Performance analysis of natural ventilation at the São Carlos University Hospital

CFD simulations

Abstract

Natural ventilation is an important strategy for thermal comfort and improved indoor air quality, especially in highly occupied environments such as hospital wards. Therefore, the objective of this research was to analyze the impact of alterations to the original design developed by architect João Filgueiras Lima for the UFSCar University Hospital (São Carlos, SP) on the performance of natural ventilation. Furthermore, alterations aimed at improving natural ventilation were analyzed. The method was based on computational fluid dynamics simulations, and the results were analyzed both qualitatively (internal airflow distribution) and quantitatively (internal airflow velocity and its correspondence with users' perception of ventilation; Cps values and average air velocity at the openings). The results show that the alterations significantly impacted the performance of natural ventilation in the indoor environments (a 90% reduction in internal air velocity), confirming the need to increase the effective area of the sheds, as well as the originally planned operation of the tilting ceilings for ventilation efficiency. Changes, such as the inclusion of a leeward exit opening, along with increasing the area of the sheds, are effective.