Experimental investigation of the atmospheric boundary layer flow past a building model with openings

As modern building design moves towards more sustainable solutions the use of natural ventilation is one of the options considered to improve indoor air quality and to minimize the energy cost of the buildings. The present cross-ventilation study is an experimental investigation of the atmospheric boundary layer flow past a cubic building model with vertical openings. Wind tunnel experiments were performed for two different simulated upstream boundary layer conditions and for two different cube options (with and without openings). Pressure measurements on the building model surface are in very good agreement with benchmark measurements. Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry measurements were performed to examine the effect of both the upstream condition and the openings. It is found that both conditions significantly alter the pressure and flow structure around the building model. Ventilation rate is estimated using two methods, the orifice equation and the measured velocity profile in the vicinity of the apertures. The comparison shows that the orifice equation overpredicts the ventilation rate and the effect of the upstream boundary layer. All data in the present report are freely available for validation purposes.