Natural ventilation uses natural forces of buoyancy and wind to move fresh air into buildings. Natural pressure differences between different parts of the building drive fresh air into buildings. The fresh air, in turn, provides oxygen for inhalation, alleviate odors and regulate temperatures. Advantages of natural ventilation systems include increased effectiveness at eliminating humidity of the incoming air and reduced energy consumption.

Types of natural ventilation

1. WIND DRIVEN

As winds blow across a building, it hits the windward wall creating a direct positive pressure. The wind then moves around the building and finally leaves the shielded wall with a negative pressure (sucking effect). If openings on the leeward and windward walls, fresh air will be sucked through the openings on the windward before leaving through the sheltered wall openings so as to balance pressure inside and outside the building.

2. Buoyancy ventilation

Stack Ventilation is induced by humidity (referred to as cool-tower) or temperature (called stack ventilation). Air given off by computers and building occupants is at a higher temperature and hence less dense. It rises in buildings while cooling air is drawn in from the openings, usually situated at a lower level. Stuck Buoyancy ventilation, therefore, doesn’t require the presence of wind.

Advantages of natural ventilation systems in buildings

• Beautiful architecture

Since there are no hideous duct penetrations or pipework ventilation installation does not interfere with the beauty of your building. Space consuming ventilation units are also eliminated. There are more transparency and daylight increasing the level of lighting in your building.

• Reduces energy consumption

Unlike mechanical ventilation which uses electrically driven fans, the type consumes less power. Besides utilizing naturally-occurring forces and hence reducing utility bills, the type regulates the temperatures in the building.

• Minimum maintenance

Does not require filter replacement and there are no filter ducks to be cleaned. It also requires fewer less expensive accessories to construct.

• Reduces carbon emission

Since the ventilation has low energy consumption, it uses releases less carbon dioxide into the environment. It thus reduces carbon emission by a significant percentage.

• Fats refurbishment

If you are installing ventilation on an existing building, natural ventilation takes a short time to complete and as such will allow building occupants to have minimal disruption and discomfort. Users of a commercial property do not have to relocate as renovation take place.

Since natural ventilation utilizes natural outdoor air flow it has many advantages of natural ventilation systems in buildings compared to mechanical ventilation. With increased concerns regarding environmental impact and costs of energy use natural ventilation is the way to go. It provides comfortable, safe and healthy environments for building occupants.