Effect of integrating wind catchers with curved roofs on natural ventilation performance in buildings

In an investigation into wind-induced natural ventilation performance in buildings, this study uses Computational Fluid Dynamics to examine the effect of integrating wind catchers with curved roofs, implementing three-dimensional modelling. It is intended to give more value to the symbolic role of the dome, vault and tower in architectural design. The early findings of this study revealed that curved roofs induce natural ventilation in buildings by suction. This is generally true for the central and upstream zones of deep-plan buildings, but not for the downstream zone. Thus, wind catchers can be used to overcome this problem. This has been investigated by considering different geometrical and climatic parameters. The results show that the proposed ventilation system increases airflow rates and improves internal airflow distribution.