Development of a reference method for airflow rate measurements through rectangular vents towards application in naturally ventilated animal houses: Part 2: Automated 3D approach

Development of a reference method for airflow rate measurements through rectangular vents towards application in naturally ventilated animal houses: Part 3: Application in a test facility in the open

“…The measurement of the time-dependent airflow rate through a naturally ventilated vent was examined. The traverse based airflow rate measurement technique (Basic 3DS method) as described in Van Overbeke et al (2014a), was successfully adapted with a sampling method that could deal with the variable nature of naturally induced airflows. Optimal results were found when repeating the traverse movement 10 times while measuring each sampling point for 10 s.…”

“…Airflow rate measurements through vents were initially performed with a set-up based on the Basic 3DS method as developed by Van Overbeke et al (2014a) further referred to as Part 2. This method sampled the outflow surface behind the opening by traversing that area once with a 3D ultrasonic sensor mounted on the ASF.…”

“…Van Overbeke et al (2014a) also concluded that a 3D measurement is necessary to capture the total airflow rate, especially when measuring non-uniform velocity profiles directly behind a vent. Furthermore, as 3D sensors are costly, their use needs to be re-evaluated under conditions of natural ventilation.…”

Assessing airflow rates of a naturally ventilated test facility using a fast and simple algorithm supported by local air velocity measurements

“…Detailed airflow rate calculations were executed using the method of Van Overbeke et al [1,30,31]. Data was collected for different experimental setups during periods of variable outside weather conditions.…”

“…Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were applied to evaluate the input variables before applying linear algorithms in order to find existing correlations. The algorithms were validated by comparing to detailed airflow rates obtained by the measuring method of Van Overbeke et al [1,30,31] as a reference.…”