Accessibility navigation


Post occupancy evaluation of a building employing windcatchers for summer ventilation

Elmualim, A. .A. and Awbi, H. B. (2003) Post occupancy evaluation of a building employing windcatchers for summer ventilation. Facilities, 21 (13/14). pp. 323-332. ISSN 0263-2772

Full text not archived in this repository.

It is advisable to refer to the publisher's version if you intend to cite from this work. See Guidance on citing.

To link to this item DOI: 10.1108/02632770310507980

Abstract/Summary

A combined windcatcher and light pipe (SunCatcher) was installed in the seminar room at the University of Reading, UK. Monitoring of indoor environment in real weather conditions was conducted to evaluate the application of windcatchers for natural ventilation. In addition, a subjective occupancy survey was undertaken. External weather conditions and internal indoor air quality indicators were recorded. The “tracer-gas decay” method using SF6 was used to establish air change rate for various conditions. The results indicated that the ventilation rate achieved through the windcatcher depends on the difference between internal and external air temperatures, and on wind speed and direction, in agreement with other published work in the area. The indoor air quality parameters were found to be within acceptable levels when the windcatcher was in operation. The measured air change rate was between 1.5ac/h and 6.8ac/h. Occupants’ questionnaires showed 75 per cent satisfaction with the internal conditions and welcomed the installation of the systems in UK buildings.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Science > School of the Built Environment
ID Code:11960
Uncontrolled Keywords:Air, Buildings, Environmental testing, Winds

University Staff: Request a correction | Centaur Editors: Update this record

Page navigation