RESEARCH OF NATURAL VENTILATION IN A THERMALLY MODERNIZED BUILDING
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33042/2522-1809-2025-3-191-314-320Keywords:
natural ventilation, air exchange, thermal modernization, passive supply valves,, turbo deflector, energy efficiencyAbstract
This paper addresses the issue of the operational efficiency of natural exhaust ventilation in five-story multi-apartment residential buildings of the 1-447 series, which make up a significant portion of the urban housing stock in Ukraine. In modern conditions of use, these buildings have undergone substantial changes due to thermal modernization measures, including the replacement of windows and doors with airtight structures, which has significantly reduced the natural air infiltration. At the same time, the ventilation systems in such buildings were originally designed according to Soviet standards, relying primarily on uncontrolled air intake through structural gaps. This mismatch has led to a range of operational problems, including unstable performance of natural ventilation systems, insufficient air exchange, periodic flow reversal in ventilation channels, disruption of air balance between rooms, elevated indoor humidity, and a general decline in indoor air quality.
An analysis of the ventilation system’s design features was conducted, highlighting the presence of separate vertical shafts for kitchens and sanitary units, located within interior brick walls and discharging through outlets on a flat roof. Field measurements were carried out during the winter season to assess the actual exhaust air flow rates in apartments located on different floors. The data showed that in the absence of organized air supply, the measured airflow rates were far below regulatory standards. An aerodynamic calculation confirmed the insufficiency of natural pressure differentials to maintain stable ventilation, particularly on the upper floors.
To address the identified deficiencies, a set of passive, non-energy-consuming technical solutions was proposed. The study investigated the effectiveness of implementing KIV-125 type passive wall-mounted air inlets, and justified the additional installation of VENTS TD-160 type turbine ventilators on the roof outlets of the exhaust ducts. Experimental results demonstrated that these measures improved the exhaust air flow rate by 30-40%, ensuring stable ventilation performance under airtight conditions. As a result, the exhaust air flow rate increased to 40-50 m3/h per apartment, approaching regulatory values and enabling reliable removal of contaminated air from kitchens and bathrooms in real-world use.
The proposed solutions can be recommended for phased modernization of natural ventilation systems in similar building types. They are simple to implement, do not require invasive structural interventions or additional energy consumption, and can significantly improve indoor air quality-an increasingly important factor for energy efficiency and occupant health. The study’s findings may serve as a basis for regional programs aimed at upgrading ventilation systems in existing residential housing stock.
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