The fluid mechanics of airflows in low-energy buildings

The aim for this project is to investigate the transport and distribution of particulate pollutants within spaces utilising low energy ventilation schemes. This research will improve the performance of such spaces by identifying, and then developing operating strategies to design against, potential risks to the health and wellbeing of their users. To achieve this, the current plan for the project is to first perform an investigation into the fundamental pollutant transport process in ventilated spaces, of various geometries. This investigation will involve analytical work in partnership with experimental testing, such that analytical results can be validated against the experimental findings. Dependent on the findings of this investigation, this work may then be applied to several different 'real world' spaces. Some potential spaces of interest are office floors, train carriages and passenger aircraft cabins. This research fits within the EPSRC 'Built Environment' research area, as it addresses challenges concerning building performance, ventilation and health & wellbeing.