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Opening configurations and natural cross ventilation performance in a double-loaded multi-level apartment building: A CFD analysis

Xiaohui, Fua, Vin Cent, Taib, Lip Kean, Moey, Nor Faiza Abd, Rahmand, Kamarul Arifin, Ahmad and Baglee, David (2024) Opening configurations and natural cross ventilation performance in a double-loaded multi-level apartment building: A CFD analysis. Building and Environment, 254. ISSN 0360-1323

Item Type: Article

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of varied opening configurations on natural cross ventilation of a doubleloaded
multi-level apartment. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, twenty-five building models
with combinations of top-top (TT), top-bottom (TB), center-center (CC), bottom-bottom (BB), and bottom-top
(BT) opening configurations were analyzed in both windward and leeward building blocks. In the windward
block, the BB configuration yielded the highest dimensionless flow rate (DFR) for levels 1–3, and BT was highest
for levels 5 and 6. Air Exchange Efficiency (AEE) was optimal at 45–55% for TB configurations on levels 1–3, and
for CC and BT on levels 4–6. Factor optimization (α) was introduced to balance DFR and AEE, favoring TB configurations
for level 1–3 and BT configurations for levels 4–6. Additionally, the leeward block's ventilation was
slightly influenced (±3.5%) by the windward block's configurations. Notably, the TT configuration achieved the
highest α score at level 1 and TB at level 2, even with the lowest DFR. Conversely, the CC configuration, while
having the lowest AEE for the first two levels, yielded the highest DFR values. Bottom inlet configurations
recorded the lowest α scores for levels 3–6. The research suggests that the TT and CC configurations are the most
effective for ventilation in the leeward block. The results indicate that building design can be optimized for ventilation
performance at each level without significant impact to adjacent structures. This informs improved ventilation
strategies in high-rise buildings, emphasizing design adaptability to enhance indoor air quality.

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More Information

Uncontrolled Keywords: Natural cross ventilation Opening configuration Multi-level building Air exchange efficiency Sustainable building
Depositing User: David Baglee

Identifiers

Item ID: 17485
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111404
ISSN: 0360-1323
URI: http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/17485
Official URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/...

Users with ORCIDS

ORCID for David Baglee: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-7335-5609

Catalogue record

Date Deposited: 26 Apr 2024 15:50
Last Modified: 29 Apr 2024 08:45

Contributors

Author: David Baglee ORCID iD
Author: Fua Xiaohui
Author: Taib Vin Cent
Author: Moey Lip Kean
Author: Rahmand Nor Faiza Abd
Author: Ahmad Kamarul Arifin

University Divisions

Faculty of Technology > School of Engineering

Subjects

Engineering > Mechanical Engineering

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