Natural ventilation, also known as gravity ventilation, is just what it sounds like: ventilation that primarily depends on the forces of nature. In order to help keep interiors cool and comfortable, these ventilation systems use little or no energy. In addition to reducing heat inside, gravity ventilation can also improve indoor air quality. This is due to the near-constant air exchange these systems provide with clean outside air.
How Gravity Ventilation Works
Gravity ventilation uses natural forces to cool your building. Gravity ventilation is the kind of ventilation we utilized in structures before mechanical ventilation gear was designed. Its interiors are kept cool and comfortable by nature. Gravity ventilation frameworks use wind and the regular lightness of air to assist with eliminating heat from structures. These natural phenomena can contribute to improving indoor temperatures and air quality with the right design.
Wind is presumably perhaps the earliest thing that strike a chord when you consider gravity ventilation and cooling. We all know how refreshing a breeze can be on a hot summer day. Gravity ventilation systems make use of the wind to keep your facility’s temperatures cool and comfortable. This typically involves installing intake equipment on the side of the building that receives the most direct wind and assessing typical wind patterns. In addition, the building will require exhaust areas on the opposite side so that the warm indoor air can be pushed outside by the wind.
Thermal buoyancy ventilation is an additional natural phenomenon that gravity ventilation systems exploit. Most of us are aware of the fundamental fact that heat rises, which is the driving force behind many gravity ventilation systems. Cool, dry air is lighter than hot, humid air. Essentially, gravity ventilation systems allow hot air to rise and escape from a building. In order to maintain a comfortable atmosphere, cool air enters the space in its place as hot air exits.
Although gravity ventilation is a great alternative to mechanical systems for many buildings, it’s important to know that it won’t work for every type of facility. Gravity ventilation may not be the best option for your facility. Gravity ventilation has a number of benefits in addition to some drawbacks.
For instance, gravity ventilation systems do not offer the same level of precise control as mechanical ventilation systems, which enable you to control the exact temperature inside your building. Additionally, with mechanical air conditioning systems, you frequently have the ability to lower the temperature inside than the temperature outside. You will not be able to achieve temperatures below the outdoor ambient temperature with gravity ventilation systems. If you live in a hot climate or require precise temperature control, gravity ventilation might not be the best choice for you.
Additionally, the climate and the weather are almost entirely dependent on gravity ventilation systems. As a result, you might experience higher air exchange rates on some days than on others. Additionally, indoor temperatures may remain warmer on extremely hot and humid days, making it less comfortable for building occupants.
Gravity ventilation systems also prevent you from filtering the air entering your facility, which is another drawback. When it comes to gravity ventilation systems, particulate filters simply aren’t an option because they cause too much resistance for the air flow in a gravity system to function properly. Mechanical systems, on the other hand, frequently use these filters to help keep allergens and contaminants from the outdoors at bay. Therefore, prior to selecting gravity ventilation for your industrial facility, it is essential to keep these potential issues in mind.
What You Need for Gravity Ventilation
Additionally, not all buildings can utilize gravity ventilation systems. This could be because of the building’s design or the climate in the area.
In terms of the climate, gravity ventilation requires almost constant wind. Additionally, gravity ventilation systems are most effective when the temperature outside is significantly lower than the temperature inside. This helps hot air rise and break quicker.
Additionally, gravity ventilation systems work best with ceilings that are higher. Most of the time, ceilings with low ceilings don’t give hot air enough room to leave quickly enough to keep interior temperatures cool. As a result, the building may be filled with hot air before it has time to escape.