A new simulation methodology to estimate energy losses on urban sites due to wind infiltration and ventilation

This paper presents a computerized simulation model that analyzes the energy interactions between built-up sites and patterns of wind flows. The model estimates the wind protection of various buildings that make up a typical urban site, under alternative climatic conditions, while accounting for wind protection impact among buildings. The methodology for computing wind energy losses due to infiltration and ventilation is presented. The model is applied to assess quantitatively (in kilo Joules) the wind energy losses for different layouts of the same structures on the site. This model offers a practical tool to the designers to quantify the value of the interaction between building location and the energy losses due to wind infiltration and ventilation, when planning for energy conservation.