Natural Ventilation Effectiveness of Awning Windows in Restrooms in K-12 Public Schools

Abstract

Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), this study explores the effect of a different number of awning windows and their installation locations on the airflow patterns and air contaminant distributions in restrooms in K-12 (for kindergarten to 12th grade) public schools in Taiwan. A representative restroom configuration with dimensions of 10.65 m × 9.2 m × 3.2 m (height) was selected as the investigated object. Based on the façade design feasibility, seven possible awning window configurations were considered. The results indicate that an adequate number of windows and appropriate installation locations are required to ensure the natural ventilation effectiveness of awning windows. The recommended installation configuration is provided.

Special Issue “Building Thermal Envelope”

“…A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was performed by Chung et al [5] to assess the effect of a different number of awning windows and their installation locations on the airflow patterns and air contaminant distributions in restrooms in K-12 (for kindergarten to 12th grade) public schools in Taiwan, for various wind speeds and directions. A representative restroom configuration with dimensions of 10.65 m × 9.2 m × 3.2 m (height) was selected and based on the façade design feasibility, seven possible awning window configurations were considered.…”

Odour assessment of school toilets in Gauteng, South Africa – before and after bioremediation

“…On-site waste treatment systems such as pit latrines and septic tanks are prone to DOI: https://doi.org/10.46622/JoGEA_2020_3_32-50 producing offensive odours (Nakagiri et al, 2016). A very simple method of correct and adequate ventilation of the pit latrine allows for the reduction or dispersal of odours and reduces other problems associated with pit latrines (Morgan, 1977;Liu et al, 2017;Chung et al, 2019). Other odour prevention techniques that have been used in waterscarce regions using dry toilet systems include the addition of lime, soil or ash into the pits.…”

“…Solid waste sinks to the bottom of the first tank where they are broken down by bacteria to form a sludge, which needs to be manually removed over 1-5 years, depending on the size of the tank and the number of individuals that the septic tank serves. Septic tanks also require a ventilation system to remove any odorous gases or other flammable gases such as methane (which are produced during the bacterial decomposition of the waste materials) (Chung et al, 2019). Proper functioning septic tanks should produce little odour except for the first few weeks after installation.…”

“…Odours are perceived differently by different individuals, based on their gender, background, smoking status, age and cultural background, and children perceive odours as more offensive than adults (Larsson et al, 2000;Talaiekhozani et al, 2016). Current and past studies have looked to reducing odours associated with wastewater treatment plants, landfills, and composting, but little research has been done on school sanitation (Chung et al, 2019). Here, we present a pilot, micro-study on the state of sanitation at two schools (referred to as School A and School B) in Gauteng Province, South Africa: one with a pit latrine and the other a flush system.…”

Natural Ventilation of Toilet Units in K–12 School Restrooms Using CFD

“…Chung et al [8] researched the restrooms in public schools (including senior high schools, junior high schools, and elementary schools) in Taiwan. They analyzed the influence of different numbers of awning windows and their installation position on the indoor airflow patterns and air contaminant distributions in a restroom.…”