Potential cooling energy reduction by a one-channel wind tower: case study modelling in south-Mediterranean climate

• Published in: The International journal of ventilation Vol. 15; no. 3-4; pp. 267 - 287
• Main Authors: Grosso, Mario, Ahmadi, Mehrnoosh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01.10.2016
• Subjects: controlled natural ventilation; one-channel wind tower; passive cooling; SPERAvent; summer energy performance
• ISSN: 1473-3315; 2044-4044
• DOI: 10.1080/14733315.2016.1214397

The current trend of global warming is causing an increase of worldwide air-conditioning installations with associated growth of electricity consumption and related CO 2 emissions. The application of passive cooling systems (PCSs) could represent an alternative solution, hence contributing to the reduction of global warming as set by the agreement reached amid 195 countries at the COP21 Conference. Among the several PCSs, a contemporary version of the Iranian wind tower is considered in this paper through its application in temperate-hot climate zones. Palermo, Italy, was chosen as a reference site, since its climate characteristics are similar to the ones of the Middle East areas where wind towers originated. A wind tower functions by catching wind from a higher altitude and directing it into the adjacent building with the aim of providing cooling and/or ventilation effect. The original wind tower had one or more openings facing all favourable wind directions. A model comprising a one-channel wind tower and a room attached to it was analysed. Its performance was assessed using a simulation software calculating the potential cooling energy reduction due to controlled natural ventilation. The effects of orientation, height, size and direction of inlet and outlet apertures were simulated and relevant results presented.