Development of a control algorithm to optimize airflow rates through variable size windows

The present paper aims in investigating, in a systematic way, using both experimental and theoretical tools, the potential of natural ventilation control techniques when applied to full scale buildings. Experiments have been carried out in outdoor test cell and different configurations have been tested for two window types (bottom hung and sliding) under various meteorological conditions. Based on the experimental results, specific modeling activities have been undertaken and theoretical methods for calculating airflow rates through the above-mentioned windows have been developed. The theoretical predictions are compared with the corresponding experimental data and a very satisfactory agreement has been observed. Following the data analysis an algorithm was developed for the control of the natural ventilation.