Fluid Mechanics for Green Buildings

Decarbonization of buildings is one of the main challenges for the energy transition. In particular, the provision of heating, cooling, and ventilation to maintain a comfortable and healthy interior environment can be very energy intensive. Three approaches to help with the decarbonization of buildings are ( a ) upgrading the building envelope, especially the insulation, to reduce heat flow to or from the exterior; ( b ) improving the efficiency of the heating or cooling system, including the design and operation of ventilation flows; and ( c ) decarbonization of the heating and cooling systems, typically through electrification using heat pumps, and possibly the development of heat networks and interseasonal heat storage. This review touches on different elements of these challenges, mainly those related to ventilation, exploring some of the complexities of the fluid mechanics involved.