Measuring Window Areas
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Faculty of Engineering
Abstract
The design of a natural ventilation strategy requires the establishment of the location and size of a series of purpose provided ventilation openings (PPOs). The success of the design is dependent on knowledge of the aerodynamic performance of the PPOs often described by their geometry (normally an area) and resistance to airflow. The incorrect interpretation of this information can lead inappropriate ventilation strategies and buildings that overheat and have an excessive energy demand.
The free area of a PPO (Af) is defined as the area free of obstruction, but its measurement can be subjective and prone to error. The project will develop a more robust system of measuring opening area using laboratory methods leading to unambiguous tools for use in industry.
The project will go on to further question the assumptions of the orifice equation used to estimate air flow, and to provide methods to account for the situations where these assumptions break down. It is hoped that the outcome of this work will reduce design errors and lead to successful natural ventilation strategies and to better buildings.
The free area of a PPO (Af) is defined as the area free of obstruction, but its measurement can be subjective and prone to error. The project will develop a more robust system of measuring opening area using laboratory methods leading to unambiguous tools for use in industry.
The project will go on to further question the assumptions of the orifice equation used to estimate air flow, and to provide methods to account for the situations where these assumptions break down. It is hoped that the outcome of this work will reduce design errors and lead to successful natural ventilation strategies and to better buildings.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Patrick Sharpe (Student) |
Publications
Sharpe P
(2021)
What we think we know about the aerodynamic performance of windows
in Energy and Buildings
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N50970X/1 | 30/09/2016 | 29/09/2021 | |||
| 2100850 | Studentship | EP/N50970X/1 | 30/09/2018 | 30/03/2022 | Patrick Sharpe |
| EP/R513283/1 | 30/09/2018 | 29/09/2023 | |||
| 2100850 | Studentship | EP/R513283/1 | 30/09/2018 | 30/03/2022 | Patrick Sharpe |
| Description | Paper published. Predictive tools have been developed to calculate the aerodynamic performance of simple, hinged window openings in still-air. Analytical methods have been developed to explain phenomena identified by other researchers. Experimental techniques for quantifying the capacity for openings to enhance or inhibit airflow in the presence of wind have been developed. Performance data for specific opening types has been gathered. |
| Exploitation Route | Predictive tools can be developed to estimate the performance of simple opening geometries. Manufacturers of ventilation openings could use the experimental techniques to characterise the performance of their products. Experimental techniques could be codified into technical standards. |
| Sectors | Construction Environment |
| Description | A predictive tool has been developed to estimate the still-air performance of simple hinged openings. This tool as been included in Building Bulletin 101, which provides guidance on ventilation, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality in schools. It will also be incorporated into CIBSE Applications manual 10 on the design of naturally ventilated buildings. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
| Sector | Construction,Education |