On the improvement of natural ventilation models

This paper aims to validate and improve three cross and single-sided natural ventilation models implemented in a whole-building hygrothermal and energy simulation program. The tested models are the British Standard for cross ventilation, the de Gids and Phaff's and Larsen's for single-sided ventilation. Airflow rates obtained by those models have been compared to the measurements performed in two full-scale buildings: one single room house located in a wind tunnel facility and one real three-storey building. Results show a large variation of airflow rates provided by the different models. The Larsen's model can be improved if coupled to the CPCALC algorithm, providing better results for both wind tunnel and on-site experiments.

► We validate three cross and single-sided natural ventilation models.
► Wind tunnel and on-site experimental results were used to validate the models.
► We improve the models accuracy by using a pressure coefficient calculation method.
► The algorithm avoids poor prediction for particular wind-to-wall angle.
► Benefits of CPCALC are greater for the case of single-sided configurations.