CFD Analysis of Building Cross-Ventilation with Different Angled Gable Roofs and Opening Locations

Abstract

The geometric shape of the roof and the opening position are important parameters influencing the internal cross-ventilation of buildings. Although there has been extensive research on natural ventilation, most of it has focused on flat or sloping roofs with the same opening positions. There is still limited research on the impact of different opening positions and sloping roofs on natural ventilation. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to investigate the air exchange efficiency (AEE) in general isolated buildings. These buildings encompassed three distinct opening configurations (top–top, top–bottom, and bottom–top) and six varying slope angles for gable roofs (0°, 9°, 18°, 27°, 36°, and 45°). Computational simulations were carried out using the SST k-omega turbulence model, and validation was performed against experimental data supplied by the Japanese AIJ Wind Tunnel Laboratory. Grid independence validation was also conducted to ensure the reliability of the CFD simulation results. The study revealed that the highest AEE was 48.1%, achieved with the top–bottom opening configuration and a gable roof slope angle of 45°. Conversely, the lowest AEE was 31.4%, attained with the bottom–top opening configuration and a gable roof slope angle of 27°. Furthermore, it was observed that when the opening configuration was set to top–top and bottom–top, the slope angle of the gable roof had minimal influence on AEE, with an average AEE of only around 33%. When the opening configuration was top–bottom, it was found that there was a positive correlation between the gable roof slope angle and AEE.

Efficiency Assessment on Roof Geometry and Trombe Wall Shape for Improving Buildings’ Heating Performance

“…Sornek et al [34] provided a comprehensive review of experimental and numerical studies on different T-wall solutions, including integration with solar chimneys, classic T-walls, T-walls with phase change materials, and photovoltaic T-walls. Shi et al [35] explored the impact of roof geometry and opening positions on the internal cross-ventilation efficiency of buildings, an aspect crucial for natural ventilation. The research examined three opening configurations (top-top, top-bottom, and bottom-top) and varying slope angles for gable roofs using CFD.…”

Natural Ventilation Potential of Residential Buildings in China Considering the Combined Effect of Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution

“…Many studies on passive design have been carried out and have proved that passive design approaches are effective in reducing building energy consumption [9][10][11][12]. Natural ventilation, one of the passive cooling strategies, can significantly abate indoor heat load to reduce energy consumption [13][14][15][16]. Moreover, it can also provide fresh air to support human metabolism and ensure indoor air quality [17][18][19].…”