A numerical investigation into the feasibility of a passive-assisted natural ventilation stack device

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Hughes, Ben Richard and Ghani, Saud Abdul (2011) A numerical investigation into the feasibility of a passive-assisted natural ventilation stack device. International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 30 (4). pp. 193-211. ISSN 1478-646X (https://doi.org/10.1080/1478646X.2010.503275)

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Abstract

Various commercially available natural ventilation devices supply fresh air without mechanical assistance. These devices offer a low-energy alternative to mechanical air handling units. However, they often cannot satisfy recommended ventilation rates due to their dependence on both macro- and microclimate wind speeds. This work examines the feasibility of achieving the recommended fresh air delivery rates without impacting on the device energy requirements. A numerical investigation is carried out using a standard passive stack device geometry combined with a simulated low-powered axial fan. The investigation shows that a low-induced pressure of 20 Pa is enough to satisfy the legislative requirements. Depending on the macroclimate conditions, this induced pressure could be generated from a commercially available solarpowered system. As the fan system is only used in periods of low external wind velocities (1 m/s), it is termed a passive-assisted stack.

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