Net ZEB Design Processes and Tools - Modeling, Design, and Optimization of Net-Zero Energy Buildings - page 164

Fig. 4.2 Example of thermal mass integration in a commercial building
(BC-EPFL Lausanne Switzerland, Architect: R. Luscher Lausanne, Energy
Concept: Sorane S.A, Ecublens)
4.2.4.4 Natural and Hybrid Ventilation
When the climate permits, natural ventilation is an important part of the
design of low- or net-zero energy buildings because it provides free air
exchange as well as free cooling, reducing the mechanical ventilation and
air-conditioning requirements. It also provides a means for occupants to
control their environment and is one of the main contributors to adaptive
comfort models. In such models, the occupants' comfort temperature range
isconsideredtodependonoutdoortemperature.Operablewindowsprovide
a level of individualized control that can improve both real and perceived
control - both important to overall occupant satisfaction (de Dear and
Brager, 1998; Paciuk, 1989).
The capability to perform natural ventilation in a building depends on
various factors. For most applications, however, natural ventilation can be
used when outdoor conditions combine a favorable wind regime to an
outdoor temperature fluctuation of at least 16 to 28 °C from daytime to
nighttime. Natural ventilation is promoted by creating openings in the
building envelope and designing a building geometry that facilitates the air
flow by better exploiting the stack effect and wind pressure. Furthermore,