Benjamin Bronsema

Delft University of Technology | TU · Faculty of Architecture

A solar chimney is a building element that really appeals to the imagination that has now found a footing in the Netherlands. A search for 'solar chimney' online produces countless hits, many of which describe small-scale applications for home ventilation in the tropics. However, systematic scientific research into the functioning and optimisation...

Natural air conditioning with the Earth, Wind & Fire concept presents opportunities for multi-storey office buildings, hotels and apartment blocks. The core of the climate system is the Climate Cascade© which is designed as an architectural shaft and performs as a gravity-activated heat exchanger for conditioning the ventilation air. Ventilation ai...

T he climate cascade is a gravity-driven heat exchanger for conditioning ventilation air. It is installed in a structural shaft in a building. In the climate cascade, the ventilation air is cooled or heated and dried or humidified as required. In summer and winter, water of approx. 13°C is sprayed at the top of the system using spray nozzles. Due t...

Air conditioning is expensive and very energy inefficient. We cannot live without it, but nor do we really like it. Sometimes, it is even bad for our health. But there is hope: a natural air conditioning concept is now ripe for large-scale application in existing and new buildings. Fan noise, draughts and dry throats and eyes will all become a thin...

Air conditioning is expensive and very energy inefficient. We cannot live without it, but nor do we really like it. Sometimes, it is even bad for our health. But there is hope: a natural air conditioning concept is now ripe for large-scale application in existing and new buildings. Fan noise, draughts and dry throats and eyes will all become a thin...

The invention of airconditioning in the early 20th century and its development since then has brought many advantages to mankind. In spite of this many people are not very satisfied with the indoor environment at their workplace. They complain about the air quality, the cold draught they experience, fan noise and dry air, causing dry eyes and throa...

SUMMARY “Architecture will therefore become more informed by the wind, by the sun, by the earth, by the water and so on. This does not mean that we will not use technology. On the contrary, we will use technology even more because technology is the way to optimize and minimize the use of natural resources”(Richard Rogers) Who says Richard Rogers th...

As a result of an increasing environmental awareness, in combination with the depletion of fossil fuels, there is a need for transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar power and wind energy. Wind energy is a clean and viable renewable energy source with a large potential and is therefore subject of an increasing number of studies. This p...

A numerical analysis with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is performed to investigate the influence of building width on the performance of a venturi-shaped roof (called Ventec roof) for natural ventilation. The specific roof configuration is intended to create an underpressure in the narrowest roof section (contraction) which can be used to par...

Wind tunnel experiments and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are used to analyse the flow conditions in a venturi-shaped roof, with focus on the underpressure in the narrowest roof section (contraction). This underpressure can be used to partly or completely drive the natural ventilation of the building zones. The wind tunnel experiments are perf...

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is used to gain insight in the aerodynamic performance of a venturi-shaped roof (called VENTEC roof). The simulations are performed with the 3D steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations and the Renormalisation Group k–ε model. A detailed analysis is conducted of the influence of the so-called venturi...

SUMMARY The European standard prEN 13779 - Ventilation for non-residential buildings (1) distinguishes four categories of decreasing air quality, ETA 1 to 4, for rooms in buildings. We tested the separation effectiveness between a special designed smoking porch, which is a typical ETA 3 room, and the adjoining lobby at Delft University of Technolog...

The Earth, Wind and Fire concept means letting nature do its work in controlling the interior climate of buildings. It reduces the need for HVAC technology, minimizes energy consumption and boosts workplace productivity. Since about 1900, architects have gradually lost the art of designing buildings as 'machines' for climate control. Climate engine...