Development of a Wind Tunnel Test Facility to Simulate the Effect of Rain on Roof Ventilation Systems and Environmental Measuring Devices

The design and development of a new test facility in the form of a rain chamber or test section was undertaken to provide an additional test facility to compliment efforts in the performance investigation of wind driven roof ventilators and other environmental measuring devices, such as Pitot probes in rain. To reduce cost and optimise greater usage of resources, it was decided to make the test facility compatible for operation with a conventional wind tunnel. Successful tests were carried out to confirm the suitability new facility through velocity profile measurement with a purpose built water spray delivery system. Testing of two different types of roof ventilator was carried out to test for ventilator water ingress performance. The study was limited in scope, yet the testing showed some interesting features associated with the operation of the roof ventilators in different weather conditions and confirmed the benefits of using the new test section.