Experimental evaluation of night ventilation phenomena

The present paper aims to investigate, in a systematic way, and by using bo th experimental and theoretical tools, the potential of night ventilation t echniques when applied to full scale buildings, under different structure, design, ventilation, and climatic characteristics. Also, to investigate the impact and the limitations of night ventilation techniques regarding the t hermal behavior of various types of buildings. Real scale measurements in t hree buildings operating under free-floating and air conditioning condition s have been performed. The cooling potential of night ventilation technique s applied to buildings operating under different conditions and with variab le air flow rates, has been experimentally and theoretically studied. Addit ionally, sensitivity analysis on the impact of the major parameters determi ning the phenomena has also been carried out. Practical considerations on t he impact of main parameters are given. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.