Utilisation of Mass and Night Ventilation in Decreasing Cooling Load Demand

Abstract

The building sector consumes 36% of the world’s energy and produces around 40% of energy-related carbon emissions. While the building industry moves towards a zero net greenhouse-gas emission policy, ventilation is, and will be, a necessity for the preservation of air quality—especially in climates defined by unsavoury conditions. Therefore, a “mixing mode” cooling system was employed to lower the required energy consumption at an earthen building situated in the premises of Istanbul Technical University. A room of the high-mass earthen building was monitored under different ventilation and shading conditions. Night ventilation was conducted using two modes, 3.2 and 2.3 air changes per hour, and the air conditioning unit, operating from 08:00 to 17:00, had a set temperature of 23 ∘C. Night ventilation was somewhat impactful, reducing the average expected cooling energy demand up to 27%. Furthermore, the earthen building proved to be extremely effective on moderating extremes of temperature under non-ventilated conditions. During a rather hot day, with an outdoor maximum temperature of 35 ∘C, the indoor maximum temperature of the high-mass building was only 25 ∘C, namely within thermal comfort levels. The diurnal temperature proved to be key in the effective application of night ventilation.

Prioritising Passive Measures over Air Conditioning to Achieve Thermal Comfort in Mediterranean Baroque Churches

“…Results showed that night ventilation via the extractor fan decreased the average daily energy consumption of the mechanical cooling system by an average of 15-27%. Moreover, M. Darmanis et al (2020) stressed that integrating both passive and mechanical cooling systems within buildings, referred to as "mixing mode" cooling systems, can decrease the overall carbon footprint of such buildings [24].…”

Evaluation of the Effect of Passive Cooling Techniques on Thermal Comfort Using Test Cells in the Northern Region of Brazil

“…Passive cooling can be achieved using techniques for solar and heat control, heat amortization and heat dissipation [2]. These techniques can be related to performance in terms of thermal mass, thermal insulation, shading of glazed openings, control of solar radiation, surface thermal properties or air infiltration [3][4][5].…”

Indoors ventilation in times of confinement by SARS-CoV-2 epidemic: A comparative approach between Spain and Italy

“…Therefore, it is necessary to improve the indoor air quality and, to avoid high concentrations of harmful substances, it is needed to have good ventilation in the house ( Chen Ren, 2019 ; Garcia-Chevesich, 2014 ; Ogen, 2020 ; World Health Organization, WHO Air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide: Global update 2005, 2005 ; World Health Organization, Statement on the second meeting of the Emergency Committee of the International Health Regulations (2005) on the novel coronavirus outbreak (2019-nCoV)., 2020c ). Furthermore, the presence of people in a closed space for a number of hours higher than the usual may imply an increase in the concentration of CO 2 in our rooms ( Balocco, 2020 ; De Gaetani, 2020 ; Darmanis, 2020 ; Dudzik, 2020 ; Hye-Sun Jin, 2020 ; Lee, 2020 ; Rossi, 2020 ; Yao, 2020 ). Electronic devices, known as e-noses, may be conveniently used as smart devices to monitor indoor air quality in a living environment ( Sironi, 2014 ; Viccione D. S., 2014 ; Viccione T. Z., 2012 ).…”