Air Quality Studies
This effect can be modelled using either a physical scale model or CFD. Common applications of this type of study include :
- The study of the propagation of odour from sources such as sewerage effluent, treatment ponds and chemical wastes.
- The dispersion of smoke from power generators using coal fuel.
- The dispersion of air pollution emitted from vehicle exhausts (eg. a new bus stand or a proposed freeway).
- The re-entry of air-conditioning exhaust into the system, potentially leading to the fatal Legionnaires disease.
Natural Ventilation & Rain Penetration Studies
A Natural Ventilation study can be used to optimise the thermal comfort and ensure adequate air quality is achieved within a building or room. Furthermore, adequately designed natural ventilation for a building enables the reduction in reliance on HVAC systems, hence reducing the buildings energy consumption. Different configurations of openings in a building are investigated to maximise wind draught and at the same time ensure a comfortable thermal environment.
Case Study 1
A recent study was carried out on a 14-storey building with a large central atrium. The purpose of the study was to determining the amount of mechanical air supply required to meet the potential demand for natural exhaust at the top of the light court. Due to the exposure of the opening to the external elements, an additional study was also carried out to assess the issue of rain penetration through the top of the light court, and derive suitable controls.
Case Study 2
A wind tunnel study was carried out for a building in the Sydney metropolitan area to optimise the natural ventilation characteristics. The study used the performance of the double ended and corner units as benchmarks for deemed to comply apartments. Due to the significant number of single aspect apartments, an alternative stack ventilation system was recommended and tested in the wind tunnel to provide adequate conditions. Furthermore, upon completion, f
ull-scale verification tests were carried out on site and verified the accuracy of the recommendations made.
WINDTECH also offers services in minimising the incidence of rain penetration (eg. in ventilated warehouses, stadium seating etc). This is achieved by the specification of appropriate louvre systems (where ventilation is required) or the optimum the design of canopies, stadium roofs. The study for CWT Building, Singapore is a example where natural ventilation has been optimised and rain penetration is minimised by the specification of appropriate louvre systems.
Another example is the study of rain penetration into the naturally ventilated gaming area at Star City Casino, Sydney. This included the effect of different seasons and different recurrence periods.