Solar chimney system of Zero Energy Building in Singapore: Ventilation performances in classroom

Abstract

The Zero Energy Building is a three-stories building located in Singapore which was recently retrofitted in 2009 with a range of green features. A solar chimney system was constructed to enhance the air ventilation within the interior spaces using a series of solar assisted ducts that linked the lower floor classrooms and upper floor hall. The mechanism of the solar chimney system is explained in details and experiments conducted within the classroom showed that the solar chimney system is operating well in the hot and humid tropics, including cool days. Furthermore, the presence of the solar chimney system effectively caused the interior air speed to reach a maximum of 0.49 m/s and produced a 1 to 2 hours positive temperature lag in the classroom.