CFD evaluation of wind catcher geometry and internal partitions for enhanced ventilation in Nizwa, Oman

Year 2025, Volume: 5 Issue: 1, 56 - 70

Ahmad Rateb Alhraki Bahar Sultan Qurraie

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of wind catchers as a passive cooling strategy in regions with hot climates, where their potential remains largely unexplored. Focusing on a mosque building in Nizwa, Oman, the research investigates the impact of windcatcher geometry and internal partitions on indoor ventilation. The existing case is analyzed, and indoor ventilation conditions are simulated, followed by the generation of various scenarios, including different windcatcher shapes (Square and Rectangular) and various internal partition types (X blades, + blades, and H blades). Each scenario is subjected to CFD analysis. Results show that a Square windcatcher with X+ combination type partitions increase indoor ventilation, raising air velocity from 0.333508 m/s (base case) to 0.693379 m/s (scenario), leading to a 51.9% improvement in indoor ventilation rate. This research suggests valuable insights for architects and designers, advocating for the utilization of windcatcher principles to promote more sustainable architectural practices.

Keywords

Wind catchers, Hot- arid climates, CFD analysis, BIM, Ventilation rate

Nizwa, Umman'da Gelişmiş Havalandırma için Rüzgar Tutucu Geometrisi ve Dahili Bölmelerin CFD Değerlendirmesi

Abstract

Geleneksel mimaride rüzgar bacaları, bazı Orta Doğu ülkelerindeki sıcak iklimlerde pasif soğutma olarak yaygın şekilde kullanılmakta ve iç mekan termal koşullarını etkili bir şekilde iyileştirmektedir. Ancak benzer iklime sahip bölgelerdeki potansiyelleri belirsizliğini koruyor. Bu çalışma, Nizwa, Umman'da bir cami binasının kullanıldığı bir örnek olaya odaklanarak rüzgar bacaların bu alanlardaki bina havalandırması üzerindeki etkisini araştırmaktadır. Mevcut durum analiz edilir ve iç mekan havalandırma koşulları simüle edilir, ardından farklı rüzgar bacaları plan şekilleri (Kare ve Dikdörtgen) ve çeşitli iç bölme tipleri (X kanat, + kanat ve H kanat) dahil olmak üzere çeşitli senaryolar üretilir. Her senaryo CFD analizine tabi tutulur. Sonuçlar, X+ kombinasyon tipi bölmelere sahip Kare rüzgar bacalarının iç mekan havalandırmasını arttırdığını, hava hızını 0,333508 m/s'den (temel durum) 0,693379 m/s'ye (senaryo) çıkararak iç mekan havalandırma oranında %51,9'luk bir iyileşme sağladığını göstermektedir. Bu araştırma, daha sürdürülebilir mimari uygulamaları teşvik etmek için rüzgar bacası ilkelerinin kullanımını savunarak mimarlar ve tasarımcılar için değerli bilgiler önermektedir.

Keywords

Rüzgar bacaları, Sıcak kurak iklimler, CFD analizi, BIM, Havalandırma Oranı.

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