An analysis of effect of wing walls on natural ventilation

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The air flow inside a building due to natural ventilation consists of recirculation regions and a main flow between the inlet and outlet. Recirculation regions are characterized by low velocities resulting in thermal discomfort for the occupants. Winged walls are basically protrusions from external walls to improve the process of natural ventilation. Existing literature on wing walls is on main air flow pattern only. Methods/Statistical Analysis: In this paper, CFD was used to compare effectiveness of configurations suggested in the literature. Information was also obtained about the recirculation regions. Further conventional wing walls were modified and its effectiveness presented. Findings: Valuable information on recirculation regions can be accomplished through this innovation. Optimum dimension of wing walls to improve natural ventilation has also been achieved through the research. More than all these, the information obtained from this research can be used for designing energy efficient buildings.