Experimental Plan for the Investigation of Thermally-Induced Ventilation in Atria

摘要

A detailed and logical work plan is outlined for determining if current atrium designs are capable, and to what extent, of thermally inducing ventilation in atria. This passive cooling technique could displace costly refrigerated cooling, ventilation fan energy, and auxiliary space heating. The principal area of interest is for thermally-induced ventilation cooling in commercial and multi-residential buildings. The present work proposes ten test sites for detailed experimental investigation. Six test sites are recommended for detailed quantitative measurements while four are recommended for qualitative examination. These test sites include several atrium designs and span several US climate zones. Measurements planned include: (1) ambient conditions of wind, temperature, humidity and solar radiation; (2) atrium conditions of air flow rates, heat transfer rates, temperature, humidity, internal heat generation, infiltration and HVAC status. A detailed cost plan and test schedule are presented in this work. An optional costing procedure is presented which lists anticipated cost per site rather than a total project cost. (ERA citation 07:053426)