Resolving Stack Effect Problems in a High-Rise Office Building by Mechanical Pressurization

Jung-yeon Yu, Kyoo-dong Song and Dong-woo Cho
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Jung-yeon Yu: Department of Architectural Engineering, Graduate School, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
Kyoo-dong Song: Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Hanyang University, ERICA Campus, Ansan, Gyeonggi-Do 15588, Korea
Dong-woo Cho: Korea Institute of Civil Engineering & Building Technology, 283 Goyangdae-Ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-Si, Gyeonggi-Do 10223, Korea

Sustainability, 2017, vol. 9, issue 10, 1-17

Abstract: In high-rise buildings, the stack effect causes various problems, especially problems related to excessive pressure differences across main entrance doors and elevator doors, particularly in heating seasons. To reduce the stack effect, this study aims to find effective operation schemes for the HVAC systems in a 60-story commercial building, located in Seoul, Korea. Field measurements were conducted to identify the problems related to the stack effect in the building. Computer simulations were conducted to examine the effectiveness of various HVAC operation schemes in reducing the stack effect. Then, an optimum and effective operation scheme was adopted from the computer simulation results and applied in the field. The adopted scheme was used to pressurize the upper zone of the building. Through field application and an adjustment process, a proper amount of air volume was found to effectively pressurize the upper zone of this building, solving the problems related to the stack effect. The required air volume for pressurization was maintained in the building by reducing the volume of the exhaust air (EA) while maintaining a constant volume of outdoor air (OA).

Keywords: stack effect; high-rise buildings; mechanical pressurization; HVAC operation schemes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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