Buildings that use natural ventilation employ the power of nature to keep indoor spaces comfortable without using mechanical systems. Furthermore, smart architects and engineers build structures that use prevailing winds, temperature differences, and the way the building is well-oriented. Placements of windows, vents, and other openings are planned to let fresh air in and stale air out. Thus, this creates a natural flow of air that cools the space and makes the air better. Natural ventilation keeps changing, from simple windcatchers used in the Middle East to high-tech skyscrapers with complex passive ventilation systems. However, the traditional well-oriented method is being used in the current study.

Figure 1: Drawing of building schematic

Simulation Process

Having the building plan designed in Spaceclaim in addition to the surrounding area, ICEM software tool is adopted to produce a high-quality structured grid, established from 7683204 cells. The 0.9 m/s air wind flow passes from one side of the domain, reaching out the building structure and passes through windows to the outdoor. The main concentration of the study is on wind flow patterns regarding the building design, not thermal comfort, despite their correlation.

Figure 2: Blocking for generation of structured grid via ICEM

Post-processing

Velocity contours on different section planes give us a better look at how the building’s natural ventilation works. The velocity magnitude legend clearly shows the big difference between the fast-moving airflow around the structure (in orange and red) and the slow-moving area behind it in deep blue. Plus, the teardrop-shaped wake formation behind the building is especially interesting. It is made up of layers of air moving at different speeds. This wake pattern shows that air currents interact complexly, with areas where air is recirculating and the possibility of vortices forming. The green lines from the building’s sides show areas with moderate airflow. These are probably places where air is being pushed around the building. This detailed picture not only backs up what was already thought about how the building affects airflow, but it also shows the complex patterns of air movement right next to it. These kinds of insights are very helpful for making sure that buildings are designed in a way that lets in more natural airflow.