LoopDA-Natural Ventilation Design and Analysis Software

Published

April 1, 2003

Author(s)

William S. Dols, Steven J. Emmerich

Abstract

The Loop Equation Design Method has been proposed for sizing ventilation airflow components of natural and hybrid ventilation systems. While the approach has been demonstrated on a limited basis, the method has been automated in order to better evaluate its reliability under a more controlled, i.e., less error-prone, environment. This report describes a computer program developed by NIST that implements the Loop Equation Design Method for sizing the openings of naturally ventilated buildings. The tool, referred to as LoopDA for Loop Design and Analysis, is integrated with an existing multi-zone analysis tool CONTAMW. LoopDA provides the designer of natural ventilation systems with an environment in which to perform and document the process of designing the opening sizes of natural ventilation systems and analyzing the system behavior under a variety of operating conditions. This report describes the first version of the LoopDA program, provides an example of its application to the design of a naturally ventilated building and describes needs for future enhancements to the tool to increase its usefulness within the design community.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 6967

Report Number

6967

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.6967

Keywords

airflow analysis, building technology, computer program, design tool, indoor air quality, multizone analysis, natural ventilation

Citation

Dols, W. and Emmerich, S. (2003), LoopDA-Natural Ventilation Design and Analysis Software, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.6967 (Accessed December 26, 2024)