Integration of natural ventilation models in the hygrothermal and energy simulation program PowerDomus

The present study aims to validate several cross and single-sided natural ventilation models implemented in the Building Hygrothermal and Energy Simulation program PowerDomus (Mendes et al., 2003) i.e. the British Standard (1999) model for cross ventilation and the de Gids and Phaff's (1982) and Larsen’s (2006) models for single-sided ventilation. Airflow rates obtained by those models are compared to the measurements performed in two full-scale buildings: one single room house located in a wind tunnel facility and one real three-storey building. Results show a large variation of airflow rates provided by the different models. Larsen's model coupled to the CPCALC algorithm has shown better results in comparison to both wind tunnel and on-site experiments.