2024 - Sun Adaptive Venturi

The project is located in India, where high temperatures are a significant concern. Due to this, the use of mechanical ventilation is very high, leading to increased energy consumption, waste management issues, and financial strain on individuals. The main idea of the project is to create a passive ventilation system using the Venturi effect. This system will adapt to sunlight, enhancing thermal comfort while reducing reliance on mechanical ventilation.

Venturi Effect

The Venturi effect refers to the acceleration of fluid speed caused by a reduction in the flow cross-section. Initially defined for confined flows, the term is also applied to non-confined or open flows. For instance, it describes the acceleration of wind speed in passages between buildings. This phenomenon involves a relationship between fluid speed and cross-sectional area, illustrating how changes in the flow path can influence the velocity of the fluid.

Adaptive Veneers

Wood is an adaptive material, meaning it can change its shape in response to environmental changes such as temperature fluctuations or humidity. In this project, the veneer least reactive to humidity was selected, which was birch wood. The first step involved conducting experiments to determine the optimal veneer type, thickness, and shape. After all the experiments, the thinnest veneer, with a thickness of 1.5mm, was selected. A triangular shape was chosen for aesthetic reasons.

The Design: Adaptive Ventilation

During the design process, research delved into local architecture, particularly focusing on a roof type recently discovered in Northern India. The intriguing shape not only captures attention but is also well-suited for a Venturi-shaped roof. Hence, the design drew inspiration from the Bengal roofs, mirroring their shape, flipping it upside down, and elevating it in the air to accentuate this remarkable form.

First Roof: Circular Shaped

In the design for the first panel, the Venturi-shaped roof with a blocking wall, wooden veneers act as barriers during dry conditions, impeding the wind and interrupting the ventilation process. The roof panel primarily consists of wood, and the veneers, all of the same length (20 cm), are affixed to the wood using a stapler.

Second Roof: Rectangular Shaped

In the design for the second roof, the Venturi-shaped roof utilizing wooden veneers takes an alternative approach. Here, the wooden veneers contribute to achieving a flexible curved shape when exposed to sunlight, eliminating the need for a blocking system. This innovative design aims to enhance ventilation efficiency while dynamically responding to environmental conditions.

Adaptive Daylight Integration

A key aspect of this project is the integration of adaptive veneers that respond to daylight. The veneers are designed to curve with minimal temperature changes from sunlight. This adaptability allows the system to optimize natural ventilation by adjusting the shape of the veneers in response to the sun’s intensity. The veneers successfully react immediately to environmental changes, particularly sunlight and temperature.

Results

Regarding the veneers, they successfully reacted immediately to environmental changes, particularly sunlight and temperature. However, concerning airflow, the anemometer mostly registered 0 inside the structure. The natural wind reached a maximum of 1.7 m/s, recorded on December 12th, 2023, with a brief moment of 7 m/s. The wind at the site exhibited short intervals of starting and stopping. Only once was airflow recorded at 2 m/s inside the circular-shaped roof, while in the other roof type, it reached 3 m/s. Each instance lasted just a few seconds before stopping.
Conclusion
The Sun Adaptive Venturi project showcases the potential of combining traditional architectural insights with modern material science to address contemporary environmental challenges. By utilizing the Venturi effect and adaptive veneers, this project proposes a sustainable solution to high energy consumption and thermal discomfort in hot climates. The system’s ability to adapt to daylight and environmental changes demonstrates a promising approach to enhancing natural ventilation and reducing dependence on mechanical systems.