Airflow in Mid to High-rise Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

(This entry contains a powerpoint presentation in PDF from the BEST4 conference. To efficiently and effectively ventilate high-rise multiunit residential buildings an understanding of airflow within and through them is required. This understanding should include consideration of the driving forces of airflow, and their interaction with the airflow control features of these buildings including the building enclosure and interior compartmentalizing elements. This presentation provides a summary of a study examining airflow for this unique building type based on an experimental program conducted at a case study building, and in particular examines the performance of the corridor pressurization based ventilation system. The results of this extensive experimental program are presented and synthesized to draw conclusions with regards to the interaction of the driving forces of airflow (wind, stack effect, and mechanical ventilation systems) with the physical building to create airflow patterns in high-rise multi-unit residential buildings. Overall, this study works to improve the general understanding of airflow patterns in high-rise multi-unit residential buildings and the performance of the corridor pressurization based ventilation strategy. This knowledge can then be applied to the design of ventilation systems and compartmentalization strategies, and effort is made to extend to conclusions of the study to meaningful recommendation for industry.