Natural ventilation takes advantage of a natural phenomenon called “the stacking effect”. This occurs when hot air escapes from the roof of a building and this causes a vacuum, which is then balanced by air being sucked in through the gaps of doors and windows on the ground floor. To naturally ventilate a building, you are providing the ventilation without the use of electricity, as one would with air conditioning, or even extractor fans. Because the pressure is different in some areas, this can be used to create an airflow, and it is especially effective in larger areas.
Air Pressure
As we all know, air will equalise, which is why we need pressurised cabins in aircraft, and the stacking effect comes from the natural process of air pressure equalisation. This principle might not be ideal for a family home, but for a large warehouse, it provides a platform to generate a flow of air, reducing the humidity and temperature.
Modern Commercial Solutions
If you are a warehouse owner and happen to be in Australia, there are specialist companies that provide natural ventilation solutions, with Airocle by IVR Group Pty Ltd, being one of the market leaders. Natural ventilation will not eliminate the need for air conditioning, but by using the forces of nature, it is possible to create an airflow that will reduce the temperature, and also keep the interior comfortable for the workers.
Professional Advice
Some warehouses have very efficient climate control, and they would be forgiven for thinking that they could not benefit from natural ventilation, but the truth is, it can save them a considerable amount of money. The best solution is to contact a reputable company, one that has many years of experience in commercial climate control, and their experts can assess your existing system and recommend a solution that will produce long term benefits.
Wind Direction
This has a major effect on air pressure, with the air on the windward side being at a higher pressure than that on the leeward side, and an expert could effectively utilise the shape of the building, and create a natural flow of air throughout the interior, which is effectively driven by free, renewable energy. If your business premises is located in a windy area, perhaps near the coast, then you have the potential to harness Mother Nature’s energy and ventilate your building at the same time.
The Interior
The design of the interior is also relevant to air flow, and if there are many internal walls or partitions, this makes it harder to design a good ventilation system. High ceilings are ideal, as this allows for the movement of large volumes of air, and with vents placed at strategic locations, the interior environment will be a lot more comfortable.
Climate control is an essential part of warehousing, and if you feel your existing ventilation is not up to the job, call in the experts who can suggest a green solution.
