In a Passive House design, natural ventilation is achieved through careful planning and the use of specific building techniques. Here are some ways in which natural ventilation is achieved in a Passive House:
1. Designing for prevailing winds: Passive House buildings are often oriented to take advantage of prevailing winds to naturally drive air movement. This includes positioning windows and openings to allow for cross ventilation.
2. Placement of windows and openings: Large windows are strategically placed to facilitate natural airflow and create a stack effect. This means that windows and openings are positioned to allow warm air to rise and escape through higher openings, while cool air is drawn in through lower openings.
3. Ventilation trickle vents: Trickle vents are small adjustable openings incorporated into windows or walls to provide continuous, controlled fresh air intake. They allow a constant flow of fresh air while minimizing heat loss.
4. Airtight construction and heat recovery ventilation: Passive House designs focus on achieving a high level of airtightness to minimize unwanted air leakage. To ensure adequate fresh air supply, heat recovery ventilation (HRV) or energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems are installed. These systems use heat exchangers to recover heat from outgoing stale air, transferring it to incoming fresh air.
5. Natural ventilation strategies: Passive House designs may incorporate additional natural ventilation strategies such as casement windows, awning windows, roof vents, or even underground pipes to draw in cool air and expel warm air.
6. Shading and solar control: Overhangs, shading devices, or blinds are employed to prevent excessive heat gain from direct sunlight in warmer seasons while still allowing for natural daylighting.
By combining these techniques, Passive House designs can achieve effective natural ventilation while minimizing energy consumption.
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