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How to Control Wind-Induced Room Pressure

There are different methods to control wind-induced air pressure in a room, including wind-induced ventilation and the stack effect. This article focuses on the wind-induced ventilation technique. This technique is appropriate for both new buildings and existing rooms. In short, wind-induced ventilation relies on the use of windows or other types of slots or grills meant for ventilation (rather than viewing). These ventilation ports are controllable and allow people in a room to adjust the ventilation according to air pressure needs at the time. It requires no special technology/software for management.

Instructions

- 1
  
  Wind pressure in urban areas is highly variable.
  
  Learn the basic theories of wind-induced pressure. Air pressure distribution is a complicated topic, but The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) states that as a rule, pressure generated by wind is positive on the windward side of a structure. Pressure is usually negative on the roof and leeward side of a structure. Wind pressure in highly developed urban areas is extremely variable due to the placement of buildings and complicated air flow patterns.
- 2
  
  Vents and windows are used to control pressure.
  
  Assess your building. For a new structure in an open area, consult regional wind data. U.S. residents can look to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). It provides estimates of the annual average wind resources for the entire United States. Find the direction and frequency of wind. If the wind tends to blow in one direction most of the year, place only one or two large windows or vents for natural ventilation. If the winds at your site are highly variable, you will need more ventilation spots. Again, note that in urban environments the wind pressure is more variable and complicated because of the numerous buildings. Consider sources of noise and air pollution when assessing your room. To control wind-induced pressure in urban rooms, build as many controllable openings as possible and distribute them on all sides of a room.
- 3
  
  Stacks like this can help control pressure in large buildings.
  
  Choose your ventilation configuration based on the direction and intensity of the wind pressure. According to RIBA, there are four designs of wind-induced ventilation: single-sided ventilation, cross-ventilation, cross-ventilation with banked rooms and wind-induced supply/extract via stacks. Single-sided ventilation is meant for single rooms. It works best if the wind pressure is strongest and steady at one side of the room. This system consists of two windows on the windward wall. Cross-ventilation of a single room consists of two windows on opposite walls -- one on the windward wall, and one on the leeward wall. Cross-ventilation is also an option to control wind-induced room pressure in several adjoining rooms or through a building. According to RIBA, wind induced pressure control via a stack system is considered to be an advanced technique and works for very large buildings.
- 4
  
  Consider aesthetics before you install windows.
  
  Install new windows and vents. Take one last look at the room and consider sources of noise and air pollution, as well as aesthetics before you cut into walls.

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