Optimizing Single-Sided Natural Ventilation Using Architectural Window Panels

Aim: Natural ventilation in buildings can enhance indoor health and well-being while also reducing the energy consumption required for mechanical cooling and heating. However, due to the complexity of many building floor plans, achieving effective natural ventilation can be difficult. To investigate how natural ventilation in buildings can be improved, a study was conducted to identify a prototype window design feature that can generate differential air pressure levels sufficient to create improved natural air flow for indoor spaces having one exterior exposure only. The purpose was to identify basic aerodynamic principles that can be applied to more complex architectural environments later. Methods: A wind-tunnel experiment using a scale building model compared airflow performance across cross-ventilation, corner-ventilation, and single-sided configurations, including a prototype window-panel design. Air velocities were recorded at multiple orientations and wind speeds, and airflow patterns were visualized using smoke tracers. Results: Maximum indoor air velocities for the cross-ventilation and corner-ventilation configurations were observed at orientation angles between 600 and 900. However, maximum air velocities for a standard single-sided window configuration were observed at 500. Adding external architectural panels to the prototype design, the maximum airflow rate occurred at an orientation angle of 00. Increasing the wind-tunnel air velocity incrementally from 20 m/min to 80 m/min resulted in linear changes, indicating the absence of confounding turbulence factors influencing the measurement protocol. Conclusion: The prototype window-panel system substantially improved airflow under single-sided ventilation conditions and, in some orientations, approached cross-ventilation performance. These findings suggest potential applications for improving ventilation in buildings with limited exterior exposure, though validation in full-scale environments is needed. Recommendation: The design shows promise for retrofit and new-built applications in single-exposure rooms. Further research should evaluate full-scale performance, thermal comfort outcomes, and long-term energy effects.