A decision-support framework for design of natural ventilation in non-residential buildings

This study develops a decision-support framework assisting the design of non-residential buildings with natural ventilation. The framework is composed of decision modules with input, analysis algorithms and output of natural ventilation design. The framework covers ventilation with natural driving force and mechanical-assisted ventilation. The framework has two major assessment levels: feasibility assessment and comparison of alternative natural ventilation approaches. The feasibility assessment modules assess the potential of the site with the design proposition for natural ventilation in terms of wind, temperature, humidity, noise and pollution conditions. All of the possible natural ventilation approaches and system designs are assessed by first applying constraints functions to each of the alternatives. Then the comparison of alternative approaches to natural ventilation continues by assessing the critical performance mandates that include energy savings, thermal comfort, acoustic control, indoor air quality and cost. Approaches are finally ranked based on their performance.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Architecture

Department dc:contributor.department

Architecture

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Zhao, Ying

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Jones, James R.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Jones, Dennis B.
• Kilper, Dennis J.
• Vlachos, Pavlos P.
• Ermann, Michael G.
• Schubert, Robert P.

• natural ventilation
• non-residential building
• decision-support

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-04202007-010729

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/27061