Natural ventilation: Airflow measurements in a lightweight test room

Abstract

The airflow distribution inside a naturally ventilated lightweight test room is investigated. The room is situated in a relatively sheltered location and is ventilated through adjustable louvres. Indoor air temperature and velocity are measured at four locations and at six different levels for various sizes of opening. The outside local temperature, wind velocity and direction are also monitored. The collected data are used to predict thermal comfort parameters across the test room. The experimental results demonstrate that a displacement mode of ventilation is maintained in the space when the wind comes from behind the test room. When the wind impinges on the louvre bulkhead the displacement flow into the room is reduced. Predicted mean votes (PMV) for thermal comfort indicate that values in the afternoon are significantly improved with a higher internal air velocity.