A critical review of windcatcher ventilation: Micro-environment, techno-economics, and commercialisation

Liu, Miaomiao; Nejat, Payam; Cao, Pinlu; Jimenez-Bescos, Carlos; Calautit, John Kaiser

doi:10.1016/j.rser.2023.114048

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…Throughout history, the incorporation of natural ventilation strategies into architectural design has showcased human ingenuity in adapting to varying climatic conditions. Notably, traditional windcatchers in Iranian architecture serve as a prime example of this ingenuity, with ancient builders engineering sophisticated systems to capture and circulate cool breezes within buildings, thus ensuring comfortable indoor environments even in harsh desert climates [13][14][15][16][17]. The application of such historical knowledge to present-day architectural challenges lies at the heart of this research, prompting critical inquiries into the adaptability and efficacy of wind-driven technologies within the temperate and changeable climate of Central Europe [15].…”

Section: Historical Background and Key Thesismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The operation principles of the windcatcher natural ventilation system are mainly based on wind-driven ventilation and the stack (buoyancy) effect [11,13] (Figure 3). disparate regions, can be reinterpreted and effectively applied in Central European contexts.…”

Section: Windcatchers In Traditional Architecturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The operation principles of the windcatcher natural ventilation system are mainly based on wind-driven ventilation and the stack (buoyancy) effect [11,13] (Figure 3).…”

Section: Windcatchers In Traditional Architecturementioning

confidence: 99%

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Optimizing Windcatcher Designs for Effective Passive Cooling Strategies in Vienna’s Urban Environment

Shayegani,

Joklova,

Illes

2024

Buildings

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Urban overheating, intensified by climate change, poses a critical challenge in Central European cities, witnessing a rise in tropical days. Conventional mechanical cooling systems in buildings significantly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions, exacerbating global warming. In response, windcatchers—traditional Iranian natural cooling systems—emerge as a promising sustainable solution for contemporary architecture, even in non-arid climates. This research aims to evaluate windcatchers’ efficacy in improving building thermal comfort in Central European climates, focusing on Vienna’s urban environment. This study identifies optimal windcatcher designs by analyzing key variables: height variation, inlet dimensions, urban exposure, Building Management System (BMS) temperature thresholds, and integration with an earth tube system using Design Builder simulation software version 6. The findings reveal that a windcatcher standing at 2.5 m tall, with inlet dimensions of 0.9 m by 1.4 m, in an open, less densely populated urban setting, and with open valves when indoor temperatures surpass 22 °C, demonstrates the most effective reduction in cooling load. Moreover, both one-sided and two-sided windcatchers outperform conventional ventilation through openings. Additionally, combining a one-sided windcatcher with an earth tube system ensures efficient cooling even when exterior temperatures exceed 25 degrees Celsius. When augmented by a heat pump, this integrated system can provide heated ventilation.

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