Qualitative study of airflow structure across wooden louvred window panels for natural ventilation applications

Abstract

Window ventilation usually used in energy-efficient buildings as an effective natural ventilation system to provide an adequate opening for fresh air to flow into the interior space. It could help to reduce the indoor air temperature and limit the contaminants in buildings. This study aimed to visualise the airflow structure across a wooden louvred window panel using the smoke flow visualisation technique at different airflow speeds of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 5.0 m/s in a closed-loop wind tunnel. Two Sony 1920 × 1080i cameras captured the airflow structure, which took the side view, rear view, front view and back view images. The wooden louvred window panel promotes optimum outdoor airflow and facilitates continuous air exchange to replace the indoor air. Results showed that smoke filled the space quickly at the highest airflow speed of 5 m/s. This study used an inclination angle of 75° for the wooden louvred window panel to avoid rain splatter. Besides, wood material could be used as a façade shading device.Therefore, installing the wooden louvred window panels could enhance natural ventilation, ensure indoor thermal comfort and reduce indoor air contaminants.

Conceptual Framework to Support Personalized Indoor Space Design Decision-Making: A Systematic Literature Review

“…The installation of windows is also related to ventilation. Rasli et al [27] stated that when a wood panel window is made at an angle of 75 • , it not only prevents rain and smoke but also improves thermal comfort and indoor air quality. Moreover, air purification and indoor humidity through adaptive façades can increase the building occupant's quality of life as well as the aesthetics [20].…”