• AIVC BUILDING RESEARCH & INFORMATION (2000) 28(4), 234-244 #13041 Static split duct roof ventilators S. A. Gage1 and J. M. R. Graham2 1The Bartlett School of Architecture, Building, Environmental Design and Planning, University College London, Wates House, 22 Gordon Street, London, WClH OQB, UK E-mail:
[email protected] 2Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BY, UK E-mail:
[email protected] Split-duct roof ventilators or windcatchers are used to provide both supply and extract ventilation to the spaces which they serve. However, buildings are often erected in conditions where there is no prevailing wind direction. An investigation into four and six segment windcatchers to determine their relative perfor mances under different wind conditions was undertaken usind scale models in a wind tunnel. Conclusions indjciate that six segment windcatchers have a more predictable, reliable performance in uncertain or varia blewind conditions. However, a four segment windcatcher that is orientated 45 degrees to the prevailing wind will ge e ate the highest pressure differences and consequently the highest duct speeds in an installa n r tion. Further work on strategies for windless conditions are summarized, and scope for further research is in dicated. On utilise des ventilateurs de toit a fentes des capteurs de vent dans le but a la fois d'alimenter et d'evacuer OU l'air des locaux pour lesquels ils sont prevus. Cependant, les batiments sont souvent eriges clans des conditions ou il n'y a aucune direction de vent dominante. Des recherches ont ete menee en soufflerie sur des capteurs de s vent a quatre et a ix segments afin de determiner lew· fonctionnement relatif dans des conditions de vent dif s ferentes en se servant de ma111uettes en soufflerie.