasing the wind velocity and wall porosity. The evaluation parameters that consider IAD indicate that corner configurations outperform axial ones, contrary to what is indicated by the evaluation parameters that do not consider IAD. The corner upward configuration produces the highest average velocity and a high-velocity homogeneity in the living zone, which can improve thermal comfort in hot conditions. The bottom one produces the highest average velocity in the living zone for axial configurations. The window height has little influence on IAQ among corner configurations, while the middle one performs better for axial configurations. This research compares these configurations for the first time and reveals that corner configurations outperform axial configurations. The study results emphasize the importance of assessing natural ventilation by employing parameters that consider the IAD. [Display omitted] •CFD simulations reproduces natural cross-ventilation in an isolated building.•CFD simulations assess natural cross-ventilation in an isolated building with natural cross-ventilation.•Evaluation of indoor air distribution using velocity and age of air in the living zone.•Studies axial and corner cross-ventilation varying window height and wall porosity.•Introduction of a novelty age of air index to quantify IAQ improvement.•Corner configurations outperform axial configurations in air velocity and IAQ.