Investigate the Performance of the Windcatcher in Multi-story Buildings in Hot and Arid Climate by Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation

Abstract

In today’s world, the importance of carbon and energy conservation is a common issue. Passive systems can be a promising alternative to reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality. One of the most common passive traditional strategy used in Egypt is windcatcher, which was used in single or double story buildings in the past to ventilate and cool the building in hot months. In this paper, the potentials of windcatchers as a strategy for passive cooling and natural ventilation during the summer months for multi-story building in Egypt is investigated, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique. 3D CFD analysis is performed using Design Builder simulation software to compare the airflow pattern in three different cases; the first case is without a windcatcher, the second case is with a windcatcher on the windward side, and the last case is with two windcatchers one on the windward side and the other on the leeward side. The windcatcher model is incorporated into a 5m х 4m x 3m test room model. Thermal comfort analysis is evaluated based on ASHRAE standard 55. The result shows that the use of more than one windcatcher as an inlet and outlet can improve the thermal comfort and ventilation in the space.