Experimental investigations and CFD simulations were carried out to evaluate the performance of square and circular section wind - driven systems for natural ventilation application in buildings. Wind tunnel and smoke visualisation tests were conducted on a full-scale model based on a commercial wind catcher design. The experimental set-up consisted of each system being connected to a model test room. The devices were divided internally into four quadrants/segments for the purpose of air supply and extract.
A 1: 20 scale model of a low-rise naturally ventilated building was tested in a wind tunnel. External pressure coefficients were determined for an open model with various combinations of ridge, sidewall and end wall openings, as well as for a sealed model. The pressure distribution is influenced by all structural modifications at various wind angles. The differences between the open and sealed models were pronounced especially at the ridge and the leeward sidewall.
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