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Project

Reuse and optimization of heat- and wind induced low pressure ventilation systems (IWT496)

In the 19th century, special techniques such as heating and ventilation systems find their way into the world of construction.
In public buildings an ingenious ventilation system was implemented, based on low pressure differences to induce air flows. In winter time, the natural temperature difference between the interior and exterior air was sufficient to supply fresh air and to extract the used air from the rooms, but in summer time, this was not the case. Furnaces were introduced into the pipe system to induce an adequate draught in the air channels.

Nowadays, a renewed interest in ventilation (new regulation on ventilation, EPB) can be noticed. As the energy aide for mechanical ventilation constitutes a large share in the energy balance of a building, alternative ventilation systems, driven by renewable energy sources, are developed. An analogy can be seen between the 19th century low pressure channel systems and the heat- and wind induced low pressure ventilation in development, such as the solar chimney.

The improved numeric simulation of airflows (CFD) and dynamic energy balances, make an accurate dimensioning and recalculation possible of the empirically investigated 19th century system. This simulation allows us to evaluate the efficiency of this system, and to control discomforts as draught and counter flow, in order to develop a hybrid system by adding low-energy aids to steer the low pressure ventilation systems.

The goals of this research are multiple:

- understanding of forgotten techniques of the design of ventilation systems of the 19th century;
- solving the discomforts of the early low pressure ventilation systems with low-energy heat and wind steering through design and modeling of the low pressure channels;
- optimization of the developed air-fluid heat transfer systems to induce a maximal heat regain of the ventilation air;
- research and optimization of the position and shape of these wind and heat induced roof extraction systems.

Research funded by IWT
Date:1 Jan 2010 →  6 Jun 2014
Keywords:Renovation, Engineering, Design methods, heating and ventilation, Building technology, Architecture, low pressure, wind tower, wind induced ventilation
Disciplines:Mechanical and manufacturing engineering, Civil and building engineering, Materials engineering