How do you keep your skills and knowledge updated on natural ventilation and passive cooling?

1 What is natural ventilation?

Natural ventilation is the process of supplying and removing air from a building using natural forces, such as wind and temperature differences. Natural ventilation can reduce the need for mechanical ventilation systems, which consume energy and generate noise and pollution. Natural ventilation can also improve the indoor air quality and thermal comfort of occupants, by providing fresh air and regulating the temperature and humidity levels. However, natural ventilation also has some challenges, such as the unpredictability of weather conditions, the need for proper design and control, and the potential for noise and security issues.

2 What is passive cooling?

Passive cooling is the process of reducing the heat gain and maintaining the indoor temperature of a building using natural or low-energy means, such as shading, insulation, thermal mass, evaporative cooling, or night ventilation. Passive cooling can reduce the need for mechanical cooling systems, such as air conditioners or chillers, which consume energy and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Passive cooling can also enhance the indoor thermal comfort and health of occupants, by avoiding overheating and excessive humidity. However, passive cooling also has some limitations, such as the dependence on the climate and site characteristics, the need for careful design and operation, and the possible trade-offs with other performance aspects, such as lighting and acoustics.

3 How are they related?

Natural ventilation and passive cooling are both based on the principle of using natural resources and phenomena to achieve a comfortable and efficient indoor environment. They are often complementary and synergistic, as natural ventilation can provide passive cooling, and passive cooling can enhance natural ventilation. For example, natural ventilation can reduce the indoor air temperature by bringing in cooler outdoor air, and passive cooling can lower the outdoor air temperature by shading or evaporating water. However, natural ventilation and passive cooling are not always compatible or sufficient, as they may have conflicting or competing effects. For example, natural ventilation may increase the heat gain by exposing the building to solar radiation or warm air, and passive cooling may reduce the air movement by closing windows or adding insulation.

4 How to compare them?

To compare natural ventilation and passive cooling, we need to consider several factors, such as the climate and site conditions, the building type and function, the design and construction features, the operation and maintenance practices, and the performance and evaluation criteria. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as different situations may require different approaches and combinations. Therefore, we need to use appropriate tools and methods to analyze and compare the potential benefits and drawbacks of natural ventilation and passive cooling, such as simulations, measurements, surveys, or case studies.

5 How to learn more?

To keep your skills and knowledge updated on natural ventilation and passive cooling, you need to be curious and proactive. You can start by reading books, articles, reports, or guidelines on these topics, which can provide you with the basic concepts, principles, and examples. You can also attend courses, workshops, webinars, or conferences, which can offer you more in-depth and interactive learning opportunities. You can also join networks, communities, or forums, which can connect you with other professionals and experts who share your interests and experiences. Finally, you can apply what you learn to your own projects, which can help you test your understanding and improve your practice.

6 Where to find resources?

To learn more about natural ventilation and passive cooling, you can take advantage of the many resources available online or offline. The ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals is a comprehensive reference book that covers HVAC&R systems, including chapters on natural ventilation and passive cooling. Additionally, the IEA Annex 62: Ventilative Cooling is an international research project that focuses on ventilative cooling. The Passive Cooling Network is a global network of researchers, practitioners, and educators who are interested in passive cooling technologies. The Passive House Institute promotes the Passive House standard for energy efficiency in buildings, including aspects of natural ventilation and passive cooling. Finally, the Passive and Low Energy Architecture (PLEA) organization organizes conferences, publications, and awards on passive and low energy architecture.