Abstract

This study presents a full-scale experimental investigation of the air leakage characteristics of two trickle ventilator types, namely slot and pressure-controlled. Furthermore, the performance of trickle ventilators under the influence of the wind, which is the main driving force of the air flow through low-rise buildings, and the validity of the orifice equation to represent their behaviour have been assessed. Finally, the potential of trickle ventilator integration in ventilation design of office buildings is investigated through flow network simulations and design solutions for the opening area of trickle ventilators to satisfy the fresh air requirements, as recommended by ASHRAE, are presented. It was found that the air flow through trickle ventilators may be modelled/predicted accurately and utilized in the design of natural/hybrid ventilation systems. However, the pressure-controlled ventilator appears to be preferable since it provides for better IAQ, and its performance is better than that of the slot ventilator with respect to comfort and energy use to warm up the ventilated air during the heating season