A novel experimental modelling technique for buoyancy-driven flows in buildings

A novel and simple technique has been developed for experimental modelling of buoyancy-driven building ventilation airflows. In this technique, fine electrolytically generated hydrogen bubbles function as buoyancy sources to simulate heating elements in buildings and, at the same time, as the tracers for the flow field. Experiments showed that the displacement natural ventilation in a single-zone building induced by a line buoyancy source was well reproduced using this new technique. It is demonstrated that compared with existing modelling techniques, the fine bubble approach is simple, economical and compact.