Natural ventilation potential model considering solution multiplicity, window opening percentage, air velocity and humidity in China

The paper brings about a two-opening naturally ventilated building potential model considering solution multiplicity, window opening percentage, air velocity and humidity in China. Based on previous research by Yang et al. and Luo et al., this paper developed a revised model to estimate the natural ventilation potential. There are four main improvements: Firstly, counteract of wind and thermal pressure was included and method for multiple solutions was introduced accordingly. Secondly, the model considered the natural ventilation hours for windows opening percentage. Thirdly, wind velocity and humidity were considered lastly. Fourthly, cooling and heating hours were also estimated. In case study, the paper analyzes natural ventilation potential in cities in four typical climate regions in China. Results show that there are more natural ventilation hours than previous models estimated, especially in cold climate regions. Any parameter in this model can be changed according to practical situation, such as climate data, building orientation, window size, opening position, etc. All estimated information can provide reference for architects in early stages of building design. Meanwhile, this model can be used for energy efficiency estimation and indoor environment research. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.