MN-00-01-2 -- Simulation of a Naturally Ventilated Building at Different Locations

This paper examines the proposed new method in the U.K.-linked to emerging European standards-for assessing by simulation whether a building will be comfortable with only natural ventilation or will need full air conditioning or mixed-mode air conditioning. The selection criteria are based on the ranking of 20 years' summers and the selection of the middle one in the upper quartile for the simulation. Criteria are then set for the number of hours the inside temperature is over 25°C (77°F) in the occupied time. Selected summers for two sites in the U.K. are used and a simulation program is used with a building to compare results. Initial indications are that location significantly affects building performance and that it is far easier to design for natural ventilation in the north of the U.K. than in London and further south in Europe. It is suggested that experience be gained from the Europeans before such criteria are considered in North America and that an adaptive criteria may be a better solution, especially if energy and comfort are combined.

Units: Dual