Utilization of Solar Chimney and Thatch Roof to Enhance the Efficiency of Natural Ventilation (A Case Study: Residential Building in Babol City)

Volume 22, Issue 145
July 2025
Pages 5-18

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 MSC. in Architecture and Energy, Energy Systems Group, Energy Research Institute, University of Kashan, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture Engineering, Energy Research Institute, University of Kashan, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kashan, Iran.

Abstract
Problem statement: Despite technological advancements, the utilization of renewable energy strategies in building design, particularly within temperate and humid climates, remains underutilized. Wind energy offers the potential for reducing reliance on mechanical systems and fossil fuels through optimized energy consumption, humidity mitigation, and enhanced thermal comfort. Architectural strategies such as solar chimneys and thatched roofs can further promote natural ventilation and improve building energy efficiency.
Research objective: This research aims to evaluate the impact of integrating a solar chimney, as a contemporary approach, and a thatched roof, as a vernacular building practice, on achieving thermal balance by increasing the efficiency of natural ventilation in buildings situated in Babol’s temperate and humid climatic zone.
Research method: The research methodology employed documentary-theoretical analysis (literature review), field investigations, and applied computational simulation. The simulation component was used to assess the performance contributions of the solar chimney and thatched roof utilizing DesignBuilder software, employing both building energy simulation and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses.
Conclusion: The concurrent application of solar chimney-driven ventilation (scheduled operation: 8 PM- 8 AM) and a continuously operating thatched roof (24-hour) within the building during the six-month spring and summer period demonstrates a significant positive influence on the building’s thermal conditions. In comparison to a baseline building equipped with a tile roof and lacking a solar chimney over the identical period, this combined strategy yields an average reduction of 438.4kWh in total internal heat gain removed via natural ventilation. It elevates the air change rate by 9.9ACH and diminishes heat absorption through the building envelope by 3613 kWh.

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